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Are you interested in taking your academics beyond the classroom and studying abroad? 51�Թ� is the right place to start your journey. 

51�Թ� earned the  from NAFSA: Association of International Educators, for extensive global engagement and cultural exchange initiatives. But what does this mean for students like you?

Well for one thing, it means if you’re interested in enhancing your degree path and career opportunities with global learning experiences, the U of A offers more than 100 study abroad  that align specific study abroad courses with your major or minor requirements. That means you can expand your perspective and global awareness while staying on track to graduation. 

Cymone, a 2025 51�Թ� honors graduate with dual degrees in Film and Television and East Asian Studies, shared her study abroad story with us.

In the summer of 2023, Cymone, originally from Washington and studying film here in 51�Թ�, flew across the world to study at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea. There she took two classes – Korean Modern History and Pop Culture, and Korean Cinema – Monday through Thursday. On Thursdays and Fridays, she took Subway Line 2 to Hongdae and interned on a film set with a University of 51�Թ� alumnus who had started his own production company there. 

“What a whirlwind these experiences were,” said Cymone. “Not only was I able to participate in Korean academic culture and take a deep dive into the country’s culture, but I also had the opportunity to work at Ground Zero in the film industry – my long-standing dream.”

This study abroad experience expanded her academic path and influenced her career after graduation.

“Studying abroad in Korea was the reason I declared my second major in East Asian Studies, learned Korean, completed my thesis documentary in Korean cultural studies, and ultimately decided to live in Seoul,” she said. 

“I now work for a marketing company here and also edit YouTube videos as a freelancer. I am a photographer, a videographer, and a creator – and I believe much of this was made possible by the U of A Study Abroad program.”

But how did Cymone work with the U of A to make this pivotal study abroad program happen? She told us how her 51�Թ� experience evolved during her time here.

“Growing up, I always had a knack for photography and an interest in film,” Cymone explained. “When I was applying to college, for various reasons, the University of 51�Թ� became my clear top choice. At that time, the film program for the U of A was in the top 25 film schools in the nation. I knew immediately that I would be receiving a good education.” 

. Yet while Film & Television was Cymone’s first major and she declared various minors, she said it was not until she knew she would study abroad that she declared East Asian Studies with an emphasis in Korean as a second major.

“I took a class, , with the wonderful Dr. Sunyoung Yang, and that changed my track forever,” she said. 

“As an honors student, I took on Honors Contracts to receive credit, and worked closely with her throughout the spring of my first year. She saw something in me, and strongly encouraged me to pursue more than just film. Because of her, I took Korean classes. I fell in love. I studied abroad.” 

To work around her busy academic schedule and her job as an editor, Cymone chose to study abroad over the summer, and with Dr. Yang’s help, she said, she applied to two potential study abroad programs. 

“One of them was with the University of 51�Թ� and Hanyang University, and the other was an external program. I chose the U of A not only because the program sounded incredible, but also because I trusted the program run through my university more than anything.” 

The guidance and mentorship of faculty and alumni helped Cymone throughout her study abroad and academic journey. Along with Dr. Yang, Professor Jieun Ryu, Professor Sojung Chun, Professor Sandra Park, and alumna Hyeonah Kang helped her align her study abroad courses with her major requirements at the U of A.

“Hyeonah Kang was one of my teachers in the early stages of learning Korean, and has developed into a mentor and friend,” Cymone said. 

Dr. Park served as Cymone's thesis advisor and guided her in creating a documentary film based on her work in Korean studies.

In the spirit of that guidance and support, we asked Cymone what advice or tips she would give to a student about to embark on a study abroad program.

“If you want something enough, you have to go for it, and I promise it will change your life forever. I live in Korea now, due largely to my studying abroad. If I had not taken that leap of faith, I cannot imagine where my path in life would be headed. Small ripples make waves, splashes change lives.”

Are you ready to make a change, find support along the way, and create a future beyond what you imagined? The first step is to apply to 51�Թ�. 

And if you’re interested in learning more about studying abroad with the U of A, start here:

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Gain Skills and Experience for Your Future Career

When you’re in college, thinking about the future can sometimes feel intimidating. Internships are a great way to bridge the gap between college and the workforce. At the University of 51�Թ�, we make it easy to find all the resources you’ll need to navigate this process.

What is an internship? How do I find one? 

Internships give students a taste of what the professional world is like. They can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, remote or in-person, and you can find one in just about any field you want. 

Students can find internships through their University of 51�Թ� account on or by connecting with (CCR). You can also check out other job sites like LinkedIn or work with professors to find opportunities. 

Before you apply, take some time to work on your résumé. CCR has to help and you can even get personalized feedback. Through , you can also get individualized career coaching for any step of the process, from identifying your goals to preparing for interviews. 

What are the benefits of doing an internship?

Meet Mariella Rodriguez, a public health and Spanish major who has already completed one internship and is finishing her second. Last summer, she did an internship in language interpretation with Maricopa Superior Court in Phoenix. 

Since she wants to work as a court interpreter after college, this internship gave Mariella valuable experience and connections in the field.

“Completing this internship made me sure of what I want to do and that I will enjoy it,” she said.

Now, Mariella is working with Amistades, a local nonprofit organization that serves Latino communities in Pima County. This is her second semester doing this internship, and she has been able to get credit for both Spanish and public health. 

