Quarterly Newsletter | May 2019
CAL POLY INTERNATIONAL CENTER
In 2018-19 Cal Poly campus enrolled
INCLUDING
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
EXCHANGE STUDENTS
416 63 THIS YEAR CAL POLY WELCOMED
22
V.I.S.I.T. * STUDENTS
*Study abroad at Cal Poly
AND WE WELCOMED
52
VISITING SCHOLARS, INCLUDING TWO FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS
HIGHLIGHT: MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM The International Welcome Ambassadors sponsor an unforgettable trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium! "The Monterey Bay Aquarium trip was the perfect event to socialize with other internationals and get to know more about the sea life of the West Coast. I was impressed by the variety of animals and plants they had. In my opinion, the Monterey Bay Aquarium uses a perfect mix of interesting facts, interactive media, and beautiful tanks with a huge variety of animals. I would definitely recommend going on that trip!" - Svenja, Exchange Student from Germany
international.calpoly.edu
STUDY ABROAD Global Mustangs studied around the world in 2017-18, going to over 40 countries on all seven continents, including a student in Antarctica! Cal Poly ranks 3rd in the nation among master’s institutions for the number of students who studied abroad in 2016-17 according to the Institute on International Education’s “Open Doors” report November 2018. In 2017-18 Cal Poly students received over $250,000 in scholarship aid through Cal Poly and outside sources, including generous support from donors, affiliated partner providers, and international exchange partners.
Highlight: Internship in Italy
Highlight: Scholarships Transform Lives!
Orfalea College of Business student Carey Kocur learns about business, culture and life in Italy through CEA’s Marketing and Sustainable Business program.
“Throwing myself, sometimes alone, into foreign cities with a foreign language and culture and finding myself capable and comfortable has had an immense impact on my perspective. I know for certain that the greatest lessons I will learn and cherish forever from this study abroad trip are ones of cultural education, personal growth, and fresh perspective. But none of those lessons would be nearly as accessible to me if it weren’t for the aid of the Don Floyd Memorial Scholarship and the incredible freedom granted from Cal Poly to let me study abroad anywhere for an entire year.” – Zhi Mankin, Senior, Architecture, CSU IP Florence
“Throughout my time in Europe, I gained a greater appreciation for taking time to relax and spend time with others. Working in Italy has given me a fresh perspective on business — and on life. I’ve made such great memories here, and I’ll be sad to leave.” Her internship blog is highlighted in OCOB’s recent newsletter.
Peer Advisors and Graduate Intern on Front Lines for Outreach and Student Support The International Center gives a shoutout and a big thank you to our fantastic student advisors who have helped us guide study abroad applicants in the right direction! Our team of six peer advisors and our graduate intern conduct the Study Abroad 101 workshops, hold daily drop-in study abroad sessions, including nearly 1,500 sessions so far this year, give numerous presentations, and help immensely with events. Our peer advisors are fresh off their study abroad experiences and are excited to share their overseas expertise. Our graduate intern is enrolled in the Master of Science in higher education counseling / student affairs program and brings great skills and perspectives to our office.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 9
SUSTAINABILITY IN PANAMA The spring break 2019 Sustainability in Panama program led by Professor Scott Kelting of Cal Poly's Construction Management Department helps the students engage in a variety of community-based sustainable construction projects in La Miel, Panama.
