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Global Learning Opportunities Week, or GLOW, is October 26 – 30
A collaborative week showcasing the myriad global learning opportunities available to UC Merced students will include a variety of sessions to help you understand the necessity of global learning, unique opportunities, scholarships and financial access, the UC Education Abroad Program, and select UC Summer Abroad and International Opportunities Program options.
UC Merced Study Abroad has curated a menu of global learning opportunities for Bobcats throughout the week. We continue to add individual events and details to join; check back frequently!
GLOW Resources
Ready to go deeper? Check out GLOW resources below to plan your week or get pumped about study abroad.
GLOW Event Recordings
While the sessions below have all passed, you may find recordings for many embedded below.
Monday, October 26
Identity, Skills, Leadership
The focus of GLOW Day 1 will be on understanding global learning and how it impacts student identity, skills-building and career development, and leadership development.
Life After Study Abroad
Join us for a discussion on how to maximize your study abroad experience while abroad, and upon your return in your search for an international graduate program or professional career.
Diversity Abroad: Unlocking the World & Connecting You to Opportunity!
Diversity Abroad's vision is that the next generation of young people from traditionally marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds be equipped with the skills, experiences and networks to thrive—personally, academically and professionally—in our 21st century interconnected world and global workforce. Join this information session to learn about Diversity Abroad resources and opportunities (including virtual!) available to students at each phase of the global program process.
Studying Abroad as a Transfer and Reentry Student
You, as a transfer and reentry student, can go abroad no matter when you plan to graduate or what your major is! Come learn about resources available on your campus and hear from fellow transfer and reentry students who successfully incorporated study abroad into their academic careers.
Latinx Adventures Abroad
Join us for our student panel where Latinx returnees and staff will share their experience studying abroad, challenges encountered and how they overcame them! Learn more about your options, benefits and affordability and how you can be the next student abroad!
LGBTQIA+ Identity in a Global Context: Resources and Support for Students
Join us as we explore what it means to engage globally as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. We will explore resources available at your campus, as well as hear from students who have experience navigating their LGBTQIA+ identity while engaging in global learning.
Global Skills for Leadership
The Margo F. Souza Student Leadership Center will host a panel of engaging young leaders around the world on the topic of leadership from their individual perspectives. We'll explore similarities and differences. We'll discuss how culture can influence our leadership, and why cultural fluency is so important for our development as leaders. And last, we'll also discuss the incredible opportunity for students who study abroad to improve their cultural fluency.
AAPI Abroad: A Student Panel
Are you interested in studying abroad and curious about what it’s like identifying as Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander in another country? Join five study abroad alumni from the AAPI community as they reflect on their time abroad.
Study Away for Undocumented Students
While study abroad has become increasingly inaccessible for undocumented students in recent years, we encourage the community to join this session to explore what global educational opportunities are available virtually and domestically. We will highlight U.S.-based study away programs and virtual program offerings. An attorney from the UC Immigrant Legal Services Center will also join us to outline current law as well as the risks and challenges involved with domestic travel.
Going Global after Graduation
Starting to think about going global after graduation? This session will give you a quick overview of opportunities abroad - like grad school, teaching English, and Peace Corps - and resources to get started making your dreams a reality.
Tuesday, October 27
Internships, Research, Service
The focus of GLOW Day 2 will be on exploring global internship, research, and community engagement opportunities through popular programs and UC-designed opportunities.
The JET Program: Live, Work, and Discover Japan!
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program offers young professionals the opportunity to work in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) or Coordinators for International Relations (CIRs). Since 1987, more than 75,000 JET Program participants from over 70 countries have lived and worked in cities, towns, and villages throughout Japan. Join JET and become part of this exclusive network of like-minded international enthusiasts!
Beyond Studying Abroad: Internships and Research Opportunities
Looking to gain internship experience while also building your global career network? Attend this session to learn more about the benefits of a global internship and about the various opportunities available for all UC students. Virtual options are available!
