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Explore Various Programs Offered Through UC Davis Global Learning
  
"No, this is not crazy. You can do it."
 
Those nine words, shared by Director of Athletics Kevin Blue, when approached by Luke Hazel last spring, led to a life-altering experience studying abroad in Florence, Italy — an opportunity the Rancho Santa Fe native, who majors in political science, never thought he could enjoy.
 
"Traveling abroad was something my friends and I considered when we were in high school before everyone departed for college. My mom enjoyed this experience when she was a college student, as well as my sister when she visited Sevilla. Because I was a student-athlete, I always thought this was impossible for me to experience," said Hazel.
 
"There is no way I could make this work and continue to perform at an elite level academically and athletically."
 
Which is why he rarely through about studying abroad until his sophomore year when his friends started talking about their upcoming adventures. It was then when Hazel researched various programs UC Davis offered, and began asking questions to numerous Intercollegiate Athletics staff members.
 
Following his conversations with Dr. Blue, Hazel turned to Senior Associate Athletics Director Josh Flushman for additional assistance. After he and Flushman mapped out his final two years on campus, and discovered how feasible it was to enjoy an experience similar to his high school friends, Hazel's next chat took place with his head coach, Dwayne Shaffer.
 
"He has always been super supportive of his student-athletes, encouraged me to study abroad and take full advantage of an opportunity to immerse myself within a culture. Coach wanted me to live and experience things like a local.
 
"The level of commitment this department has for its student-athletes to succeed academically, athletically and grow as a person, through opportunities like this one, showed throughout the entire process in the way everything was handled," Hazel added.
 
Shortly thereafter, Hazel applied for a study abroad program based in Florence; five months later, his adventure began.
 
Since his 16-week program started on September 1, and ran through mid-December, Hazel left the United States on August 14 to visit Portugal and Spain. Two weeks later, he officially started his CEA Study Abroad - Florence experience — the same program that included other UC Davis students, and peers from other colleges such as Tulane, Arizona and Cal Poly.
 
"UC Davis has its own facility at this CEA program, which meant that I took classes with other Aggies and students from across the country. I lived with two Cal Poly students who are now among my best friends," said Hazel.
 
In addition to earning general education units, one of his Italian-influenced courses was The Business of Food, which allowed him to enjoy local cuisine while learning about business theories and principles. Hazel also took Italian classes, which came in handy throughout his time in Florence since he arrived to Italy with a vocabulary limited to food and words learned from watching movies.
 
"This was the perfect balance of immersion into another culture and comfort since there were a lot of American students who spoke English. The curriculum was challenging, but it also provided a lot of freedom, and free time to enjoy the city.
 
"A lot of learning took place outside the classroom when we visited the city, especially in such a historic location, which I preferred instead of learning from a lecture or off a whiteboard. Every day from 9 a.m.-noon, Monday-Thursday, I had Italian classes and strengthened my knowledge of the language. From 1-2 p.m. I focused on other subjects: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I enjoyed an Italian film class; on Mondays and Wednesdays I took that business class."
 
Another benefit this program provided its students was an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, or travel to other parts of the continent since flights and train tickets were reasonably priced.
 
"Since my classes for the week ended Thursday afternoon, every weekend was an entended one."
 
Added Hazel, "I visited 15 countries; I never thought I would visit many of these places in my lifetime. Florence is centrally located and just a short flight or train ride from most of Europe. Croatia was a country I never would have visited on a stand-alone trip from the United States, but we were able to enjoy for a weekend."
 
As much as he enjoyed experiencing various cultures throughout his semester abroad, this opportunity also provided he and his peers with another unique benefit.
 
"The biggest benefits of studying abroad are being uncomfortable, learning how to deal with that feeling and growing as a person from it. At certain points, I wish there were fewer American students, which would have forced me to interact with more locals and other people from around the world. That would have forced me to become more uncomfortable and work through it.
 
"That situation did occur throughout my experience," Hazel continued, "but I think a key part of studying and traveling abroad is embracing the opportunity to live far from home and figuring things out on your own.
 
"Even though the faculty and other students spoke English, I enjoyed the fact that I had the freedom to spend my time outside the program however I wanted to. There is a great balance between discomfort and the luxury of being surrounded by other UC Davis students. You live in the city, shop at the same stores, buy groceries and visit the same restaurants locals frequent," Hazel added.
 
It is rare for a student-athlete from any sport, at any level, to enjoy an opportunity like the one that took place during his junior year, which is why he encourages his peers to make studying abroad part of their undergraduate experience.
 
"If you are a UC Davis student, regardless if you play a sport, start researching programs now if you are thinking about taking classes abroad. It is never too late to find a program that fits your academic needs, although student-athletes should begin their research as soon as possible to find something that fits their class, workout, practice and competition schedules.
 
"If you want to study abroad, there are department resources that are available to help throughout your entire experience."
 
Hazel is quick to add one drawback of studying abroad, which is common to all individuals, but provides a unique challenge for student-athletes.
 
"I returned to Davis 14 pounds heavier than I left. I regret nothing; the food I ate was outstanding. But I needed to drop that weight before preseason training started (in September), which I successfully accomplished."
 
Over 1,300 UC Davis students study abroad across 30 countries each academic year. Discover which program is the best fit for you by visiting the Global Learning Hub online, calling a Global Learning staff member at (530) 752-5763 anytime Monday-Friday between the hours of 9 a.m.-4 p.m., or visiting the International Center to explore opportunities available to students and speak with Global Learning representative in person.