Finding the opportunity to immerse herself in Scotland’s culture and landscape, Anya Nygaard, a third-year environmental science and management major and geographic information systems minor, studied abroad this past summer and had an experience like none other. From exploring the vast Scottish Highlands to countless adventures in Edinburgh, she fulfilled her University Writing Program requirement while spending meaningful time with her lively cohort. Through a blend of journalism and environmental studies, Anya refined her research and writing skills during her four-week stay.
Taking on a mission to expand awareness about global learning opportunities at UC Davis, the Aggies Near and Far podcast club produces educational episodes each month. It is led by Ph.D. candidate and fourth-year graduate student Jannet Torres Espinoza, who takes her knowledge of Latin American Literature, Culture, and Human Rights and applies it to podcasting.
On April 5, 2025, the UC Davis International Center hosted over 150 students, alumni, staff and global professionals for the 5th annual Global Learning Conference, themed Cultivating Authenticity in an Interconnected World.
The Global Impact Fellows Program draws upon UC Davis’ commitment to Global Education for All, which aims to provide all UC Davis students with global learning opportunities and experiences. Additionally, each of this year’s projects is tied to one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to create a sustainable future for all.
Elmira Louie, a Ph.D. candidate and associate instructor in Comparative Literature, strives to build an interconnected world that bridges cultures. Her Ph.D. dissertation, tentatively titled “Resisting the Periphery: Global South Borderlands in Turkish and Persian Literature,” looks at cultures, languages and people on the periphery in Turkish and Persian novels. The global nature of Elmira’s research has enabled her to seek out global experiences and ethical sources for a well-rounded project.
The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth is a goal that encapsulates inclusivity and sustainability in relation to economic growth. The Redwood SEED Scholars Program at the University of California, Davis, aligns with SDG 8.
Kiara Zecha, a fourth-year Japanese major and education minor, has always had the goal of being bilingual. Through her hard work and commitment to her journey, Kiara has amassed multiple experiences and outlets to improve her Japanese language comprehension. She hopes to use these skills in her future career goal of teaching language abroad.
The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program (GAMP) is one of many working to promote inclusivity and security for international students at UC Davis. Third-year students Tina Zhang and Suzuran Schnyder sat down to share their co-coordinator experiences and provide further insight into the program’s impact and mission.
