Connect with a Returnee > International Center

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 with our office. 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

Recently studied abroad and want to become a returnee ambassador? Complete our online "Returnee Contact" Sign-Up Form!

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.
Hannah	Majors: History and Child Development Study Abroad Program: Cal Poly in London - Summer 2023 Email: hcchaney@calpoly.edu Hi, my name is Hannah Chaney and I studied abroad this past summer (June-August 2023) in London. Being able to study on an international basis was nothing short of a dream. Immersing myself into the diverse culture that London fosters within its demography, is an experience that I have a hard time fathoming into words. The program helped me overcome the slight fear of stepping out of my comfort zone, and I have found that I have since developed a welcoming attitude to situations in which I might need to, again, step outside of my comfort zone. Trying to put the impact of my experience studying abroad into 4-5 sentences is extremely difficult, but if given the chance to I would study abroad again in a heartbeat.
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!

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.

CEA CAPA

Evan	Major: Psychology Minor: Statistics Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Amsterdam, Netherlands – Social Sciences & Humanities – Spring 2023 Email: evelline@calpoly.edu Hi, I'm Evan and I'm a 4th year Psychology major with a minor in Statistics. I studied abroad in Amsterdam in spring 2023 and absolutely fell in love with the city. I loved exploring the city on my bike and really felt like I fit in when I rode on two wheels. It was hands down one of the best times in my college experience so far, and I think everyone should seriously consider going abroad!
Sydney	Major: Biomedical Engineering Minor: Mathematics Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Madrid, Spain - Engineering & Social Sciences - Fall 2022 Email: sdresser@calpoly.edu I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain last fall as an engineering major taking classes at UC3M in Getafe and Leganes. While abroad, I went to 8 different countries and visited all of my family internationally. Studying abroad was the best 4 months of my life and I cannot wait to help you along your own journey.
Nora ~PHOTO COMING SOON~	Major: Business Admin - Information Systems Minor: Spanish Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Seville, Spain - International Business - Fall 2023 Email: petersei@calpoly.edu I am a third year and I studied abroad in Seville. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life! I went random with my roommates and loved all of them so much, and I traveled almost every weekend. I loved my host mom and practiced my Spanish every day.
Levi	Major: Environmental Engineering Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Madrid, Spain - Engineering & Social Sciences - Fall 2023 Email: lbauck@calpoly.edu I'm a third year at Cal Poly and recently I studied at UC3M at the Getafe and Leganes campuses and had an amazing time! My favorite class I took was Spanish language and I would definitely recommend doing the same even if you've never learned Spanish before, it was useful in so many more situations than I expected. I loved Madrid and exploring Spain as well as other countries in Europe, my picture is from my trip to Dublin, Ireland which was one of my favorite places I visited. While traveling was amazing, my favorite part of my time abroad was meeting so many new people and making so many new friends.
Alexi	Major: Computer Science, Game Development Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Buenos Aires, Argentina - Intensive Spanish Language - Summer 2023 Email: alringle@calpoly.edu Hello! My name is Alexi and I am a computer science major at Cal Poly. My time in Buenos Aires, Argentina with CEA CAPA was absolutely incredible! My host mom (and her two cats) made me feel so at home, my teachers were clearly invested in my academic success, and the on-site staff were amazing at giving you access to all the resources you needed! I loved the opportunity my program gave me to really hone in on learning Spanish and connect with Argentine culture.
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!
Carver	Majors: Environmental Management and Protection & Indigenous Studies in Natural Resources and the Environment Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA San Jose, Costa Rica - Spanish Language, Liberal Arts & Environmental Sciences - Fall 2023 Email: ctunnell@calpoly.edu My name is Carver, and I am a third year ENVM major. I just returned from San Jose, Costa Rica, where I took environmental and Spanish classes during the week and explored the country on the weekends. I loved being able to see a new country for three months because it allowed me to feel familiar and in touch with a different part of the world and way of life!
Josh	Major/Minor: Biomedical Engineering, French (Minor) Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Paris, France - Engineering - Fall 2023 Email: gottscha@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Josh Gottschalk. I am a third year Biomedical Engineering student with a minor in French. I had the pleasure of studying in Paris, France where I was able to not only develop my biomedical engineering career in an international setting, but experience the endless wonders of the French language and culture! I could not have asked for a better cohesion of life, school and exploration in one of the world's most grand cities!
Pele	Major: Experience Industry Management Concentration: Tourism and Hospitality concentration Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Madrid, Spain - Liberal Arts & Business & CEA CAPA Barcelona, Spain - Tourism & Hospitality Management - Academic Year 2023-24 Email: strauch@calpoly.edu Hi! I'm Pele and I'm a fourth-year RPTA student. I studied abroad in Madrid, Spain in the fall of 2023 and Barcelona, Spain in the spring of 2024. Studying abroad for an entire academic year was an excellent decision, and I was able to enhance my Spanish language skills, volunteer at a local elementary school, make lifelong friends, and travel to many new countries! I am happy to share more about my experiences abroad or help guide students who might have questions or concerns about studying abroad.
Stef	Major: Sociology Concentration: Social Services Study Abroad Program: CEA CAPA Barcelona, Spain - Liberal Arts & Social Sciences - Fall 2023 Email: sferna31@calpoly.edu My name is Stef and I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain in Fall of 2023. I enjoyed my program because I met so many new people and expanded my global perspective. I love Barcelona as it is rich in history, art, culture, and beauty. I enjoyed adventuring around the city and traveling to other countries. I feel like I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone to study abroad, and I am so thankful I did because I grew as an individual in many aspects of my life.

