Embracing Fall Traditions: UC Davis International Students Explore U.S. Culture Through Seasonal Experiences

Students in the Academic Engagement Track (AET) and the Global Study Program (GSP) celebrated the fall season with two immersive field trips that highlighted U.S. culture and fostered intercultural learning and community. 

Through visits to Impossible Acres Farm and a local corn maze, students experienced hallmark fall traditions. Field trips like these that extend learning beyond the classroom aren’t just fun activities—they give students hands-on opportunities to deepen their understanding and create space for meaningful cross-cultural exchange. 

Connecting Through Harvest Traditions: AET Students Visit Impossible Acres Farm 

For students in the AET program, the visit to Impossible Acres Farm—a local Davis farm—, offered a first-hand look at a cherished American autumn tradition: the pumpkin patch. 

Picking pumpkins and gourds and seeing farm animals is a favorite fall activity, and AET students got to take part in it. A highlight of the outing was the petting zoo, where students interacted with animals including goats, rabbits and kittens. For many, this was their first close encounter with farm animals, offering a tactile and memorable dimension to their understanding of rural American life. 

“Watching our students visit a local pumpkin patch for the first time was such a treat!” said student assistant Kristina. “They got to experience a classic fall tradition and even made a few furry friends, including some adorable kittens.”

These simple yet meaningful interactions invited reflection on the interconnectedness of agriculture, community and tradition. Through these hands-on experiences, AET students not only learned about local culture but also practiced cultural exchange in action. 

Collaboration and Communication in Action: GSP Students Navigate the Corn Maze 

Participants in the Global Study Program also embarked on a fall adventure: navigating a corn maze—a distinctly American pastime that blends recreation with teamwork and problem-solving. 

Divided into groups, students worked together to find their way through winding pathways, using communication and cooperation to overcome the challenge.

“We challenged ourselves to solve the entire maze without using a map, and it turned into a hilarious adventure!” said Jett, a student assistant who partnered with a couple of students to get through the maze. “We made a point to figure it out on our own rather than just following other groups. That made it incredibly rewarding when we finally emerged from the exit.” 

The maze served as an interactive metaphor for intercultural navigation, which requires patience, adaptability and mutual understanding. 

“I enjoyed the challenge of navigating through the maze as a group and talking through it together,” said Prantik, a student assistant who joined the GSP students at the corn maze. “I especially enjoyed talking with students about fall celebrations in America versus in their home countries." 

Through this playful yet purposeful activity, GSP students practiced intercultural communication and teamwork in a real-world environment—strengthening skills essential to global leadership and collaboration.

Building Cultural Understanding Through Local Engagement 

Although AET and GSP students participated in different activities, both outings shared a common goal: helping international students experience culture through participation rather than observation. 

“It was more than just a maze,” said Jett. “It was a really impressive team-building experience and a wonderful way to connect.” 

By engaging directly with American traditions, students gained a deeper appreciation for the cultural values that shape community life in the United States. 

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