Cal State Fullerton’s International Education and Engagement team released its 2024-25 Annual Impact Report, celebrating a transformative year of global connection, cultural exchange and academic achievement. Take a walk through some of the notable achievements of the IEE team, its staff, partners, volunteers, and all of the successful international and study abroad students’ growth.
Empowering Global Titans
The heart of IEE’s mission is to promote experiential learning that transcends borders. Led by Christine Pircher-Barnes, senior international officer, the IEE team continues to strengthen Cal State Fullerton’s position as a premier destination for international learners and scholars. This year, they welcomed students from 79 countries and supported nearly 1,500 international students. IEE also expanded partnerships across Asia, Europe and beyond. This year’s report showcases the far-reaching impact of CSUF’s global community.
IEE believes that these partnerships can open doors to diversify educational experiences for students. By fostering equity-minded practices and cultivating spaces for cross-cultural learning, the department helps students, faculty and visiting scholars thrive personally, professionally and globally.
Building Bridges Around the World
IEE hosted eight visiting delegations this year, connecting CSUF with institutions like MIT World Peace University in India, University of Wales Trinity Saint David in the United Kingdom and Gachon University in South Korea. Celebrating a 25-year partnership with UWTSD, the team continues to deepen collaborations that promote adaptability, creativity, a broad worldview, creativity and holistic development.
Student Leadership in Action
IEE’s success is built on its vibrant community of volunteers: The Global Titan Buddy Program, Global Titan Leaders and Global Titan Ambassadors. These student leaders help international peers adjust to life at CSUF while sharing their own study abroad experiences. From orientation support to event planning and social media storytelling, these Global Titans bring the world to Fullerton, and Fullerton to the world.
“I enjoy working with the IEE team because it feels like being part of a family that truly cares,” said Indrayani Bhosale, a student volunteer.
These volunteers’ collective work not only creates a welcoming space for new students, but also strengthens the university’s culture of inclusion and global citizenship.
Celebrating International Achievement
This year’s report highlights exceptional stories of resilience, creativity and leadership, from Vietnamese MBA student Vui Nguyễn, who aims to create opportunities for underprivileged communities, to international scholar Galen Jiang, who became CSUF’s first Schwarzman Scholar. Students like Sally Dinh, Mina Choi and Arian Godinez embody what it means to be Global Titans — pushing boundaries, connecting cultures and inspiring change.
Expanding Study Abroad Horizons
CSUF saw a 42% increase in study abroad participation, with 677 students exploring 28 countries across short-term, semester and faculty-led programs. Destinations ranged from Mexico and Japan to France, New Zealand and Costa Rica, reflecting a growing appetite for global learning.
IEE also celebrated growth in winter faculty-led programs, doubling opportunities for students to experience transformative educational experiences. These high-impact practice programs significantly enhance student engagement and success. Events like the Study Abroad Fair and International Education Week continued to empower Titans to see themselves as global citizens.
Looking Ahead
As IEE closes out an inspiring academic year, the team looks toward new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and global engagement. Their ongoing mission, rooted in personal growth, professional success, cultural immersion and academic opportunity, will continue to shape the next generation of Titans making an impact around the world.
With the support of its international partners and the dedication of students, faculty and staff, Cal State Fullerton’s International Education and Engagement department stands ready for another year of global connection and meaningful impact.
Celebrate Titans around the world. Explore the full CSUF IEE Annual Impact Report online.