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.

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

Jasmine	Majors: Environmental Management and Protection & Sustainable Environments Study Abroad Program: DIS - Study Abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark - Summer 2023 Email: jccassid@calpoly.edu Hi I'm Jasmine, a 3rd year Cal Poly student, and I recently studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. It was an amazing 4-week program that even included a week-long class trip to another country, in my case Poland. I really got to test my independence by going abroad without knowing anyone and in the end, I learned a lot about myself. I met some wonderful people and fell in love with Copenhagen, so I look back at my time abroad very fondly. I highly encourage anyone who's even slightly considering studying abroad to do it and I'm here to share my experience with you!
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.
Jill	Major: Psychology Study Abroad Program: DIS - Study Abroad in Copenhagen (Denmark): Positive Psychology Track - Fall 2023 Email: jpgoldsm@calpoly.edu Hi! My name is Jill and I’m a fourth year student studying psychology. I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark during the fall of 2023. It was truly the best 4 months of my life! The program, city, and people were all incredible and made my experience abroad so meaningful. It was exciting to learn about Danish culture and immerse myself in this beautiful way of life in Denmark. The program was so well organized and accommodating, making each person feel welcomed. The city itself was clean, safe, and vibrant. I could not be happier with my choice to study abroad in Copenhagen though DIS and I hope everyone who has the opportunity to study abroad does so. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

FIE

Hannah	Major: History Study Abroad Program: FIE Dublin: Summer Internship Program - Summer 2024 Email: hcchaney@calpoly.edu Hey everybody! My name is Hannah, and this past summer I had the wonderful opportunity of interning abroad in Dublin, Ireland! I worked alongside an amazing team of academic directors at the International School of English in Dublin City Center, and made many long-lasting, professional connections. Spending the entire summer in Ireland was an absolute dream - I got to explore the awe-inspiring countryside where I quickly realized why so many renowned artists have Irish roots. My time there sparked a drive for me to begin applying to Master's programs abroad, and in Ireland specifically. I plan to visit Ireland as frequently as I possibly can because the memories that I made while out there will forever hold a special place in my heart.

USAC

Lilly Photo Coming Soon!	Major: Kinesiology - Exercise Science Minor: Spanish Study Abroad Program: USAC Spain: Alicante - Spanish Language, Linguistics, European, Mediterranean, and Gender Studies - Summer 2023 Email: lgpennin@calpoly.edu I loved my study abroad experience with USAC. We lived in apartments in the center of the city with shops nearby and just a 15 minute walk to the beach with more a tram ride down the coast. It was easy to travel around and the program leaders were always willing to help. I loved my spanish classes too and learned so much about the language between being in classes and being surrounded by the native speakers! I would definitely recommend this program!

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.