The process of re-entry is every bit as important as our actual Global Learning program itself. Reflecting on what we've learned, discovering how we've changed, connecting with others who share similar interests, and finding ways to integrate our experience into our life and studies will help us make the most of the time we spent overseas. Check out the information and resources below that can help you with your transition back to your life at home and at SCU, including recommendations for how to keep your international experience alive.
How to Stay Connected
Returnee Workbook & Newsletters
The Returnee Workbook and accompanying newsletters are structured reentry resources designed to support study abroad returnees as they transition back to campus and integrate their international experiences. These materials address common aspects of reentry, including cultural readjustment and challenges students may encounter upon return, while also guiding students in reflecting on and articulating the skills gained abroad. By connecting global learning to career preparation and professional development, the workbook and newsletters help students intentionally leverage their international experiences for future academic, personal, and career goals.
Returnee Welcome & Advising Event
The Returnee Welcome & Advising Event is a casual, early-term gathering designed to welcome study abroad returnees back to campus and support their transition into the new academic term. Held within the first week of classes, the event provides an informal space for students to reconnect with international programs staff and student advisors, ask questions about reentry and campus resources, and begin reflecting on their study abroad experience. The event helps normalize the reentry process, fosters a sense of belonging, and encourages continued engagement with international programming following students’ return.
Global Learning Ambassadors
The Global Learning Ambassador (GEA) Volunteer Program is designed to engage a select group of study abroad alumni to serve as a student voice for Global Engagement opportunities at Santa Clara University. As a Global Engagement Ambassador, students cultivate skills in international education, outreach/public speaking, media development, and more. The program is designed to allow students flexibility and creative agency.
The application for the Global Learning Ambassador Volunteer program is sent in February every year through the Returnee Newsletter.
Global Learning Peer Advisors
The Global Learning Peer Advisor Program is a paid student leadership and advising initiative that integrates returned study abroad students into the day-to-day operations of SCU Global Engagement. Peer Advisors provide front-line advising to prospective study abroad students through in-person meetings, and information sessions, while also supporting outreach, events, and communications. By leveraging the lived experiences of returned students, the program expands advising capacity, enhances peer-to-peer engagement, and increases access to study abroad information across campus. The program also supports the professional development of Peer Advisors by providing structured training, leadership experience, and opportunities to translate their global learning into transferable advising, communication, and outreach skills.
The application for the Global Learning Peer Advisor program is sent in the summer every year through the Returnee Newsletter.
Cohort Celebrations
Our Cohort Celebrations are community-building events designed to connect students preparing to study abroad with returnees. These celebrations create intentional spaces for peer-to-peer engagement, allowing outgoing students to learn from returnees’ experiences while helping returnees reflect on and share their global learning. By fostering mentorship, continuity, and a sense of belonging within the study abroad community, these events support student preparedness, normalize the study abroad journey, and encourage ongoing engagement with international programs across cohorts.
The annual cohort celebrations are held in March and May every year.
Gilman Scholarship Info Session
The Gilman Scholarship Info Session is designed to support students interested in pursuing study abroad by providing targeted guidance on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship application process. The session is co-presented by our Global Learning staff and study abroad returnees who have previously received the award, offering both advising expertise and peer-informed insight. By demystifying the application process, sharing effective strategies, and highlighting student perspectives, the session aims to increase access to study abroad opportunities, support applicants from diverse backgrounds, and strengthen the quality and competitiveness of Gilman Scholarship submissions.
The annual Gilman Scholarship Info Session is held every year in February.
Post Graduation International Opportunities Info Session
The Post-Graduation International Opportunities Info Session is designed for study abroad returnees and focuses on pathways for continuing international engagement after graduation. The session provides an overview of post-graduate programs abroad, as well as other options such as teaching English overseas and pursuing international employment. Its purpose is to help students contextualize their study abroad experience within longer-term academic and career goals, increase awareness of globally oriented post-graduate options, and support students in intentionally leveraging their international experience as they transition beyond the undergraduate level.
The annual Post Graduation International Opportunities Info Session is held every year in April.
Returnee Workbook
(scu login credentials required for access)
Our Returnee Workbook helps you navigate re-entry challenges, understand how grades and credits transfer to your SCU transcript, and connect with on-campus wellness resources. It also guides reflection on how your international experience shaped your values and goals, while helping you identify transferable skills and communicate them to future employers.
