Study Abroad/Study Away Programs

The Department of Political Science offers students a number of different opportunities to experience politics firsthand in other regions of the country and other nations. Led by department faculty, Dr. Renford Reese, these study away & study abroad opportunities solidify the department's reputation of being able to challenge students to think critically and become citizens of the world. 

What is the difference between study abroad & study away? 

The department offers two types of trips: study abroad and study away. Study abroad involves travel to an international destination. Study away involves travel to a domestic destination. Both types of experiences are connected to upper-division political science courses, where students earn credit for the major. Typically, these travel experiences are last anywhere from 5 to 14 days. 

Des Moines to visit the Iowa Caucuses: January 2-9, 2024

• Faculty member: Jarred Cuellar

Honolulu, Hawaii: January 4-14, 2024

• Faculty members: Renford Reese, Jessica Castillo

London, England and Scotland: March 27-April 7, 2024

• Faculty members: Renford Reese, Jessica Castillo

Italy: May 24-June 4, 2024

• Faculty members: Jessica Castillo, Mario Guerrero

Japan: June 18-July 1, 2024

• Faculty member: Laureen Hom

To obtain more information about each of these experiences, contact the faculty member listed. 

Past Study Abroad Programs

Geneva and Paris 2023

For students studying political science and international relations, it’s one thing to read about headline-making global entities and organizations such as the United Nations, the World Health Organization and Geneva Call in a textbook or talk about them in class.A group of 42 Cal Poly Pomona students recently had the opportunity to do just that as part of the Geneva Study Abroad, a 10-day trip to the Switzerland capital and Paris. The Polycentric covered the trip in its publication. 

Rome, Siena, and Florence 2023

Students studying political theory visited Italy for a 10-day trip that spanned three different cities: Rome, Siena, and Florence. Students were able to visit locales they had read about in an upper-division modern poltiical theory course. Students were treated to tours and culinary experiences while visiting the three cities. 

Vancouver 2016-2019

Students traveled to Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler to create their own nonprofit organization in this course, which included project management and grant proposals. This trip examined the missions of international NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders, MAP International, The Red Cross, The Salvation Army, World Vision, Habitat for Humanity, CARE, and Oxfam. Learn more about the trips, student exursions, and student perspectives about the trip.

Netherlands/France/Belgium 2013-2016

As part of a course on non-governmental organizations, Dr. Renford Reese took students on a European alternative-Spring Break trip. Students learned first hand what it was like to work for a NGO. They visited world-renowned organization and took in the sights in Europe. Learn more about the trips, student excursions, and student perspectives about the trip. 

Ghana 2007-2011

For a number of years, Dr. Renford Reese took students to the African country of Ghana for a summer study abroad program. Students spent 12 days in Ghana, with a 3-day layover in Dubai. Learn more about the trips, student excursions, and student perspectives about the trip.

Other Study Abroad Programs

The university offers a number of study abroad programs that are hosted by other majors. Visit the International Center's website to learn more about these programs. The International Council also provides a number of different links to financial aid for students who are spending time studying in other countries.