FAQs
The Orfalea College of Business Advising Center recommends that students study abroad during Summer or Fall quarter. This is due to the fact that most study abroad programs are on the semester system. Students who study abroad in the Fall on a semester program will only miss the Fall quarter here at Cal Poly. If a student wishes to study abroad on a Spring program, they will miss both the Winter and Spring quarters here at Cal Poly. Moreover, If students plan to go abroad for more than one quarter, they should plan at least nine months in advance and plan on selecting a program that offers both major, GE courses and/or minor courses.
Most students take 3-4 courses that will count towards their degree requirements while studying abroad. Cal Poly does not require students to do a minimum amount of units abroad however, some study abroad programs/school/financial aid policies many require a minimum. Students should always consult with their program/school.
In general, students are advised to take Education courses (Area Cs and Ds), Upper Division ECON, the International Business requirement, and courses from the College of Business Pre-Approved Study Abroad list. The Pre-approved Study Abroad List is a list of courses OCOB students have taken abroad and what they counted for at Cal Poly. If courses students wish to take are listed on the Pre-Approved Study Abroad list, with the EXACT same course description, they do not need to submit a course substitution petition. If students have a lot of free electives, they can apply their study abroad courses as general free electives rather than actual course requirements.
We recommend meeting with advisor in the International Center to discuss financial aid opportunities. Also, see How Should You Finance Your Trip?
The first step is to attend a General Study Abroad 101 Workshop. Locations, times, and dates can be found on the International Center Advising Resources page.
After that, you can go to the International Center to speak with a Study Abroad Advisor. They are located in Building 52, Room E32 and can be contacted via phone at 805-756-1477 or email at abroad@calpoly.edu.
Once you have finalized your program, the term, and the location, schedule an appointment with an Orfalea Study Abroad Peer Advisor to discuss major, concentration, or support course options. You can schedule an appointment with them via email at cobadvis@calpoly.edu or by phone at 805-756-2601.