Fall 2025: A Season of New Beginnings and Connections at UCF Global

As the Fall 2025 semester comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the unforgettable moments shared with our international community at UCF Global. This semester was filled with new beginnings, connections, and global experiences that brought our students together from around the world.

Outdoor scenes of students walking and chatting on campus pathways. Groups are seen near brick buildings and palm trees, with one person leading a line of students during what appears to be an orientation or campus tour.

Welcome Fall Knights

We were so excited to welcome our new Global Knights home for the fall semester at UCF Global. Move-in and orientation days were filled with smiles, excitement, and the start of so many new journeys. Seeing students arrive from all over the world and begin their UCF experience together highlighted what makes our community so special. Welcome home, Global Knights! This is just the beginning, and we’re so glad you’re here.

Community event featuring uniformed police officers interacting with attendees. A stack of pizza boxes is displayed on a table. People are seated at tables in a meeting room setting.

Pizza & Police

Our Pizza & Police event brought Global Knights together for conversation and learning about campus safety at UCF. Students had the opportunity to meet and engage with officers from the UCF Police Department, including Arijeta Kavaja, Gregg Nelson, and Terrell Alexander, who shared important safety tips for life on and off campus. Students asked questions, learned about available resources, and gained insight into how to stay safe throughout their time at UCF. The event helped students feel more informed, supported, and confident about their safety, all while enjoying a few slices along the way.

Global Grad Students at Kennedy Space Center

UCF Global took a group of graduate students on a day of learning, connection, and exploration at the Kennedy Space Center. The group included J-1 scholars, master’s and PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers. The trip offered students an opportunity to step away from their routines, experience one of Florida’s most iconic destinations, and build community with fellow graduate students outside of the classroom. At UCF Global, we’re proud to support our students not only in academics, but also in finding balance, friendship, and a strong sense of belonging during their time at UCF.

Indoor event with attendees seated at tables, listening to speakers. A person holds a microphone while addressing the group, and another stands near a podium. Plates of food and drinks are visible on the tables.

Employment Authorization Info Session for International Students

International students gathered for a Lunch & Learn session focused on employment authorization in the United States, led by UCF Global. The session provided an opportunity for students to ask questions about OPT, CPT, visa-related employment guidelines, and work permissions tied to their status. Students gained tools and information through expert guidance and open discussion to better navigate employment as international students at UCF.

A group of people gathered in a meeting room, some standing and others seated at round tables. A whiteboard in the background displays handwritten responses to the question “Who is your favorite movie monster?” with names like Godzilla and Zombies. Coffee cups and notebooks are visible on the tables.

UCF Global Café

Global Café is a recurring event throughout the semester designed to give international students the opportunity to meet with immigration advisors and enjoy some coffee. Hosted by UCF Global, the event allows students to ask questions, receive guidance, and better understand important regulations and next steps. Global Café continues to serve as a valuable resource for students navigating their international experience at UCF by creating opportunities for direct connection and support.

A collage of scenes from an outing: people posing in front of the Universal Studios globe, a spooky window with a silhouette inside, a group waiting in line at an attraction, and a projection reading “HHN 34” on a dark wall.

Halloween Horror Knights

UCF Global’s annual tradition of taking a group of students on a thrilling visit to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort gives them the chance to experience one of Orlando’s most iconic seasonal events while connecting with fellow Global Knights outside of campus. Filled with screams, laughter, and unforgettable moments, this year’s visit offered students a fun way to step into the spooky season and build community through shared adventure

Participants dressed in various costumes, including pirate outfits and colorful character attire. Decorations include black balloons and a backdrop with a Halloween theme featuring bats and a moon. A person holds a glowing lightsaber prop in a dimly lit room.

Halloween Party

Our Halloween Party brought students together for an afternoon of spooky fun, festive costumes, and community celebration. Hosted in the Student Union, the event featured music, games, candy, and snacks. Students showed off their creativity with costumes and enjoyed friendly competition for best costume prizes, making the celebration both fun and thrilling. The party offered a joyful break from the semester routine and another opportunity for Global Knights to connect outside the classroom.

A variety of dishes arranged in aluminum trays on tables, including rice, bread, and pastries. People stand together in casual attire, and a group poses for a photo near a table filled with food items and beverages.

International Potluck Celebration

As part of International Education Week, the UCF Global Potluck brought students together to celebrate culture through food and community. The event featured a wide variety of dishes from around the world, all shared by students excited to showcase their cultures and traditions. With a lively atmosphere, the potluck created a joyful space for connection, conversation, and cross-cultural exchange, making it a highlight of the week’s celebrations.

Celebration of global cultures with colorful displays: two people holding a globe, a poster showcasing various traditional dishes and landscapes, and a “Welcome” banner surrounded by international flags. A group enjoys food and drinks at a table.

International Culture Festival

Also part of International Education Week, students gathered for the International Culture Festival to celebrate cultures, traditions, and flavors from around the world. In partnership with the Office of Student Involvement (OSI), students filled the space with cultural displays, traditional dishes, and meaningful exchanges that highlighted the diversity of the UCF community. The festival created an engaging environment for learning, connection, and cultural expression as part of the week’s global celebrations.

A cultural event in a large room decorated with Japanese flags and lanterns. People are seated on the floor and chairs, listening to presenters. A person in a floral shirt holds a microphone and gestures toward the audience, while another stands near a table with props.

Global Outlook – Japan

As part of International Education Week, students gathered for Global Outlook – Japan, the first event in the Global Outlook series presented by UCF Global. The session invited students to explore key elements of Japanese culture, including traditions, artistic expression, modern society, and food. With strong attendance and an engaged audience, the room was filled with curiosity, questions, and cultural exchange. Students also had the opportunity to sample Japanese snacks, making the experience both educational and interactive.

Images from a formal event: attendees conversing near a ballroom entrance, a speaker at a podium, a musician playing the saxophone, and a mascot in a knight costume posing with guests. A row of seated individuals appears on stage in the background.

Night Under the Stars

Night Under the Stars marked an International Scholar Dinner bringing together scholars, students, and guests for an evening of reflection, celebration, and connection. Throughout the night, international scholars shared inspiring speeches and personal insights, highlighting the impact of their academic journeys and the power of education. The event created a space to honor excellence, build community, and recognize the accomplishments of Global Knights who continue to shine.

Scenes from a celebration: a guitarist performing on stage, guests mingling under gold and black balloon decorations, a person in a red dress speaking or performing, and a mascot standing beside two individuals in formal attire.

Fall Graduation

The Fall 2025 UCF Global Graduation Celebration brought students, families, and the campus community together to honor the achievements of our graduating Global Knights. The event welcomed both in-person and virtual guests to share in this meaningful milestone. Thoughtful remarks from speakers and special performances created a memorable atmosphere as graduates were recognized for their hard work, perseverance, and success during their time at the University of Central Florida. The celebration marked not only the completion of an important academic chapter, but also the beginning of the graduates’ next journeys beyond UCF Global.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for more events, adventures, and opportunities next semester. To all our students: thank you for making this fall so special!

Go Knights, and Charge On!