The "Holistic Approach to Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Reentry Program” (HACCA) helps international students and peer mentors to understand culture from the viewpoint of the “other.” The main objective of the program is to increase cross-cultural understanding of all segments of the university community.
There are several activities in the HACCA program. The first is the weekend retreat before fall classes begin. This in-depth cultural immersion experience is held at a beautiful camping facility on the Central Coast where incoming international students begin the cross-cultural and team-building dialog, and form triad groups. Students will engage in games and group projects to promote dialogs of cultural issues and build bonds of trust and understanding. The triads continue to meet regularly throughout the year. These informal activities build stronger bonds among members of the group and assist in integrating the students into their new environment. International students will learn ways to integrate into the US and Cal Poly culture, environment and community. The student mentors will provide a support system to assist them with culture shock and adapting to life in California. In return, the mentors receive invaluable experience learning about life in other countries. They will make many new friends and create long-lasting relationships with people around the globe.

IEP presents monthly informational programs on various inter-cultural topics to spur discussion and provide a broad-based educational experience. These meetings are open to the entire Cal Poly and SLO community.

For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Andre.
To further explore issues in cultural adaptation, take this online course endorsed by NAFSA Association of International Educators. Click here to take the online course.