Study Abroad

"I am so grateful that Queen Mary University of London was a part of my college educational experience. Having a film based liberal arts concentration for LAES lead me to search for a study abroad program that could both expand my film knowledge and allow me to live in a city where the film industry is very active; going to university in London, England provided me with both of these! Between directing classes and actually being able to attend movie premieres, such as Nuremberg and Wicked: For Good in Leicester Square, I was able to fully immerse myself in the British film industry while also making connections with international film students from around the world."

"I went to Tokyo, Japan and studied at Waseda University and stayed with a host family from what was supposed to be for about 10 months from 2019 - 2020 but then covid happened so I went home after about 6 months. 

I had an exceptional experience while studying at Waseda University and it was even my first time leaving America! It was the first time I was ever able to fully immerse myself into another language and culture and it was both a difficult and incredibly rewarding experience. I also discovered that, oftentimes, other places find completely different methods to solve the same problems that Americans have solved in completely different ways. I believe that that was one of the most valuable lessons that I learned during my time at university, and something that I feel makes me a more valuable worker, and a more well rounded person. Studying abroad ignited a passion in me to explore the world further, leading me to work in Japan after I graduated and even started doing my masters in France! If you're considering studying abroad I have one piece of advice for you: do it! Make the most of the incredible perspectives, opportunities, friends, and experiences that you'll have the opportunity to discover."

"Studying abroad provided me with an opportunity to grow both academically and as a person. Being at college is like being in a bubble- going abroad let’s you get out of that bubble as you are taught through a completely different perspective. I took a Nordic crime fiction class that counted as a GE. There’s nothing like that at Cal poly. Classes also extended their learning into the city. For example, my contemporary art class toured different art across the city. The education was focused on giving you a chance to learn about the culture and the history of the city which for me was a new take on learn by doing. I’ve never gone to the mission for example for any classes at poly."

"Studying abroad was always a dream of mine to experience in college and through the LAES program, I was able to fulfill it! I learned a lot while abroad in Shanghai, China, about culture, my future, and about myself. Being a part of the LAES program opened many opportunities for me while abroad. My teachers were interested in hearing about my major and I was able to network and work for a local Chinese company because they were interested in what I had to offer as a LAES student. The people that I met and the memories I made were all unforgettable!"

"Studying abroad enhanced my Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies education simply because of exposure. The cultural exposure you receive while studying abroad broadens your perspective as you learn more about the various cultures and views. This has helped me understand where individuals from different cultures are rooted from and offers a fresh perspective, while simultaneously improving my global communication skills."

"I am so grateful for my abroad experience! I improved my skills on establishing rapport with people despite cultural and linguistic barriers. Simply traveling to a new environment is one thing but living and adapting in one is a very enriching and challenging experience. I continuously forecasted open-minded solutions involving conflicting viewpoints, a skill very critical to interdisciplinary study. I am more confident in my ability to integrate ideas on a wide spectrum with more creativity and clarity, and apply it to my liberal arts and engineering education as well as my future career."