The Global Learning team strives to provide students the opportunity to study, explore, and engage with other cultures—to broaden their perspective and involvement in the world.
Emma May – Interim Associate Director
Advises on: UCSC Global Seminars, Other UC Programs
Emma May (she/her) grew up on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. She is a first-generation college student and earned her B.F.A. in Fine Art and M.A in Art Education from Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University. During her B.F.A., Emma studied abroad at The University of Stellenbosch in South Africa and participated in a research project, “Art in Schools Initiative.” After graduating, Emma conducted research on creativity and culture as a Presidential Scholar with Semester at Sea and traveled throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. After completing her research, Emma began a career in International Education as she firmly believes that global experiences can help ignite a student’s personal, professional, and creative growth. Emma enjoys surfing, playing the fiddle, gardening, creating art, and exploring the outdoors.
Emma’s message about global learning: As a first-generation college student who worked several jobs while juggling school, I never thought studying abroad was something I could do. When my academic advisor shared the opportunity to study sculpture and art education in the last semester of my senior year in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, South Africa, I went for it. Being part of this program, and learning from my diverse host community shaped the way I choose to lead my life and encouraged me to do deep reflection on my own identities, subjectivities, and privileges. I grew tremendously as a human being, an educator and an artist. No matter what your story is, there is a global learning opportunity out there for you. Connect with our team soon to learn about all of the possibilities!
Ashley Bayman – Interim Assistant Director
Advises on: UC Center Sacramento, UCSC Global Internships, UCDC Washington
Ashley Bayman (she/her/ella) is an Ohio native who completed a dual B.A. in Latin American Studies and Spanish from The Ohio State University. During her undergraduate, she studied abroad in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina and discovered a passion for international education and travel. After graduating, Ashley took a gap year to travel to 30 countries across Latin America and Europe. It was during this life-changing journey that Ashley became committed to ensuring that students from all backgrounds benefit from the academic, social, and professional advantages of international education. She went on to earn an M.A. in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. Prior to joining the UCSC Global Learning team, Ashley served as an international education program leader in Mexico and Spain.
Ashley’s message about global learning: As a first-generation, low-income, student of color, I was never encouraged to study foreign languages or cultures, let alone go to another country to do so. Making it into the university from community college, for me, was a feat in itself. Notwithstanding, I worked two jobs as a waitress and bartender to support myself in college, and by working as much as possible and taking out loans, was able to study abroad. In community college, I had my first opportunity to participate in a short-term faculty-led program in Cuernavaca, Mexico (which was also my first time ever traveling on an airplane!). After arriving at the Ohio State University, I expanded my intercultural experience by studying in both Brazil and Argentina. Studying abroad completely changed my life trajectory and inspired me to pursue a profession that would allow me to support other students who have been conditioned to think that “studying abroad is not for me.” Our global learning team is here to let you know that wherever the world takes you, you belong, and we are here to help you get there!
Emma Beckman – Advisor
Advises on: UCSC Partner Programs, Independent Programs
Emma Beckman (she/her) is an Indiana native who completed her B.A. in Japanese Studies at Earlham College. Her interest in international education began during her participation in the Japan Study program where she spent one year studying abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo. After graduating, she spent two years teaching English to elementary and junior high school students in Morioka, Japan through the EC-ALT Program (Earlham College Assistant Language Program). She then moved to Tokyo where she worked as a translator, a network engineer, and as a Study Abroad Advisor and Coordinator at Waseda University where she helped Waseda students participate in study abroad programs all over the world. In total, Emma spent seven years working and living in Japan before moving back to the States. In her free time, Emma likes to hike, read, watercolor, and relax on the beach.
Emma’s message about global learning: As a child, I would often look at travel books and dream about seeing the world (and getting out of Indiana)! The first time I traveled abroad was for my study abroad exchange program at Waseda University during my junior year of college. It was my first time out of the country, living in a big city, and being so far away from friends and family. While there was the occasional challenge, I thoroughly enjoyed studying abroad in Tokyo, and that experience had a huge impact on my life. So much so that I decided to live and work there after graduating! Not only did my time spent living abroad enhance my belief in the importance of global learning and cultural exchange, and that everyone should have the chance and opportunity to experience it, it provided me with a new lens through which to view my own culture and experiences. You never know where participating in a global learning program will take you, and our global learning team is here to help open the door to global learning opportunities!
Glynis Kincaid – Advisor
Advises on: UCEAP
Glynis Kincaid (she/her) grew up in Northern California and studied abroad the summer before her senior year of high school in Paris and Nice, France. While abroad she strengthened her language skills by attending classes at two French language schools and participating in a homestay program. Her time in France was the first of many global learning experiences that sparked Glynis’ interest in supporting students on their own global education journeys. Glynis received her B.A. in Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, minoring in History, from UC Davis. She has worked in international education for over eight years and remains committed to supporting students of all identities and backgrounds as they study, work, intern, and volunteer abroad and away. She is also a graduate of NAFSA’s Academy for International Education and Diversity Abroad’s Global Education Diversity & Inclusion Program.
Glynis’ message about global learning: I don’t think we always have to have “life-changing” and “successful” global learning experiences. I struggled a lot while studying abroad in France, especially when it came to speaking the language, navigating a new city on my own, and being away from friends and family. However, after multiple global learning experiences, I finally arrived at a place where I felt confident navigating intercultural spaces and engaging without the fear of making a mistake holding me back. I encourage students to do the same, not to let a challenging experience keep them from continuing on their global learning journey, as you never know where it may lead (I had no idea my experience in France would lead me to pursue a career in international education). Engaging in global learning has allowed me to reflect on my own identities and privileges, and cement how I want to show up as an advisor for students. I remain committed to my own global learning journey and the need to develop global learning opportunities that are inclusive, accessible, and contribute to students’ sense of belonging at UCSC and beyond!
Jenna Tantillo – Advisor
Advises on: UCSC Global Seminars, Other UC Programs
Since completing their first semester abroad in Spain during high school, study abroad has been an important part of Jenna’s (she/they) life. Jenna focuses on bringing elements of wellness and inclusivity to all aspects of the study abroad process so that students and other stakeholders can show up authentically to navigate international education spaces with ease. Jenna holds a BA in Global Studies from Sonoma State University and an MA in International Education Management from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. During their higher education journey, Jenna studied for a year in Chile, interned for a semester in Spain, and completed the multi-destination program Semester at Sea. Jenna is a lifelong learner and appreciates the deep reflection that is possible when engaged in intercultural experiences. Outside of work, Jenna delights in the human experience through moving and breathing, writing and reading poems, and spending time outdoors.
Jenna’s message about global learning: Through my study abroad participation and personal travels, it has become clear that the depth to which I can engage with intercultural experiences is directly related to how resourced I am. To me, being resourced means regularly tending to the components of my personal wellness – physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, environmental, financial, and occupational. As an advisor, I support students in prioritizing their personal wellness throughout their study abroad journey. From this resourced place where wellness needs are met, we can show up with more energy and curiosity and are better equipped to receive the countless lessons of a global learning experience.
Arturo Torres – Advisor
Advises on: Provides general advising for all program types
Arturo E Torres (he, him, el) was born in Portland, Oregon, but grew up in Los Angeles, California. He completed a dual B.A. in International Development Studies and Sociology from UCLA. During his undergraduate experience, he studied abroad in Switzerland and discovered a passion for international education and the first-gen experience abroad. While abroad, Arturo had the privilege of traveling to western, eastern, and northern Europe, and Morocco. Upon graduation, Arturo collaborated with colleagues at UCLA, NAU (Flagstaff, AZ) and, now, UCSC to ensure that students, no matter their background, can benefit from the academic, social, and professional advantages of an international education. Prior to joining the UCSC Global Learning team, Arturo served as an Education Abroad Advisor and specialized in all programs associated with LATAM and Spain.
Arturo’s message about global learning: As a child of two courageous immigrants, I continue to carry their dream of creating a better life, here, in the U.S.A. Of course, being a first-generation, low-income, student of color is not particularly easy; especially when attempting to navigate the world of academia. Regardless, with obstacles and all, I made it past high school, and into community college. At that point, the only travel I did was to visit family in Mexico and commute via Metro to work and class. But I always had an inherent desire to see more of the world. Something that my parents were not too fond of. Years and various jobs later, I found myself transferring to UCLA where I convinced myself to study abroad during my last quarter. Let me tell you, that was, and remains, the most enriching experience I have had. Going abroad completely changed my life and inspired me to pursue a professional career where I can support others to experience beyond the day-to-day. Our global learning team is here to let you know that, wherever you go, you belong, and I am here to support you!