Each year, as summer approaches, students at UC Santa Cruz eagerly anticipate a break from lectures and textbooks. However, for those looking to make the most of their summer, the Summer Opportunities Fair, co-hosted by Global Learning and Summer Session, introduces enriching and engaging academic programs that are available to all.
The Summer Opportunities Fair sheds light on a multitude of academic programs designed to ignite intellectual curiosity during the summer months. These programs span a spectrum of disciplines, catering to students with varied interests and career aspirations.
Students interacted with representatives from departments across campus, learning the program details and curriculum highlights. Departments in attendance included, History of Consciousness (HISC), CAMINO, Humanities Division, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Undergraduate Advising, HSI Initiatives, Department of Performance, Play & Design (Theater Arts/Art & Design: Games + Playable Media), and the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.
“We look forward to the fair every year. Meeting with students one-on-one is one of the best parts of our jobs. The earlier students can start exploring their summer options, the easier it is for them to maximize their winter and spring quarters. Even in the rain, it was exciting to see so many students stopping by to learn more!” said Jennifer Gallacher, interim director of Summer Session.
One of the highlights of the Summer Opportunities Fair is the myriad of Global Learning Opportunities showcased to enthusiastic college students. These programs open doors to a world of cultural immersion, language acquisition, and personal growth. From faculty-led Global Seminars abroad to domestic internships in our nation’s capital, students have the opportunity to pursue programs and destinations that align with their academic interests, professional goals, and personal aspirations. Whether it’s a semester-long exchange or a short-term cultural immersion program, students gain valuable information on the academic and personal benefits of studying abroad or away.
“Despite the rain this year, we had a great time connecting with students. In fact, after speaking with a student at the fair, they applied to a summer program the next day and I have since started working with them to complete their program pre-departure requirements,” said Ashley Bayman, interim assistant director of advising and outreach in Global Learning.
The Summer Opportunities Fair has been held since 2015, pausing in 2021 due to COVID, and has resulted in many students feeling prepared and informed as they look to make their summer plans.
Providing Global Learning Opportunities for All is key to the UCSC Strategic Plan for Internationalization.