Connect with a Returnee

We know how important it is to hear stories of students who have been in your shoes and made study abroad happen as you decide which program is right for you! To help you gain as much insight as possible, we have collected a list of study abroad returnee "ambassadors" who are eager to share their life-changing experience with you!

Please note these returnees are volunteering their time to talk about their own perspective studying abroad and are not employed by the International Center. For any official questions about the study abroad process with Cal Poly, eligibility requirements, and/or program selection, please reach out to our STUDY ABROAD PEER ADVISING TEAM!

STUDY ABROAD ADVISING MEET THE PEER ADVISORS

BECOMING A RETURNEE CONTACT
Recently studied abroad and want to become a returnee contact and an ambassador for your study abroad program? Complete our online "Returnee Contact" Sign-Up Form!

CAL POLY FIRST YEAR GO

Kaylyn	Major: Economics Minors: Spanish and Statistics Study Abroad Program: First Year GO in Seville, Spain - Spring Quarter 2025 Email: klnuno@calpoly.edu Hello everyone! I am Kaylyn Nuno, a second year student at Cal Poly Slo. I participated in the first cohort for FYGO program in Sevilla, Spain as a Freshman in college. At first, I wasn't sure if studying abroad my very first year of college was the right choice; however, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Living in Sevilla taught me so much about myself and gave me a deeper understanding of how every culture shapes this world. I would go back a million times if I could, and I am so grateful for everything the experience gave me: a new perspective of life, lifelong memories, and better appreciation for everything around me. Thank you CEA CAPA!

CAL POLY GLOBAL PROGRAMS

Liesl	Major: Wine and Viticulture Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Australia - Winter 2023 Email: lwolfhei@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Liesl and I studied abroad in Adelaide, Australia winter of my sophomore year. I absolutely loved the program and the ability to meet so many great people in the program, as well as explore the wine industry of South Australia. Myself and some others in the program took the opportunity to travel on our weekends to places like the great barrier reef, Tasmania, and take road trips to famous beaches around Australia. Since the program was an accelerated program we spent a month traveling after to places like Bali and New Zealand.
Ashley	Majors: Business Administration Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in London - Summer 2023 Email: award25@calpoly.edu Hi, I'm Ashley! I am a third year business administration major at Cal Poly and I extremely enjoyed my summer abroad in London. My program was 6 weeks and I took 3 classes with all of the students in my program. I enjoyed that the program was a small, tight-knit group of 35 Cal Poly students. While we interacted with many students from other schools, I made new Cal Poly friends from all different majors that I still spend time with regularly. I loved London because there was so much to do in and outside of the city! My friends and I took weekend trips to Nice, France and Edinburgh, Scotland, as well!
Sara	Majors: Mechanical Engineering Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Rome: Mechanics - Fall 2023 Email: smchamne@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Sara, I am a Mechanical Engineering Student (switched from Materials) who studied in Rome, Italy through Cal Poly's Mechanics in Rome Program. I had an incredible experience traveling, living in Rome, and spending time with the people in my program. I'd be so happy to answer any questions someone may have and share more about my time abroad!
Wilson	Major: Business Administration, Management & Human Resources Concentration Minor: Sales Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Japan & South Korea: Culture, History & Graphic Novels Email: wwong56@calpoly.edu After a very reluctant start, I'm a huge advocate of studying abroad. I'm someone who is really into the social aspect of school, self-improvement, and all the life experience it has to offer! I currently work as a Peer Mentor for the College of Business, head of marketing for Cal Poly Racing, and the President of The Gentlemen's Society at Cal Poly. In my free time I love playing volleyball (got to play in Japan & Korea) and studying philosophy!
Sam	Major: History Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Japan & South Korea: Culture, History & Graphic Novels Email: smill119@calpoly.edu Everyone deserves a chance to experience what I experienced on my trip. From being put up on the Jumbotron for a minute and a half at the Tokyo Dome baseball center to sitting down and having nice dinners with my peers and teachers often, I found myself enjoying the actual experience any American enjoys in Japan. Cal Poly study abroad enhanced this by supplementing our learning within the classroom from experiences and texts that we sought out on our trip which we would review and discuss before and after discovering something amazing that has already been planned out for us. Museums, historical places, and enjoying the locals was something I found I enjoyed best compared to my peers, it may not be for everyone, but you can appreciate the little things as you continue on your trip that makes you look back on it with fond memories of the experiences you had and the people you met.
Marcus	Major: Business Administration Concentration: Accounting Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Japan & South Korea: Culture, History & Graphic Novels Email: mwong269@calpoly.edu Studying abroad is a great experience I would recommend to every college student. Although I entered the program not sure what to expect, it was an unforgettable experience interacting with people in different cultural settings whilst still learning in a traditional classroom setting. I'm open to all questions and will do my best to answer them! Outside of school, you can catch me playing pickleball, frisbee, or running!
Natalie	Majors: Food Science Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in Japan & South Korea: Culture, History & Graphic Novels Email: naseymou@calpoly.edu Hi, I’m Natalie and after seeing a newsletter about cal polys study abroad program in Japan and Korea I was very intrigued. I had an extremely positive experience overseas and it is an experience I will remember forever. The food, culture, and friends I made were amazing and I’d love to eventually go back. Japan was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. Seeing Shibuya at nighttime and going to Kamakura island were two of my favorite things we did amongst many other things.

