Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) is offering students a chance to broaden their horizons through study abroad programs, enabling them to experience new cultures and learning environments in destinations such as France and Japan. With access to over 100 programs across 60 countries, CPP students can immerse themselves in different cultures while continuing to earn academic credits that transfer back to their degree programs.
“Studying abroad takes theory into practice. Students experience a new culture firsthand, hear the language, see the sights, and fully engage with their surroundings,” said Kraig Walkup, the study abroad coordinator at CPP. “These are experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere.”
CPP offers four types of study abroad programs: Faculty-Led Programs, Exchange Student Programs, Affiliated Programs, and CSU International Programs. Students can choose a program that fits their schedule and academic needs, with durations ranging from one week to a full academic year, including options during spring break, winter intersession, summer, or an entire semester.
“Study abroad is the epitome of our ‘learn by doing’ philosophy,” said Renford Reese, a political science professor and coordinator for faculty-led international field trips. “There’s nothing more fitting for our ethos than traveling to an international destination, seeing it for yourself, and immersing yourself in the experience.”
Since joining the CPP faculty, Professor Reese has led 18 groups of students to 11 different countries, including Japan and Switzerland. His dedication to making these life-changing experiences accessible is evident in his personal contribution of $100,000 to support study abroad programs.
Reese also highlighted the commitment of CPP President Soraya Coley to making study abroad opportunities available to all students. “President Coley is passionate about ensuring these programs are affordable for all our students,” Reese said. “We have a real movement to make these programs accessible.”
Efforts to make study abroad more affordable are also supported by CPP alumni. Sean Yu, a political science alumnus, has donated $1 million over the past five years to support students interested in visiting East Asia. These opportunities are open to students of all majors.
To further assist students, CPP provides access to external scholarships, such as the Gilman Scholarship and the Fund for Education Abroad.
“I never imagined I’d be able to study abroad, especially coming from a first-generation, low-income background,” said Oona Iglesias, a recent sociology graduate. Iglesias participated in three study abroad programs during her time at CPP, visiting Hawaii in 2020, Switzerland and France in 2023, and Scotland and London in early 2024. “I wanted to expand my mind and make a difference in the places we visited,” Iglesias said, reflecting on her work with incarcerated individuals as part of Professor Reese’s Prison Education Project. “The hardest part was leaving the work behind.”
Lana Hy, a senior majoring in business administration with a focus on management and human resources, recently participated in a two-week study abroad program in South Korea called “Entertainment and Sports Business of Korea.” Led by marketing professor Anthony Kim, the program included visits to significant sites in Seoul, such as the Solbridge International School of Business, the Seoul World Cup Stadium, and various entertainment agencies. “Even though the program focused on business, there was also an emphasis on understanding the culture,” Hy said. “Dressing in traditional hanboks was one of my favorite experiences.”
Hy also explored Seoul’s vibrant city life during her free time, visiting attractions like Lotte World, Gwangjang Market, and Busan’s Haeundae Beach. Reflecting on her experience, Hy said, “Studying abroad was on my college bucket list, and I’m glad I did it. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I made new friends and immersed myself in Korean culture, though I wish the program had been longer.”
For students interested in studying abroad, CPP offers weekly information sessions via Zoom, where students can learn more about the programs and receive guidance on the application process. Pre-departure orientations also prepare students with essential travel skills, including currency conversion.
Applications for study abroad programs must be submitted nearly a semester in advance. To learn more, students are encouraged to visit the Cal Poly Pomona Study Abroad website or explore faculty-led programs through the Political Science Department.
Related topics:
