Millennium Fellows have been selected on just 30 campuses across 13 nations from every region of the globe. As fellows, UC Davis students receive training, recognition, and virtual linkage with fellows and universities around the world from August through November—in support of making the UN Sustainable Development Goals a reality.

Ricardo Martinez is a first-generation college student studying the complexities of US-Latin American relations. He wrote about his experience studying abroad in Brazil, explaining how to approach study abroad using examples from time in Brazil and his trips to Chile and Argentina.

Zachary “Zak” Frieders, director of UC Davis Study Abroad within Global Affairs, recently received the Lily von Klemperer Award for leadership in his field, sharing his skills, knowledge and expertise with colleagues, and maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics.

To give guests—ranging from family, friends, and colleagues to academic advisors, local officials, and members of the UC Davis Police Department—greater insight into international student experiences and perspectives, two graduates shared their stories. Titcho Farima Kone Kito of Burkina Faso spoke on behalf of the undergraduate class and Zidong Li of China represented graduate students.

Increasingly, employers are looking for students who understand the challenges and embrace the opportunities that come with globalization. So, how can students prepare for professional and personal success in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world? Here are five of the many ways to gain a global perspective, open doors to new career options and make friends along the way.

UC Davis was recently recognized as a top producer of Gilman scholars for 2016-17 with the third highest number — at 47 — among universities with more than 15,000 undergraduates. Supporting students in applying for the Gilman grants is among the ways UC Davis is helping more students of diverse backgrounds experience a global education — from introducing shorter intersession seminars abroadto creating intercultural experiences locally. Global Affairs at UC Davis is championing “Global Education for All” as one of the Big Ideas for the university’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Bhutan is said to be the happiest country in the world. Beginning this summer, students at UC Davis will have the opportunity to experience this place for themselves through a four-week study abroad program entitled Bhutan: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.