CAL POLY INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES

Jordan	Major: Experience Industry Management Concentration: Event Planning and Management Study Abroad Program: Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences (Munich, Germany) - Spring 2024 Email: jlum07@calpoly.edu Hello! My name is Jordan, and I participated in the EIM Exchange program with HM in Munich, Germany studying tourism. Once I arrived there, there were lots of other international students from around the world also attending HM, whom I got very close with -- and many were in classes with me! The classes were mixed with locals and international students which was cool to learn from different perspectives of culture, language and ways of life. Apart from classes, I was able to travel around Europe a little during the semester which was definitely a big highlight from my trip.
Isabella	Major: Mechanical Engineering Study Abroad Program: Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences (Munich, Germany) - Spring 2024 Email: iheinema@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Isabella and I studied Mechanical Engineering in Munich, Germany (Exchange Program at HM). The summer semester was great because we got an entire semester during spring quarter which is a gorgeous and less crowded time. Munich is such a fun thriving city thats location in the middle of Europe makes travel by public transportation incredibly convenient. I really enjoyed meeting locals through running and cycling groups and other international students through the schools active international club!

CEA CAPA

Rin	Major: Industrial Engineering Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Paris, France – Engineering - Fall 2023 Email: rtanak01@calpoly.edu Hey! My name is Rin and I studied abroad in Paris, France. I really enjoyed exploring the city and immersing myself in the culture. I met some amazing friends and learned so much from studying abroad. I would love to help anyone find their perfect program and share some experiences I had!
Parnika	Major: Biological Sciences Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA San Jose, Costa Rica - Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Sciences - Summer 2024 Email: pchockal@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Parnika and I am a Biological Sciences major at Cal Poly. I studied abroad in Costa Rica during Summer 2024 for 5 weeks and did a Holistic Health class. I absolutely loved being in San Jose for my classes and was able to explore many parts of the country during weekends. I met so many new amazing people and had the best experience. It was so worth it and I would love to help if you are hoping to start this journey!
Oliver	Major: Business Finance Minor: Statistics Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Florence, Italy - Business & Marketing - Fall 2024 Email: oaskinne@calpoly.edu Hello! My name is Oliver and I am a Business Finance student with a minor in Statistics. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, backpacking, and reading. I had the best time abroad! Some highlights were: eating the best pasta, pizza and sandwiches in my life, traveling almost every weekend to new places (my favorites were Copenhagen, The Dolomites, and Zermatt), and making life-long friends along the way. I cannot recommend study abroad more!
Sophie	Major: Political Science Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Study in Florence, Italy - Fall 2024 Email: sgolds06@calpoly.edu Hello! My name is Sophie and I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, this past Fall 2024. Studying in Italy introduced me to how expansive our world is, and how beautiful it is. I loved traveling around Europe and experiencing new cultures and communities. My study abroad program was incredibly amazing. My professors were kind, caring, and incredibly welcoming. Living in Italy has been the most life-changing experience yet, and I am so grateful to have met so many amazing people and expanded my world so much.
