Global & Sociocultural Learning

Understanding the world we live and work in starts with curiosity about different cultures, communities, and people. The Global & Sociocultural Learning Community offers tools and resources to help you build global experience—whether through classes, campus activities, or opportunities in the U.S. and abroad. 


What is Global & Socio-Cultural Learning? 

Global & Sociocultural Learning is about actively engaging with cultures beyond your own—inside and outside the classroom. It helps you build intercultural skills, explore global issues, and navigate a connected world. 

Here are some ways to get involved: 

Take time off from classes to gain real-world experience and global perspective. 

Build cross-cultural communication and critical thinking skills while exploring global topics.

Live, learn, intern, or research abroad while earning academic credit. 

Join co-taught online courses with students from around the world—no passport required. 

Discover global industries and cultures through hands-on, expert-led experiences. 

Explore diverse communities and cultures across the U.S., Canada, and U.S. Territories. 


What You Gain From Global and Sociocultural Experiences  

Learn to appreciate different perspectives, traditions, and experiences, and better understand the complexities of our world. 

See how your actions connect to global issues and grow into a more informed, responsible global citizen. 

Build skills to communicate and collaborate across cultures with empathy and respect. 

Step out of your comfort zone, strengthen your adaptability, and grow through self-reflection and critical thinking.

Stand out in various job markets and become a more active, informed participant in your community and social justice efforts. 


Before You Start

As you explore global and sociocultural opportunities, here are a few tips to help you choose what’s right for you:

Make sure the experience supports your major, minor, or grad program—and check if it counts for credit.

Be open to different cultures and reflect on your own perspectives. Respect and curiosity go a long way.

Look into details like visas, travel, housing, timing, and how it fits with your schedule and responsibilities.

Know the full cost—including travel and living—and explore scholarships or funding options to help you afford it. 


Resources to Gain Global & Sociocultural Experiences 

Check out these tools and resources to find global and sociocultural opportunities that match your goals: 

Filter by “Global and Sociocultural Learning” to find study abroad programs, internships, and research across UF. 

Search 16+ million jobs and internships around the world, explore global employers, and get visa and OPT info. 

Use GatorConnect to find and join student organizations focused on cultural identity and global interests. 

Go Abroad and find study abroad programs with the opportunity to participate in research, internships, and service learning abroad. 

Discover the top skills you’ll build through global learning—and how to talk about them with future employers. 

Explore options to help cover the costs of global experiences, from study abroad to international internships. 

Showcase your global learning and experiences in a professional ePortfolio format. 


Take Action

Learn more about global and sociocultural learning by browsing opportunities like study abroad, cultural programs, internships, and research. Think about what aligns with your goals and interests. 

Filter by “Global and Sociocultural Learning” to discover programs happening at UF and beyond.

Check out the Transferable Global Skills Guide to see which in-demand skills you can gain and how they relate to your career goals. 

Visit GatorConnect to find cultural and globally focused student orgs to get involved and connect with diverse communities on campus.

Research timelines, travel requirements, and logistics. Don’t forget to explore Scholarships and Funding to help make your experience affordable. 

Gator Career Chat: International Business Careers – workshop recap and recording

This Gator Career Chat focused on international business careers, featuring three UF alumni panelists sharing their experiences living and working globally:

The discussion covered career paths in multinational companies, strategies for finding international opportunities, cross-cultural challenges, and advice for students …

By David Adams
David Adams Senior Assistant Director for Career Pathways – Business, Public Service, and Tourism
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Crafting Your Global Academic Identity [RECAP]

In this interactive workshop, Kexuan Wu from UF’s Center for Teaching Excellence guided participants through the importance of developing a global academic identity, emphasizing cultural adaptability, regional academic expectations, and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. Through reflection, discussion, and practical exercises, participants …

By Edwina Hurst
Edwina Hurst Manager
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So You Want to Gain Global Experience? Lessons from UF’s Global Sociocultural Learning Workshop

Global Gators Month: What are My Options for Global & Sociocultural Learning at UF (Event Recap)

Thinking about studying abroad—or just want to connect with people from different cultures? Whether you’re dreaming of international travel or looking for global experiences …

By Effie Cao
Effie Cao Manager for Experiential Learning
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Why Global Skills Make You a Standout Candidate

Employers are looking for more than just a degree — they want global thinkers.
According to the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), employers consistently rank intercultural competencecritical thinking, and real-world problem-solving as top skills they seek in …

By Edwina Hurst
Edwina Hurst Manager
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Global Learning Starts Here — No Passport Required

Want to gain global experience without leaving Gainesville?
Global learning isn’t just about traveling abroad — it’s about expanding your perspective, building intercultural skills, and preparing for a career in a diverse, interconnected world.

At UF, you can engage in virtual …

By Edwina Hurst
Edwina Hurst Manager
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Sidebar

Experiential Learning Dashboard

Want to get involved and gain experience? Explore UF community connections to discover programs, opportunities, and organizations in the Global & Sociocultural Learning community.

Experiential Learning encompasses diverse personal and professional activities, engaging you beyond the classroom to gain practical insights, develop knowledge and …

This 1-page guide provides information and key terms to help you effectively communicate your global skills and experiences to potential …

Explore experiential learning opportunities at UF! Click here to access the Experiential Learning Dashboard — a searchable database where you can …

Learn about UF Navigators, an organization that has assisted nearly 3,000 international students since 2010 in acclimating to life in …

Contact & Location

Phone
352-392-1601
Address

J. Wayne Reitz Union
Suite 1300
PO Box 118507
Gainesville, FL 32611-8507

Career Service Hours

Monday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

We are located on Level 1 of the Reitz Union.