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 workshops throughout the academic year!
MEET OUR PEER ADVISING TEAM!
Graduate Intern
Jamee |
Major: Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs, MS Study Abroad Program: CEA Abroad - Florence, Italy Hi! My name is Jamee and I’m currently a graduate student in the HECSA program. I graduated from Cal Poly with a BFA in graphic design and worked as a product designer for 12 years before deciding to head back to school to pursue a career in higher education, supporting students on their academic journeys. Originally from the Los Angeles area, I’ve lived in San Francisco, CA and Denver, CO before making my way back to the Central Coast of California. My own study abroad experience in Florence, Italy really sparked my love of travel and desire to explore the world. It has taken me to places like France, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, and so many other spots. As the graduate assistant, I'm so excited to share my experiences and help support you in your journey to studying abroad! Meet with Jamee
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Study Abroad Peer Advisors
Adriel |
Major: Electrical Engineering Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Global Program: Cal Poly in Taiwan & Japan Hey! My name is Adriel (he/him), and I am a second-year Electrical Engineering major from Los Angeles. I studied abroad in Summer 2026 in the Cal Poly Global Program Sustainability in Taiwan and Japan! It was my first time in Asia and it was one of the best experiences with one of the most spontaneous people and engaging professors! As a peer advisor, I want to encourage all majors from all backgrounds to study abroad as it is an experience you will not want to miss out on during your time in university. Meet with Adriel
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Alex |
CURRENTLY ABROAD & WILL RETURN SPRING 2027 Major: Computer Science Study Abroad Program: Semester at Sea: Fall Voyage & DIS, Copenhagen Hello! My name is Alex, and I'm a fourth-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! |
Emily |
Major: Graphic Communication Study Abroad Program: First Year GO (Global Opportunities) Program, Seville, Spain Hello! I'm Emily, and I'm from Fresno, CA! I'm an upcoming junior majoring in Graphic Communication. A year 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, there's nothing worse than feeling like your background will prevent you from doing the unimaginable, and as a peer advisor, I'm here to guide you through those barriers. Nunca tengas miedo de soñar en grande. Juntos, sí se puede. Meet with Emily
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Finn |
Major: Industrial Engineering (Blended BS/MS Program) Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Exchange with TECNUN, San Sebastián, Spain Hello! My name’s Finn, and I’m a graduate Industrial Engineering student in the BS/MS blended program. 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. Meet with Finn
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Kaitlyn |
Major: Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Administration Study Abroad Program: CIEE Summer Korean Studies at Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea Hi everyone! My name is Kaitlyn, and I am a fourth-year Experience Industry Management major! This past summer, I studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea, while attending Yonsei University, where I had the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet people from all over the world, and step outside of my comfort zone. This was also my first time out of the country, and it was truly the most unforgettable experience ever! I am so excited to be a Peer Advisor this year and can’t wait to help students embark on their own new journeys! Meet with Kaitlyn
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La'Nya |
Major: Anthropology and Geography Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Global Program: Cal Poly in Thailand (Summer) Hi! My name is La’Nya, and I'm a second-year Anthropology and Geography major here at Cal Poly. I recently studied abroad in Thailand, where the experience pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and gave me a new appreciation for how much you can learn by immersing yourself in a different culture. I’m excited to be a Peer Advisor so I can share my experiences and what I have learned with other students, help make the process feel less intimidating, and encourage others to take the leap and create their own meaningful experiences abroad. I’m especially excited to help students find a program that feels right for them and make the most of their time abroad. Meet with La'Nya
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Liv |
Major: English Minor: French Study Abroad Program: CSUIP France: Universities of Paris My name is Liv Rao and I am a 4th year English major and French minor here at Cal Poly. I studied abroad in Paris for the 2025-2026 academic year through CSUIP and made memories that I will keep forever. I spent the year meeting incredible people, practicing my French, and navigating a culture entirely different from my own. I hope to help other students study abroad in order to diversify their college experience and expand their worldview as I was so lucky to this past year. Meet with Liv
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Meredith |
Major: Anthropology and Geography (BS) / History (MA) Minor: Environmental Studies Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly Global Program: Cal Poly in Spain: Campuswide (Fall) Hi! My name is Meredith, and I’m a graduate student in the History program. I graduated last year from Cal Poly with my bachelor’s in anthropology and geography. During my undergrad, I studied abroad in Valladolid, Spain, through a Cal Poly Global program, where I lived with a local family and immersed myself in the Spanish language and culture. I’m excited to continue as a peer advisor and help students find the right program for them! Meet with Meredith
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Sierra |
Major: Biology Study Abroad Program: First Year GO (Global Opportunities) Program, Seville, Spain Hi! My name is Sierra, and I’m a third-year Honors student from San Clemente, CA. I switched my major to Biology while navigating the study abroad process. Through the First Year Go Program, I studied in Sevilla, Spain, during Spring Quarter 2025. It was my first time leaving the country and taking that leap of faith turned into one of the most meaningful and life-changing experiences of my life. I loved connecting with locals and fellow Cal Poly students, exploring new cities, and immersing myself in Spanish culture. Studying abroad helped me grow in confidence, independence, and adaptability, and it broadened my perspective in ways I never expected. 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! Meet with Sierra
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Sophia |
Major: Wine and Viticulture Study Abroad Program: Semester at Sea: Spring Voyage Hey! My name is Sophia Zizzo, and I am a third year Wine and Vit student. For spring semester 2026, I studied abroad on Semester at Sea’s 137th voyage, traveling to 10 different countries across 3 continents. Sailing on SAS was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, every experience pushed me to grow and see the world in a completely new way. I’m so grateful for the new perspectives I’ve gained. Coming on SAS I didn’t know a single person, not even my roommate, but that turned out to be such an incredible opportunity allowing me to make 500 new friends on board! Back in summer 2021 and 2022 I also studied abroad through CIEEs high school programs in Barcelona and Amsterdam. Can’t wait to meet you all and help you start your journey! Meet with Sophia
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