Andrea	Major: Graphic Communication, User Experience and User Interface Design Minor: Packaging Minor Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Study in Barcelona, Spain - Fall 2024 Email: adelav01@calpoly.edu I was so moved by my study abroad experience in Barcelona, and I highly encourage all students to go abroad! I took courses directly through CEA CAPA, through which I learned about the rich history of this beautiful city, and I met some amazing friends from other universities. Participating in program activities and going on weekend trips are some of my highlights, in addition to living every day to the fullest while exploring Barcelona. I wish you the best on your study abroad journey and I am happy to answer any questions or give my insights, tips, and tricks!
Ava	Major: Animal Science Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Seville, Spain - Arts & Sciences - Fall 2024 Email: avlazaru@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Ava, and I’m an Animal Science major at Cal Poly. What I enjoyed most about studying abroad was being fully immersed in another country’s culture and language. I also loved the incredible travel and educational opportunities it offered, as well as the meaningful connections I made along the way. One of my favorite experiences was volunteering to teach middle schoolers English. It was so rewarding to be part of their language-learning journey and to see their progress firsthand.
Emilie	Major: General Engineering Minor: Biomedical Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Paris, France – Engineering - Fall 2024 Email: beaudoin@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Emilie, and I’m a General Engineering student with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering and a minor in Law and Society. I chose to study abroad in Paris to immerse myself in the city’s rich culture and explore how innovation and design intersect in one of the world’s fashion capitals. While in Paris, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work with Badgley Mischka during Paris Fashion Week. I’ve also been working as a content creator for CEA CAPA, sharing my experiences abroad to inspire future students.
Bryce	Major: Business Administration Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Barcelona, Spain - International Business - Fall 2024 Email: bdespars@calpoly.edu I am someone who enjoys trying new food, places, and experiencing different events. While I was in Barcelona, CEA CAPA fully enabled be to immerse myself in a plethora of different activities. From visiting museums with my classes, to attending a Barca game with CEA, I was able to experience all that Barcelona has to offer.
Kendall	Major: Psychology Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Study in Florence, Italy - Fall 2024 Email: ksulli39@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Kendall and I studied abroad with CEA CAPA in Fall of 2024. I loved CEA CAPA because the staff are all so welcoming and made Florence feel like home. Additionally, they offer so much more than just classes to take. For example, they offer volunteer opportunities, and through their volunteer opportunities, I was able to help teach english to a class of third grade Italian students each week. There is so much room to make your study abroad experience memorable with CEA CAPA!
Emma	Major: Sociology Minor: Communication Studies Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Aix-en-Provence, France – Liberal Arts & Business - Fall 2024 Email: eoillarb@calpoly.edu Hello! My name is Emma and I studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. I loved living in a small Southern town, where everything was within walking distance and the beach was accessible by public transportation. I lived with a lovely host family, and eating dinner with my host mom every evening was such an enjoyable part of my day. My goal during study abroad was to improve my French, and I really liked taking multiple French classes that focussed on Provençal literature and art, as well as French politics. I'm grateful to have gotten to explore the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region through my program's excursions and through personal travel.