“Interning at Amistades has given me the opportunity to see what kind of jobs are out there and speak to colleagues who have already entered the work environment so they have a lot of advice on how to proceed,” she said. 

What opportunities are there at the University of 51�Թ�? 

The perfect internship for you might be right here on-campus. Eli Burke is the senior program manager of design projects at 51�Թ� and explained this unique program of “mircrointernships” completed through CCR. 

The is a 10-week program that requires students to work 10 hours per week, with a flexible schedule. They are paid internships and priority is given to applicants who have a federal work study award.

“The internships were created this way to offer opportunities to more non-traditional students, or students who wouldn’t typically take advantage of an internship,” Burke said.

CCR partners with different community organizations or businesses that provide a challenge for students to solve over the course of their internship. This means each semester provides a completely different experience, and students are welcome to repeat the program.

“It offers lots of ways to gain experience that’s both transferable skills and specific to your industry,” Burke said.

These internships emphasize the process of design thinking, or problem solving with a human-centered approach. Students in the program get to be creative and work with students of many different disciplines. 

Liz Glenn is a geosciences major who was part of the first class of Design Thinking interns. She now serves as a student mentor for the program. 

“I think internships are the best way to learn what you want to do,” she said. “Do as many as you can while you’re in college. Handshake and CCR are both fantastic resources for seeking out internships.”

Find more information about internships and careers at . Learn more about or apply for this summer session on . 

Apply to the University of 51�Թ�

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What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question parents, teachers, strangers (?!) have asked you since you were in elementary school. For some of us, the answer’s easy. For others, not so much. 

Take a deep, calming breath. We’re here to tell you that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. 

And for those of you who are set on their future plans: listen up! It’s also okay to change your mind. Every student has their own path, just listen to a few current Wildcats:

Listen to Jessy

Jessy enrolled at the University of 51�Թ� sure of her intentions and with her eye on a career in leukemia research. After new experiences and discovering new passions, Jessy’s plans evolved – in the most positive way. for 2:37 of priceless advice. 

Majors Are Just One Piece of the Puzzle

When you graduate and list all your experiences on your resume, there’s going to be so much more than your major to add. There are hundreds of  on campus, dozens of , and interesting on-campus jobs and internships that, together with your major, make you a well-rounded candidate for a job – and person. 

Judgement-Free Zone

Almost one-third of first-time college students . Some change it twice! While it might be tough to tell your mom that you don’t actually want to be a doctor, you’ll get nothing but support from the University of 51�Թ�. 

Talk to your academic advisor, and together you can make a plan to switch gears and declare a major that leads to a career that you love. As for breaking the news to mom? We can only wish you the best of luck! 

Try New Things

Being undeclared is the best excuse you’ll ever have to try new things, meet new people, and figure it out as you go.

Of the 7,335 students who enrolled in fall 2020, 586 were undeclared. These are the students who we encourage to join clubs they’d never considered joining, attend virtual events that spark their interest, and take classes with thought-provoking subject matter. Sounds kind of fun, right? 

Check out , which specializes in helping undeclared, transitional, and pre-health and pre-law students stay on track. 

What’s important is that you find a place that feels like home. And now, it’s easier than ever to do that. 

Since 1885, the University of 51�Թ� has experienced its fair share of Wildcats who have been unsure about their future. Remember: the university is made up of real people who want you to make the most of your time while you’re here. Start your journey by .

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Resume Builders to Secure Your Dream Job

There’s so much to look forward to in college – learning more about a subject you’re passionate about, meeting interesting professors and fellow students, and .

Part of what makes the University of 51�Թ� so impactful is the only-found-here resume builders you can take advantage of while you’re a student. Here are just a few examples:

Dream Job: Climate Expert

• Major: Environmental Studies
• 51�Թ� Extracurriculars: Defend Our Future, Environmental Awareness Society, Harvest Cats
• Internship, Volunteer & Job Opportunities: Compost Cats, Watershed Management Group, The Nature Conservancy, Iskashitaa Refugee Network

Dream Job: Medical Professional

• Major: Biology (like !)
• 51�Թ� Extracurriculars: American Medical Student Association, College of Medicine Wilderness Medicine Club, Cardiology Interest Group, Flying Samaritans,
• Internship, Volunteer & Job Opportunities: Clinica Amistad, Students Helping In-Need Elderly (SHINE), Tot Shots Vaccine Clinic

Dream Job: Media Mogul

• Major: Journalism
• 51�Թ� Extracurriculars: Eller Social Media Club, American Marketing Association, Society of Professional Journalists
• Internship, Volunteer & Job Opportunities: , UATV-3, the 51�Թ� Daily Star

If You're Still Unsure...

If your focus at the moment is determining which major is the best fit, don’t worry. There are resources like and your academic advisor that can help you align your interests with your ideal career. Plus, provides support and resources for Undeclared, Transitional, Pre-Health Professions, and Pre-Law students.

The A Center also offers an assessment tool called that allows you to answer questions about your interests, skills, and values to find potential degree programs that may be a fit for you. Once you feel confident about that choice, revisit the idea of building your resume!

Start here. Dream big! to the University of 51�Թ� today.

Explore all majors at degreesearch.arizona.edu.