On October 29, 2025, UCSC Global Learning hosted its annual Global Learning Opportunities Fair in the Quarry Plaza. The event brought together students, peer advisors, global-learning advisors, and representatives from partner institutions and programs to explore international study, internships, and cultural immersion opportunities.
A hub of possibility
The fair serves as an open forum for students to connect directly with advisors and program providers. Participants can explore many options for incorporating global opportunities into their academic plan and hear from fellow students and program providers about life-changing experiences studying abroad and away.
“The Global Learning Opportunities Fair is about creating pathways and a space for students to imagine what’s possible. We want every student to discover that their UCSC experience can expand far beyond campus — across countries, cultures, and perspectives. It is also an opportunity to find the support to make it a reality!” said Sarah Woodside Bury, director of Global Learning.
Tables and booths were staffed by UCSC Global Learning Advisors, peer advisors, and a wide array of organizations. Additional attendees included:
- UCDC
- Wildland Studies
- Semester at Sea
- Worldstrides
- UC Center Sacramento
- UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP)
- Partner university representatives from the University of Osaka, University of Melbourne, University of Sussex, University of Bristol, and Aarhus University
Funding and advising resources
In addition to program exploration, the fair placed strong emphasis on the practical side of global learning: finances, academic planning, health & safety, and identity-related considerations.
Students seeking to navigate costs and logistics were able to engage with financial aid representatives, helping make the dream of international study more accessible.
Student voices and lived experiences
A key component of the fair was the opportunity to hear from fellow students about the academic, personal, and professional impact of their experiences. Peer advisors and alumni of global programs offered first-hand insights, from cultural immersion and language growth, to how study-away shaped their academic and professional trajectories. These personal stories helped turn abstract program descriptions into tangible, relatable experiences.
“I loved being able to share my study abroad experience with students at the fair and talk about how rewarding it was. I felt helpful when I got to address their concerns and point them toward the right people or resources because they walked away feeling more confident,” said Sheila Poz, Global Learning peer advisor.
Why the timing matters
For many students at UCSC planning their academic trajectory for the upcoming quarters, the late-October timing of the fair is pivotal. It falls early enough in the academic year to influence program selection, deadlines, and course planning. By gathering information now, students can better align global learning options with their major requirements and career goals.
Providing Global Learning Opportunities for All is key to the UC Santa Cruz Strategic Plan for Internationalization.