Global Learning Courses for First Years
First-Year Seminars—Global Learning
First-Year Seminars are an exciting program of small, innovative classes that reflect a variety of intellectual interests. Limited to 19 students each, these unique courses promote critical thinking and community.
First-Year Seminars are credit-bearing classes (1-2 units) that are either letter graded or Pass/No Pass. You must sign up for them in schedule builder/SISWEB like your other courses.
Global Learning Seminars are First-Year Seminars that will give you a chance to explore cultural diversity or learn about global challenges and how they are being addressed. You will also develop awareness and critical thinking skills that will help you thrive in an interconnected world.
First-Year Aggie Connections – Globally-Focused
First Year Aggie Connections (FYAC) groups together up to 25 students based on shared purpose, interest or theme. Connections meet regularly for one academic quarter and are led by staff or faculty facilitators who are passionate about the themed topics. Most connections are social opportunities and do not bear academic credit; a few connections offer one unit of academic credit for participation.
Globally-focused connections are FYAC’s that relate to global learning, diversity and identity. There are many examples of globally-focused FYACs, and you can check out the full list of offerings here.
Learn More About First-Year Aggie Connections
Fall 2026 FYS/FYAC: Global Pathfinders: Charting a Path to Global Learning
We live in an interconnected world. New students come to UC Davis with many types of global experiences already. You may be from an immigrant family, from a diverse community, multilingual, or an international student. It doesn't matter what your background is, what your major is, or what your career goals are, we ALL need skills and knowledge to successfully operate in a global world.
There's so much that UC Davis has to offer to support your global learning. We have programs for students to travel abroad, virtual opportunities, and even things to do right here on campus and in our region. Research, internships, community engagement, intercultural workshops, leadership and mentorship programs, and the Global Studies minor are just some of the opportunities you can get involved with. Come learn about scholarships and available funding, free or low-cost programs, and programs you can even get paid for participating in. There are so many global learning opportunities, it's time to get informed now so you can make amazing choices about your involvement for the rest of your time at UC Davis and beyond.
The goal of this Seminar/Connection is to orient students early on to what global learning is and all of the resources the Global Learning Hub and our campus have to to offer. We will also explore and develop some of the key global and intercultural skills necessary for a global workforce and civic engagement. The skills and knowledge in this course will help prepare you not only for your time at UC Davis, but also for your post-graduation life in our interconnected world.
Global Thinking, EAP 001 (4 units)
EAP 001 aims to develop students’ skills as global actors and change-makers—from critical thinking and problem-solving, to creative research, effective writing and public speaking, strategic project management, and intercultural communication. After an overview of the historical underpinnings of global systems and thinking, we will examine “case studies” on crucial challenges of our time: climate change, political instability, conflict and wars, humanitarian crises, global inequities, health challenges, sustainability, globalized economy etc. We will investigate global challenges through shared readings, group discussions, written reflections, oral presentations, and special activities, such as expert panels, fieldwork, site visits, etc.
EAP 001 will be offered in fall 2026 and taught by Dr. Eleftheria Arapoglou. The course satisfies the following requirements: World Cultures (WC); Arts & Humanities (AH); Social Sciences (SS); This course can also satisfy Requirement 1 of the Global Studies Minor.
Global Ambassador Mentorship Program Mentee Opportunity
The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to support incoming first-year and transfer international undergraduate students to adjust smoothly to life at UC Davis and in the United States. As a mentee, you’ll be paired with a current student who can answer your questions, share their experiences, and guide you through everything from academics to campus life. Whether you’re looking for advice on classes, clubs, or resources, your mentor is there to help—and you’ll already have a friend before you arrive.
The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is also a great way to meet other students and make new friends! Mentors host fun social events throughout the year. Events are open to all undergraduate students, so you can always bring a friend.
Past activities have included:
- Holiday parties such as Halloween, Lunar New Year, and Valentine’s Day
- Group study sessions with students in similar majors
- Walks and hangouts at UC Davis Arboretum
- Fitness meetups Athletic and Recreation Center (ARC)
- Trips to downtown Davis including Farmers Market, boba spots or local cafe
Applications for 2026-27 mentees will open in June. Express interest in the program.
Learn more about how to receive mentorship as a mentee
Global Engagement Opportunity (GEO) Living-Learning Community
GEO is a living-learning community that is open to all first-year students—whether domestic, transnational or international—who are interested in developing friendships with diverse groups of students from all over the world. With GEO, you will get to experience a multicultural living and learning community while also discovering how to start or continue your global learning journey! Supported by UC Davis Global Affairs, your GEO experience will help you build global awareness, develop your intercultural communication skills and engage in the many global learning opportunities available at UC Davis. Priority will be given to roommate matches between domestic and international students.
Examples of Campus and Residence Hall Programs
- Fall Welcome & Mixer sponsored by Global Affairs
- Global Kitchen cooking events
- Globally-focused programs
Residence Hall Location
- Tercero Area – Cottonwood Hall
If you are a first year undergraduate student, you can begin your housing application by logging into the myHousing Portal. On the Community Preference page of your housing application, there is a dropdown menu at the bottom of the page where you can select "Global Engagement Opportunity (GEO)." Instructions on how to find potential GEO roommates are provided in Roommate Search, available once you complete the housing application. Please note that priority will be given to roommate groups that include both international and domestic students.
Questions about the GEO Living-Learning Community can be directed to Kim Notehelfer. Questions about how to navigate myHousingPortal or the housing application process can be directed to Student Housing.
UCEAP Global Start
This is an exciting opportunity that allows students to spend their first fall quarter in college in Spain through the University of California’s Global Start Program. All courses fulfill the University’s General Education and major/minor requirements and have been designed to provide a bridge between high school and college. Students take courses enriched with local history and culture and packed with excursions and field trips that bring lectures to life. Students participate in weekly workshops to develop key skills to enhance college success including study habits, writing skills, intercultural awareness, and living independently.
Application Deadline: May 2026.
Learn More About UCEAP Global Start
Contact Information
Paula Levitt
Director, Global and Intercultural Programs
Global Learning Hub, Global Affairs
[email protected]