Study Abroad Advising

In Person & Virtual Drop-in Peer Advising & 101 Workshops

Study Abroad 101 Workshops

All students are required to begin their study abroad journey with a 101 workshop. These workshops will guide you through critical steps in the study abroad process, such as goal setting, financial and academic planning, program selection, and the application process. You will also have the chance to begin your Study Abroad Advising Module, which is required before you can begin your official study abroad application. 

In-Person Advising Instructions

Please check the schedule below to confirm when In-Person Advising will be available. At the corresponding time when In-person Advising is available, please check-in with our main reception desk in Building 52, Room E-32. Please ensure that whether you are seeking in-person or virtual advisement that you have already attended a Study Abroad 101 Workshop AND completed your 101 Advising Module. Many of your initial questions can be answered in both the workshop and advising module. Once you have completed these requirements, you are able to meet with a Peer Advisor and/or a professional staff member. All of our peer advisors are fully trained to advise on all of our study abroad programs. However, you are welcome to read through each Peer Advisor's Bio (see below) to determine if there is a certain advisor with whom you want to meet.

Virtual Drop-In Advising Instructions

Virtual drop-in advising will be offered via Zoom throughout the fall, winter, and spring quarters. Please read through these steps before accessing one of our advising rooms. 

1. You must be logged in to Zoom via your Cal Poly ID. Zoom accounts not affiliated with Cal Poly will not be granted access to an advising room.
2. Check the schedule below to see which peer advisors are available for each drop-in hour. Please note when Peer Advisors are available for In-Person vs. Virtual Advisement and plan accordingly. 
   • All of our peer advisors are fully trained to advise on all of our study abroad programs. However, you are welcome to read through each Peer Advisor's Bio (see below) and if there is a certain advisor you want to meet with, please stop by the International Center when they are advising students in-person OR just click on the "START MEETING" Zoom link during the drop-in hour(s) that they are available for.
   • Note: You can only click on "START MEETING" during the corresponding time on the schedule. Otherwise you will receive a message that the meeting room is closed.
3. After clicking on the “START MEETING” Zoom link, you will be placed in the waiting room until it is your turn to meet with the advisor. Appointments are approximately 15 minutes long so you may not be let into the advising room for period of time if there are students ahead of you. 
   • If you are not let into a session right away, you can also click on the other peer advisor's Zoom link. 
4. If you have detailed questions about a specific program that you feel will go beyond the 15-minute drop-in advising session, you may be asked to schedule a follow-up appointment with a study abroad advisor. You can also email studyabroad@calpoly.edu to request a longer appointment.

Drop-In Schedule (Virtual and In Person)

Meet our 2021-22 Study Abroad Peer Advisors

Cayla Quinn	Major: Biomedical & Mechanical Engineering, M.S. Minor: Spanish Email: studyabroad@calpoly.edu Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Spain - Summer 2018 & JInternship in Jerusalem - Summer 2019 Hi! My name is Cayla Quinn (she/her/hers) and I am a graduate student studying Biomedical Engineering. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cal Poly last spring and have been involved with Honors, Athletics, and Fraternity & Sorority Life on campus. I went to Valladolid, Spain in the summer of 2018 on a Cal Poly Global Program and completed an internship program in Jerusalem, Israel in the summer of 2019. Both of my experiences abroad allowed me to grow and satisfy my travel curiosity while staying on track to graduate on time. I can't wait to help you find your best-fit program and to help you make the most of your abroad experience as a whole!
John Schroebel	Major: Aerospace Engineering Minor: French Email: studyabroad@calpoly.edu Study Abroad Program: CEA Paris, France: Engineering – Fall 2019 Hi! My name is John Schroebel, and I’m a 4th year Honors student majoring in Aerospace Engineering. During fall of my sophomore year, I studied in Paris, France through the CEA Engineering program. During my time abroad, I was able to immerse myself in the local culture, travel to really cool places, and make some amazing new friends, all while staying on track with my major. It was an incredible, life-changing experience, and I now want to help you make the most of your international experience!
Siddharth Kartha	Major: Computer Science Email: studyabroad@calpoly.edu Study Abroad Program: International student studying at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Hi! My name is Siddharth Kartha, and I am a second-year Computer Science major. I am an international student from India and have seen first-hand the value that an international experience adds to your academic and overall development. I love traveling, exploring new places, discovering new experiences, and most importantly meeting new people. I like finding the similarities and differences between cultures across the world and how it reflects in people’s thinking and problem-solving skills. Now, I look forward to helping you discover your memorable international experience.

Meet our Study Abroad Graduate Intern

Joseph Dominguez

Major: Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs, M.S. Email: studyabroad@calpoly.edu Study Abroad Program: University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) : Universidad del País Basco, San Sebastián, España - Winter/Spring 2014 ¡Hola! My name is Joseph Dominguez, my pronouns are he, him, his, and I am a first year Master’s Candidate for the Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs program here at Cal Poly. I attended Cal Poly for my undergraduate studies as an Agriculture Science Major and progressed toward achieving my Spanish minor while studying abroad in San Sebastián, Spain. My opportunity to study abroad inspired me to work as an English teacher in Valencia, Spain and serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, South America. All of these special experiences have enriched my life, broadened my understanding of the world, and opened new, exciting doors for my future. I aspire to help you realize any dreams you have regarding international studies, work and life. If you’re curious about what study abroad could look like for you, stop by and let’s chat!