Study Abroad Opportunity Information
Cal Poly International Exchange Programs offer students opportunities to study their academic disciplines at partner universities for up to one year.
Step 1: Attend Study Abroad 101 Workshop
Your first step towards studying abroad is attending a mandatory Study Abroad Workshop. Sign up for a Study Abroad 101 Workshop now!
Step 2: Plan Ahead
Applications are due approximately half a year before the student leaves for their exchange program.
Best time to go: 3rd year (all year or Spring) – apply in 2nd year
Learn German: GER 101/102/103 recommended
Application Timeline
Spring abroad should apply by approx Oct 10.
Fall abroad should apply by approx March 1.
Step 3: Contact Us
Any questions on any program: Kellie Green Hall, kghall@calpoly.edu
Any questions about life and college in Germany (either program): Kat Gillen, kgillen@calpoly.edu
For questions about German classes (either program): Christian Anderson, cander55@calpoly.edu
To get courses approved (either program): Department chair of student's major
Bonn:
Questions about physics courses: Kat Gillen, kgillen@calpoly.edu
Questions about astronomy courses: Vardha Bennert, vbennert@calpoly.edu
Questions about chemistry courses: Seth Bush, sbush@calpoly.edu
MUAS:
Questions about physics courses: Kat Gillen, kgillen@calpoly.edu
Questions about math courses: Caixing Gu cgu@calpoly.edu
Munich University of Applied Sciences
The Munich University of Applied Sciences offer program-based learning opportunities for global learners in one of Germany's most beautiful, historic and high-tech cities. MUAS has strong relationships with industry partners, some of their classes are taught in English.
University of Bonn
The University of Bonn is one of the eminent research universities in Germany and has an excellent international reputation. As of January 2019, the University of Bonn has the most Clusters of Excellence, research centers funded by the German Research Foundation, of any German university.
Ashesi University
Ashesi University is considered the most prestigious institution in Ghana. It was founded by Patrick Awuah, a former Microsoft employee. Ashesi's roots developed as a project started by Awuah at the Berkeley Haas school of Business. The mission of Ashesi University is to educate ethical, entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within students, the critical thinking skills, the concern for others, and the courage it will take to transform the continent.
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences
The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts distinguishes itself through its applied research. Its researchers maintain close ties with partners in business and industry, including manufacturing and commercial enterprises and social organizations. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is the largest university level institution in Central Switzerland.
- Decide on your study abroad program and term. Start by attending a study abroad 101 workshop!
- Research coursework offered through the program's website. Determine if the courses offered are for lower or upper division credit.
- Consult with your faculty advisor/mentor for verbal pre-approval of coursework.
- Meet with a Bailey College academic advisor to complete the study abroad major/support petition form. Book an appointment here.
- The form will be completed during an advising meeting and routed for signatures in this order: 1) academic advisor, 2) department chair, and 3) associate dean. A copy of the completed form will be sent to you and the Office of the Registrar/Evaluations for processing.
- Once everyone has signed the petition, you are safe to enroll in the approved study abroad coursework. The coursework will not be applied/seen on your DPR until Cal Poly receives the official transcript (which may take several months after returning from the term in which you study abroad).
- After your study abroad term, and once the transcript arrives to Cal Poly, the Evaluations office will update your student record (i.e. DPR) according to their timeline found here.
Courses Pre-Approved for Transfer Back to Cal Poly
Here is a list of mathematics department courses and a list of physics department courses pre-approved for transfer back to Cal Poly. Other course substitutions may be possible upon consultation with the department chair.
