Cal Poly Ranks First in the Nation in Study Abroad for Fourth Year
Contact: Cari Vanderkar
805-756-2945; civander@calpoly.edu
SAN LUIS OBISPO — For the third consecutive year and fourth overall , Cal Poly has earned the top spot in the nation among master’s-level institutions for number of students studying abroad, according to the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors Report for the 2023–24 academic year.
The prestigious recognition, announced at the start of International Education Week, highlights Cal Poly’s reputation as a national leader in global experiential learning. Cal Poly is one of just three California master’s institutions to receive the distinction in 2025. This marks the fourth year Cal Poly has earned the No. 1 ranking since 2020.
In addition to its top ranking overall, Cal Poly placed second in the nation for long-term study abroad, first for mid-term programs and third for short-term programs among peer institutions.
“Our students continue to see international study, research and internship opportunities as integral components of their studies,” said Cari Vanderkar, assistant vice provost for international programs and senior international officer at Cal Poly. “These high-impact experiences bring Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy to life in a global context and are foundational for their future careers. This achievement is a testament to our dedicated staff, faculty and supporters who help advance our efforts to broaden access to these transformative learning opportunities.”
Between fall 2023 and summer 2024, Open Doors reports, 1,188 Cal Poly students studied abroad — with the International Center reporting more than 1,250 total student experiences in 37 countries, led by Spain and Italy and followed by the United Kingdom, Denmark, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Since 2000, Cal Poly has consistently ranked among the top institutions in the nation for study abroad participation at the master’s level.
According to comprehensive findings from the Open Doors report, the diversity of students participating in study abroad programs overall has also grown significantly. Over the past decade, the proportion of students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups has climbed from to 34% from 24%, reflecting sustained progress toward broader access and inclusion in global education opportunities.
The IIE’s Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange is the leading comprehensive source on U.S. students studying abroad. Conducted since 1919 and supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the survey includes responses from more than 2,000 U.S. colleges and universities.
International Education Week (IEW), held annually in mid-November, celebrates the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education highlights the vital role of global learning in preparing Americans for a more connected world.
Cal Poly is in the midst of marking IEW with a series of campus events celebrating global engagement and cultural exchange. More information about these programs and Cal Poly’s global initiatives is available on the Cal Poly International Center website.
About Cal Poly
Founded in 1901 and part of the renowned California State University system since 1960, Cal Poly is a nationally ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year about 23,000 top-tier students come to Cal Poly to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in areas such as engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on approach, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates Ready Day One to impact their communities, California and the world. Visit: www.calpoly.edu.
About The Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leading not-for-profit organization advancing international education and exchange in the U.S. and globally. In partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, IIE administers the Open Doors Report and supports flagship programs including the Fulbright Program, Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and Critical Language Scholarship. Learn more at iie.org.
