Students eager to embark on a journey to become global citizens or explore new learning environments in countries like France or Japan can take advantage of study-abroad opportunities. Cal Poly Pomona provides access to over 100 study abroad programs across more than 60 countries, enabling students to immerse themselves in a new culture while earning transferable credits.
“It takes theory into practice, and students are there experiencing a new culture first-hand, hearing the language, seeing the sights, and absorbing themselves into their new surroundings,” said Kraig Walkup, study abroad coordinator. “Those are the kind of things that you can’t get elsewhere.”
The programs available include Faculty-Led, Exchange Student Programs, Affiliated Programs, and CSU International Programs. With durations ranging from one week to a full academic year, students can select the option that best fits their schedule and major. Whether it's during spring break, winter intersession, summer, a semester, or a full year abroad, there's a program to suit every student's needs.
“Study abroad is the epitome of learn by doing”, said Renford Reese, a political science professor and coordinator for faculty-led international field trips. “There is nothing we do that is more fitting of our ethos than traveling to an international destination and seeing it for yourself, observing it for yourself, and immersing yourself in that experience”.
Since joining Cal Poly Pomona, Reese has traveled to 11 different countries, including Japan and Switzerland, with 18 groups of students. Demonstrating his dedication to offering transformative experiences, he has contributed $100,000 to study abroad programs. Reese also highlights President Coley’s commitment to ensuring that every student interested in studying abroad has the opportunity to do so.
Political Science alumnus Sean Yu has also played a significant role in making study abroad more accessible for all students. Over the past five years, Yu has donated $1 million to support students traveling to East Asia, according to Reese. The political science department offers study abroad programs to students across all majors. Additionally, students can apply for external scholarships such as the Gilman Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad.
“I was at that point in my life where I was very interested, and coming from a first-generation low-income background, I never imagined myself to be studying abroad”, said Oona Iglesias, a recent sociology graduate. “I always assumed it would be a year-long or semester-long, and I had financial things at home to take care of. So, I never thought I'd be able to go on a trip like this. And once I saw the costs, I was like, okay, this sounds good”.
