One of the key components of Cal Poly’s International Education & Programs Office is working with students from around the world. International Student Programs & Services (ISPS) offers a variety of comprehensive programs and services aimed at assisting the international student in acheiving his/her academic goals within the framework of Cal Poly and immigration policies.

The goal of the ISPS staff to serve as representatives and advocates for international students and scholars, while at the same time acting as a liaison between the campus academic and administrative departments; local, state, and federal agencies; international agencies; and various organizations in the San Luis Obispo area.

ISPS is responsible for providing a broad array of services and programs aimed at meeting the unique needs of international students and scholars throughout their academic career at Cal Poly. Such services include but are not limited to the following:

• An advisor is able to discuss concerns about cultural adjustment and other issues commonly faced by international campus community. The advisement sessions include information ranging from California slang to dealing with major family problems.
• Each quarter we offer an interactive orientation that covers topics such as an overview of Cal Poly, the academic environment, San Luis Obispo, immigration policies and procedures, financing and budgeting, and work authorization.
• The advisor also serves as club advisor for the International Club (I-Club), a multicultural organization that sponsors numerous events and cultural activities, including an international “potluck” with local community members.
• The staff assists international guests in complying with federal, state, and local regulations pertaining specifically to immigration and taxation, through personalized advising services. As a designated school official (DSO), the advisor is authorized to sign documents such as I-20s and DS-2019s, and to make recommendations to the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Every international student and scholar must verify adequate financial resources before being accepted at Cal Poly or issued an immigration document for admission to the U.S. If a situation should arise in which the student requires advise on financial matters, the advisor can assist the student with identifying options and resources.
• Another important function of ISPS is assisting F-1 and J-1 visa holders in applying for various nonimmigrant benefits, such as practical training and work authorization.
• An international student is required to enroll in a minimum of 12 units of course work if an undergraduate and a minimum of 8 units if he or she is a graduate student. ISS helps international students with enrollment procedures and registration.
• Prior to graduation, the ISPS advisor can write letters requesting visa issuance for family members who wish to attend graduation ceremonies.
• Our ultimate mission as the liaison between the international students, the university, and the community, is not only to provide a variety of high quality services to international students, but also to serve as an important international education resource.
• The International Student Advisor is Dr. Barbara Andre. Dr. Andre’s office is located in the International Education & Programs office in the Math & Science Bldg 38 Rm 107. She can be reached at 805.756.5837 and by email at bandre@calpoly.edu.

Information for Prospective International Students
If you are an international student interested in attending Cal Poly, you will need to contact Cal Poly’s Admissions Office for application material and requirements for international students. The Cal Poly Admissions Office processes applications for ALL prospective students.

To receive admissions information, application material, you can visit the Admissions web site.

Once you have been admitted to Cal Poly, the International Student Programs & Services Office will be in touch you with regarding pre-departure information and orientation material.