Meet the Peer Advisors
Our peer advisors and graduate intern are excited to meet with you and help make your study abroad dream become a reality! All of our peer advisors have studied abroad and know what it's like to be in your shoes as you navigate the study abroad process. Our peer advisors will be leading drop-in hours, virtual appointments, and the interactive 101 workshop throughout the academic year!
-
Have a question now? Email studyabroad@calpoly.edu, and we'd be happy to assist you!
MEET OUR 2025-2026 PEER ADVISING TEAM!
Alex |
Major: Computer Science Study Abroad Program: Semester at Sea - Fall Voyage Hello! My name is Alex, and I'm a third-year computer science major originally from Portland, Oregon. In the fall of 2024, I embarked on the Semester at Sea study abroad program, attending classes on a ship, while also exploring and immersing myself in 12 different countries around the world. This has easily been the most impactful experience of my life, continuously challenging me to push out of my comfort zone and changing who I am as a person for the better. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to study abroad and I can't wait to help you find your program! |
Clare |
Major: Environmental Management and Protection Minor: Spanish Study Abroad Program: SIT Study Abroad Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation Hello everyone! My name is Clare, I use she/her pronouns and I am from Manhattan Beach, California. I studied abroad through SIT in their Ecuador: Comparative Ecology & Conservation Program. I am excited to be a peer advisor to introduce students to the amazing opportunities our school offers to broaden your horizons culturally and academically through studying abroad! |
Emily |
Major: Graphic Communication Study Abroad Program: First Year GO (Global Opportunities) Program, Seville, Spain Hello! I'm Emily, and I'm an upcoming sophomore majoring in Graphic Communications. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to study abroad in Seville, Spain. It was my first time going abroad, and I enjoyed every moment! As a first-generation student, I never thought I'd get the chance to study abroad, but after my wonderful experience, I want to encourage many other students like me to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. |
Finn |
Major: Industrial Engineering Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Exchange with TECNUN, San Sebastián, Spain Hello! My name’s Finn, and I’m a fourth-year Industrial Engineering major. I spent Fall 2024 studying abroad in San Sebastián, Spain through an international exchange program at Tecnun. It was the highlight of my college experience because it pushed me to grow both academically and personally. As a peer advisor, I’m excited to share what I've learned and help students find a program that fits their needs. |
Isha |
Major: Public Health Minors: Japanese Studies, Math Study Abroad Program: CIEE Summer Japanese Studies in Tokyo, Japan Hi everyone! My name is Isha (she/her/hers), and I am a fourth-year Public Health major and Japanese minor. I studied abroad over the summer of 2024 in Tokyo, Japan, through CIEE. My experiences through study abroad allowed me to grow as an individual and become more independent as I navigated daily life on my own! Through study abroad, I earned credits for my Japanese minor, but also made new friends, explored and enjoyed Tokyo during my free time, and practiced my Japanese skills enough to be comfortable speaking with the locals. I am so excited to help guide you as you take your own journey and help you with the study abroad program that best fits you :) |
Meredith |
Major: Anthropology and Geography Minor: Environmental Studies Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Global Program: Cal Poly in Spain: Campuswide (Fall) Hi everyone my name is Meredith (she/her)! I’m a fourth year Anthropology and Geography major with a concentration in global studies and international relations, and a minor in environmental studies. I studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain in fall of 2024 and during my time abroad I got to learn about several different cultures by traveling to different cities in Spain, as well as other countries in Europe. I’m so excited to be a peer advisor to help you guys with all things study abroad and support you at every step of the way! |
Nathan |
Major: Computer Science Study Abroad Program: CSUIP Taiwan: National Taiwan University Hi everyone! My name is Nathan (he/him), and I'm a 4th year Computer Science major from LA. Studying abroad in Taiwan was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Biking around the city, eating at the local night markets, traveling to Korea and Japan, visiting some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen is just a glimpse into what I experienced during my time abroad. So when I learned that I could help other students achieve those same experiences AND get paid for it? I said, “Sign me up!” Hey, I get it, the entire process can feel overwhelming, but as a peer advisor, I’m here to make that process easier. |
Sierra |
Major: Biology Study Abroad Program: First Year GO (Global Opportunities) Program, Seville, Spain Hi! My name is Sierra, and I’m a second-year honors student from San Clemente, CA, currently switching to a Biology major. I studied abroad in Sevilla, Spain through the First Year Go Program during Spring 2025. It was my first time going out of the country, and taking that leap of faith turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I loved connecting with locals and fellow Cal Poly students, exploring new cities, and immersing myself in Spanish culture. As a peer advisor, I’m excited to encourage others to take that same leap and support them through every step of their study abroad journey! |
Sophia |
Major: Business Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Exchange with Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences (Munich) Hi, I’m Sophia and I’m a fourth-year Business Marketing student who studied abroad in Munich, Germany for the 2024 summer semester! Living and learning in a new environment pushed me to adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and navigate unfamiliar situations that strengthened skills both personally and professionally. This experience also gave me a deeper appreciation for global perspectives and the value of stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m excited to support you through your own study abroad journey and to help you make the most out of this life-changing opportunity! |
2025 GRADUATE INTERN
Julie |
Major: Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs, MS Abroad Experience: Cal Poly Alternative Breaks Global Service Trip, Vietnam Hello everyone! My name is Julie. I’m a HECSA graduate student from LA! I went to UCLA for undergrad, where I majored in Sociology and Education and Social Transformation. During the summer of 2022, I traveled to various cities in Europe, including Lucerne, Venice, Paris, and Amsterdam. I enjoyed meeting new people and immersing myself in different cities throughout Europe. I’m excited to be a graduate intern and share my experiences abroad with other students. |