UCDC: An Experiential Learning Opportunity for All Students
Join a panel of UCDC Staff and alumni as they discuss the finer points of UCDC! Learn about the many ways UCDC can benefit all students, no matter the major: the internships with various Washington institutions, classes taught by industry leaders, and the variety of professional development and networking opportunities, all from the nation's capital.
DAAD Summer Paid STEM Internships in Germany
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Services) will present an info session on RISE, a program offering paid STEM summer internships in Germany.
Peace Corps: Exploring your Global Future
The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated change-makers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation. Peace Corps service develops leadership skills and opens doors professionally and academically. Join a virtual panel to hear from Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and learn how the Peace Corps can help you explore your global future.
Virtual Global Internships: Benefits, Tips for Success, and Transferable Skills for your Future
As internships head to virtual, you may be wondering what opportunities exist and why you should consider a virtual internship. Join us for an informative webinar and hear from different perspectives about the benefits of virtual internships, tips for success during your internship and how to apply virtual skills to in-person future success.
STEM Majors Study Abroad
STEM major returnees will talk about their experiences studying abroad along with tips and advice on how to look for a program that offers classes an internships abroad!
How to Study Abroad Sustainably
To learn abroad, you often have to fly to reach your destination, a choice which increases your carbon footprint. With flygskam (flight shaming) on the rise, learn how can you offset your carbon consumption, respond to critics, and learn abroad sustainably.
Latinx Students Abroad: Concerns from Loved Ones (En Español)
Asiste a nuestra presentación y escucha las experiencias de estudiantes Latinxs que estudiaron en el extranjero. Invita a tus familiares para que también se informen de los beneficios y como puede enriquecer tu vida académica, personal y profesional.
¡Se llevará a cabo en español!
Join our session and hear about the experiences of Latinx students who studied abroad! Feel free to invite your loved ones so they can also learn more about the benefits and how study abroad can enrich your academic, personal and professional. This session will be conducted in Spanish!
Wednesday, October 28
Study Abroad, Academics, Finances
GLOW Day 3 will shift toward exploring specifically traditional study abroad opportunities and support for those opportunities, from financial aid and scholarships to academic concerns.
Study Abroad for Engineering Students
In this short presentation we will discuss why study abroad is good for engineers, look at some of the possibilities, and then get into some of the nuts and bolts of study abroad.
UC Center Sacramento Information Session
This presentation will provide students information about admissions, program information, experiential learning, research, and internship opportunities for UC Center Sacramento.
DAAD Undergrad Funding Opportunities in Germany
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Services) will present an info session study, research, and internship funding opportunities for students in Germany.
Developing Your Side Hustle for Study Abroad
Besides Financial Aid, scholarships, and savings, students today have to think out of the box for ways to help fund their study abroad experience. We’ll brainstorm ideas and real-life stories with emphasis on internet-based fundraisers.
Boren Awards for International Study
The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate or graduate students. Boren Scholars and Fellows apply their skillsets to careers with the U.S. federal government in a variety of roles, including defense, diplomacy, and development.
Critical Language Scholarship
Join a live overview of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program followed by a question and answer session with the Senior Outreach and Selection Officer.
Study Abroad for Natural Sciences Students
Interested in studying abroad as a Natural Sciences major? Come join us to learn more!
Financial Aid While Abroad
Learn what you need to know about how financial aid works with study abroad, what costs are covered, and what you need to watch out for.
Gilman Scholarship for Studying or Interning Abroad
The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for federal Pell grant recipients to participate in study abroad and internship programs throughout the world. Learn about the aims of the Gilman Scholarship, eligibility requirements, the application process, and how to become a competitive candidate. Q&A session will follow the presentation.
Tips for Students Traveling in a Post-COVID Environment
Tips for booking travel online and over the phone in a post-COVID environment with an overview on how airlines and travel planning has changed.
Study Abroad 101: General Info Session
Interested in studying abroad but not sure where to start? Come to this info session led by a study abroad advisor.