CIEE

Maike	Major: Business Administration Concentration: Financial Management Study Abroad Program: CIEE Open Campus Block Program in Copenhagen - Fall 2024 Email: mmieritz@calpoly.edu I initially chose to study abroad in Denmark because I’m half Danish and wanted to be more connected to that part of my heritage. However, I completely fell in love with the city and decided to study abroad there a second time. I truly believe Copenhagen is one of the best cities to study abroad in (during the summer especially). The people are welcoming, everyone knows English, the buildings are beautiful and the city is clean, and there are plenty of places to go like parks, museums, restaurants, Tívoli, and swimming.
Emily	Majors: English and Environmental Studies Study Abroad Program: CIEE Arts + Sciences (Napier) in Edinburgh, Scotland - Spring 2025 Email: eniebuhr@calpoly.edu After living in SLO my whole life and attending college in my hometown, I knew I wanted to spend part of my four years of undergrad in another country. Edinburgh appealed to me because of its stunning architecture, rich literary history, and unique geographical location. I loved living by the sea, and I was fortunate to be able to explore the Scottish Highlands and take multiple trips onto continental Europe. This experience solidified my confidence in myself to achieve my goals and be fully self-reliant. It was the most incredible four months of my life.
Ava	Major: Journalism Concentration: Public Relations Study Abroad Program: CIEE Prague, Czech Republic: Communication, New Media, and Journalism Program, Fall 2024 Email: ascott58@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Ava, I'm a third-year Journalism major concentrating in Public Relations and I studied abroad in Prague with CIEE. Studying abroad was the best decision I have made for myself so far, it was a life-changing experience. Meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and gaining a broader worldview were some of my favorite parts. I loved it all so much that I plan to go back overseas in the summer for a global internship program!

CSUIP

Lillie	Major: Art and Design, Studio Art Concentration Concentration: Studio Art Study Abroad Program: CSU Florence Center (Italy): Spring 2024 Email: lturinsk@calpoly.edu Hi, I'm Lillie! I am a Studio Art Major and studied in Florence, Italy in 2024. Studying abroad was an incredible experience for me, and I definitely recommend taking the chance and studying away or abroad. I made so many friends, became more confident in myself and my ability to travel and live alone (not to mention in a different country!), and was able to interact with the art and architecture that I have been studying for a large part of my life. I'd love to connect with and help other students to learn more about studying abroad.

DIS

Maike	Major: Business Administration Concentration: Financial Management Study Abroad Program: DIS - Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark - Summer 2023 Email: mmieritz@calpoly.edu I initially chose to study abroad in Denmark because I’m half Danish and wanted to be more connected to that part of my heritage. However, I completely fell in love with the city and decided to study abroad there a second time. I truly believe Copenhagen is one of the best cities to study abroad in (during the summer especially). The people are welcoming, everyone knows English, the buildings are beautiful and the city is clean, and there are plenty of places to go like parks, museums, restaurants, Tívoli, and swimming.
Violet	Major: Nutrition Study Abroad Program: DIS - Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark - Summer 2025 Email: vpeabody@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Violet and I decided to study abroad in Copenhagen because I heard so many great things about the city and it did NOT disappoint! The public transportation, flea markets, weather, and swimming are what appealed to me the most, but the food, coffee and the vibe of the city were also just great. I met so many awesome people including my amazing professor who was the perfect guide to the city. I was unsure if I could even study abroad at all as a nutrition major, but doing a GE class over the summer was a perfect addition to my Cal Poly education.

TRANSFER RETURNEE

Lillie	Major: Art and Design, Studio Art Concentration Concentration: Studio Art Study Abroad Program: CSU Florence Center (Italy): Spring 2024 Email: lturinsk@calpoly.edu Hi, I'm Lillie! I am a Studio Art Major and studied in Florence, Italy in 2024. Studying abroad was an incredible experience for me, and I definitely recommend taking the chance and studying away or abroad. I made so many friends, became more confident in myself and my ability to travel and live alone (not to mention in a different country!), and was able to interact with the art and architecture that I have been studying for a large part of my life. I'd love to connect with and help other students to learn more about studying abroad.