Safer Travels Workshop This workshop for students traveling abroad teaches them to be aware of the risks of sexual assault and how to prevent them. Awareness is your greatest ally. With knowledge of your surroundings and others, you can effectively prevent and respond to negative experiences. 11 a.m. – noon, Baker Science Building (No. 180) Room 112
May 14
FULBRIGHT TOP-PRODUCING INSTITUTION Cal Poly was named a Fulbright Top-Producing Institution (among Master’s Institutions) for 2018-19! Cal Poly recipients in 2018-19 were: • Nayree Barnett (International Center, International Education Administrator Seminar, Taiwan) • Erica Jorgenson (International Center, International Education Administrator Seminar, Germany) • Peggy Papathakis (Food Science and Nutrition, U.S. Scholar Program, Malawi) The distinction was reported in the February 11, 2019 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Diversity Abroad Presentation Join Andrew Gordon, CEO and founder of Diversity Abroad, social entrepreneur, diversity and inclusion champion and international education expert, as he discusses “The Power of Diversity in Global Education.” Immerse yourself into other cultures, push the limits of your comfort, and open yourself to appreciating and embracing difference. Co-sponsored by College of Engineering, College of Science and Mathematics, Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, and Student Affairs. 11:10 a.m. –12:30 p.m. Advanced Technologies Lab (ATL)
GREETINGS FROM VISITING SCHOLAR Anastasios Politis, visiting professor from the University of West Attica in Athens, Greece “I am lecturing at the Graphic Communication Department, and I work on research projects with colleagues and students in the GrC industry and education fields. My son and I appreciate our time here, and of course we would like to thank all colleagues, friends and administrators at Cal Poly who made this possible for us! We will travel back to our homeland, having the best memories from our stay here. And of course, I will continue the fruitful research cooperation with the colleagues at the Graphic Communication Department... a unique department that makes the Cal Poly motto Learn by Doing a reality!” (pictured from left to right: Ken Macro, Anastasios Politis, Frank Romano)
May 22 Things to Know Before Dating Abroad Enjoy “Dating Abroad,” a sketch comedy performed by a group of Cal Poly alumni known as Sex E. Please join us as we explore dating in an international context. Pizza will be served. 4:30 – 6 p.m. Performing Arts Center Building 6 Phillips Hall, Room 124
GRANTS AND GIVING
GLOBAL GIVING LINKS: Cal Poly sends over 1,260 students abroad annually to study programs and welcomes around 400 international students to campus. Please see our updated brochure here. In our efforts to increase the diversity and global savvy of our campus community, create a global reach for Cal Poly, and in recognition of the talent we want to cultivate, we are fundraising to bring more of the world to Cal Poly and Cal Poly to the world. Pictured: 2018-19 grant awardees, Hyperloop, during Open House 2019 International Events & Activities Grants for Cal Poly Clubs The Cal Poly International Center will be awarding up to six $500 grants to support international events and activities that will take place during the 2019-20 academic year. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit: https://tinyurl.com/intl-grant. Deadlines: May 28 – summer/fall grant cycle and January 21 – winter/spring grant cycle Faculty/Staff International Professional Development Grants The Cal Poly International Center has announced grants to support international professional development opportunities for faculty and staff who make direct contributions to campus internationalization efforts. One to two grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded per cycle, with two cycles a year.
We are committed to improving access and eliminating barriers to international study. Join us in supporting students in international exchange as well as international initiatives at Cal Poly! For more information: http://international.calpoly.edu/.
GLOBAL SCHOLARS FUND The Global Scholars Fund was created to support students for whom participation in study abroad is a challange, including students with lesser financial means, students with disabilities, first-generation students, etc. This scholarship fund evinces our commitment to excellence and diversity and makes clear that all students should have the opportunity to study or intern abroad, and that international students represent a valued aspect of diversity and a resource to the campus.
GIVE NOW
For more information go to: http://international.calpoly.edu/.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL REGISTRATION
GLOBAL AFFAIRS FUND
We’re here to support campus travelers with their international travel registrations. All international travel conducted as Cal Poly business (including travel to Canada) must go through the Cal Poly International Center. Be sure to submit complete international travel packets electronically through abroad. calpoly.edu > International Travel by the posted deadlines in order to have travel approved. Students are assessed a fee for Cal Poly student travel abroad. For more information or to request a workshop on the travel registration process, contact the International Center at: intltrvl@calpoly.edu.
The International Advisory Council developed Strategic Priorities for Internationalization. The Global Affairs Fund supports the International Center’s efforts in developing these initiatives, including international professional development for faculty and staff and international programming and other events, activities and initiatives by the Cal Poly International Center.
GIVE NOW
international.calpoly.edu