Topics covered:
- What is study abroad?
- Why should you study abroad?
- What are some of the options available?
- How to select the right program to meet your goals?
- How to search and apply for programs?
Study Abroad for First-Generation Students
Join this session to learn more about studying abroad as a first-generation student, how to plan your academics and finances, and hear from past first-gen students who have studied abroad! Family members are also welcome.
Thursday, October 29
UC Education Abroad Program
GLOW Day 4 spotlights the UC Education Abroad Program, UC’s systemwide study abroad program and the primary program UC Merced students will use to go abroad for academic credit with maximal financial aid eligibility. UCEAP will host the UCEAP Study Abroad Fair all day with its own registration and sessions. And don’t forget to tune in for Coffee with an Advisor on Instagram Live as we interview spring 2020 returnee, Evelyn Rodarte.
UCEAP Study Abroad Fair
Interested in enhancing your UC education with study abroad? The University of California Education Abroad Program has 150 study abroad programs designed with you in mind. Start your adventure at the UCEAP Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, October 29! Get an introduction to UCEAP, compare the cost of studying abroad vs. remaining at UC, learn about scholarship opportunities, and discover how making smart decisions will impact your safety abroad. Explore UCEAP’s diverse program offerings by attending sessions segmented by location and area of study. Your family is encouraged to participate, too, and there’s a special session intended to answer their unique questions in both English and Spanish. Come to learn, leave inspired!
UCEAP Study Abroad Fair
Enhance your UC education with study abroad! Serving all nine undergraduate UC campuses, UCEAP offers diverse programming designed to meet your unique academic needs. On Thursday, October 29, from 10 am-6 pm, learn about program offerings in more than 40 countries, how financial aid and scholarships can make your time abroad more affordable, and how smart choices can ensure that your time abroad is safe.
UCEAP Study Abroad Fair
Enhance your UC education with study abroad! Serving all nine undergraduate UC campuses, UCEAP offers diverse programming designed to meet your unique academic needs. On Thursday, October 29, from 10 am-6 pm, learn about program offerings in more than 40 countries, how financial aid and scholarships can make your time abroad more affordable, and how smart choices can ensure that your time abroad is safe.
Coffee with an Advisor LIVE on Instagram
Join study abroad advisors, Jenn and Cece every week for a LIVE interview on Instagram (@uc_merced_international) with a UC Merced study abroad returnee. Ask your questions and get real answers. This week we will be interviewing Evelyn Rodarte who studied abroad in the UK for the spring 2020 semester.
Friday, October 30
International Opportunities Programs and UC Summer Abroad
The focus of GLOW Day 5 will highlight study abroad opportunities through sister UC campuses in what UC Merced labels “UC Summer Abroad” and independent study abroad programs that UC Merced aggregates under the “International Opportunities Program.”
UC Santa Cruz Global Seminars
Drop in for advising on UC Santa Cruz's Global Seminars.
UCLA Travel Study
Drop in for advising on UCLA's Travel Study programs.
Academic Programs International
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with Academic Programs International.
AIFS Study Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with AIFS Study Abroad.
Semester at Sea
Drop in for advising on Semester at Sea voyages from fall 2021 and beyond.
USAC Study Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with USAC Study Abroad.
UCSD Global Seminars
Drop in for advising on UC San Diego's Global Seminars.
UC Davis
Drop in for advising on UC Davis Summer Abroad programs.
IES Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with IES Abroad.
International Studies Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with International Studies Abroad.
Wildlands Studies
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with Wildlands Studies.
Berkeley Summer Abroad and Berkeley Global Internships
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities through Berkeley Summer Abroad and Berkeley Global Internships.
UC Riverside Faculty Led Education Abroad Program
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities through the UC Riverside Faculty Led Education Abroad Program.
CAPA Study Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with CAPA Study Abroad.
CEA Study Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with CEA Study Abroad.
CIS Abroad
Drop in for advising on study abroad opportunities with CIS Abroad.