Picnic Day Through International Eyes

UC Davis’ annual Picnic Day—one of the largest student-run events in the nation—is a vibrant celebration that showcases the university’s excellence in teaching, research, service, and campus life. Each year, tens of thousands gather to experience the magic of UC Davis in full bloom. 

This year, 19 students from the Academic and Engagement Track (AET) program visiting from Japan, brought new energy to the festivities by volunteering behind the scenes. For these international students, Picnic Day wasn’t just a campus event—it was a deep dive into American culture, friendship and personal growth. 

A Century-Old Tradition 

Picnic Day, founded in 1909, is UC Davis’ beloved open house, welcoming prospective and current students, families, alumni and the greater Davis community to explore campus life up close. With over a hundred events, from parades to animal showcases, it's a signature moment of Aggie pride. 

This year marked the 111th Picnic Day, celebrated under the whimsical theme “Welcome to Wonderland.” Attendees enjoyed 111 scheduled events, including a grand parade, children’s discovery fair, live performances, food booths, a scavenger hunt, interactive exhibits and more. 

Learning By Doing 

For the AET students volunteering, it was a chance to immerse themselves in English and build connections across cultures. 

“I enjoyed working as a volunteer. I made new friends from other countries, so it was a good experience,” said Yui Takamoto, an international relations major from Ritsumeikan University. “The U.S. is a society where diverse cultures coexist, and volunteering gave me the opportunity to interact with people from different backgrounds.” 

Reina Koyama, a business administration student at Ritsumeikan, echoed that sentiment: “I decided to volunteer for Picnic Day to make native friends and have opportunities to speak English,” said Reina. 

Mao Kato, also majoring in international relations at Ritsumeikan, shared her excitement about joining such a celebrated tradition: “This was my first time participating in Picnic Day, and I heard from my host family that it is one of the biggest events in Davis. I am honored to have been a volunteer. I am sure that it will be one of my best experiences during my stay in Davis!” 

A Meaningful Exchange 

For these students, Picnic Day was an unforgettable opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, engage with a new community and deepen their understanding of American life. 

Their participation highlights the spirit of global engagement at UC Davis and the value of experiential learning that transcends borders.