Quarter Abroad History
UC Davis Quarter Abroad grew out of a campus-wide globalization initiative. It is a necessary and beneficial part of the university's educational mission. In these times of intense pressures of globalization, and of increasing demands for excellence in education, it is incumbent upon us to provide students with opportunities to increase their knowledge of languages and cultures, to experience the life-learning challenges of living and studying abroad, and become leading members of a global community. In full accordance with the UC Davis Principles of Community, UC Davis Quarter Abroad will foster the goal of a truly international society which is best achieved by people living, studying and working together.
UC Davis Quarter Abroad is in direct response to the call for action by Chancellor Vanderhoef, as expressed in his 1998 Convocation address, "The Year: 2008- The Place: UC Davis," in particular the following remarks from that address:
"What other actions seem likely and necessary in the face of increasing diversity, and in this shrinking world where communication is instantaneous and where there will soon be no such thing as an independent, disconnected national economy?
Well, first of all, is it not likely that our students and their employers will demand a better education in cultures, societies and political systems outside their own country? What about second language acquisition?
Regarding the former, do we not have to lean toward breadth and away from depth in our college majors? I know this is not without controversy, but after all, depth will be--already is--forthcoming in the form of often-required post baccalaureate education, and in coursework internal in the companies and institutions for which our students will work. When will this needed breadth come if not during the undergraduate years? What better time for it to come?
What about a curriculum that ensures that every student gains some understanding of global issues? What about making study abroad not just an experience for a small minority, but for all students whose careers stand to benefit from first-hand contact with other cultures?"
The hands-on learning experience of UC Davis Quarter Abroad will help fulfill this dream by making the study abroad experience and second language acquisition readily available to the UC Davis student body.