The roar of the crowd was even louder than Ethan Sweeny expected when he took in his first Premier League soccer match in London. It was more than just a game for the University of Mary Washington geospatial analysis major and his classmates – it was a lesson come to life.
Weeks of classroom discussion about the business of soccer suddenly connected to the sights, sounds and strategies of the U.K.’s most popular sport. “Seeing the passion of the fans and knowing how much goes into running a club made the experience unforgettable,” Sweeny said about his sophomore year study-abroad adventure in 2024.
The spring break program is just one of many education abroad opportunities Mary Washington students can learn about at two upcoming occasions – Global Café (Sept. 30) and Education Abroad Fair (Oct. 4). Hosted by UMW’s Center for International Education (CIE), the events cater to the hundreds of Mary Washington students who sign up for educational experiences outside the U.S. each year.
“These events are a launch pad for students to explore what’s possible,” said CIE Assistant Director Sarah Moran. “Even if you’re just beginning to think about study abroad, the Café and Fair are perfect places to ask questions, compare programs and start defining your goals.”
The Global Café on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Top of the Cedric Rucker University Center will serve up international cuisines, music and door prizes along with plenty of study-abroad information.
“Simply sharing a meal with someone new is a great first step in helping students achieve a global perspective,” said Moran. “The Global Café helps students imagine themselves living and learning in a different culture. Plus, they get to hear about programs from a peer who has had that experience, and that can go a long way.”
The Education Abroad Fair will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Chandler Ballroom of the Cedric Rucker University Center. Students, and those visiting for Family Weekend, can meet with faculty program directors, international partner representatives, study-abroad alumni, visiting international students and peer advisors to learn more about international educational opportunities.
Moran says the U.K. soccer experience is back in 2026, and it’s one of several faculty-led study-abroad opportunities offered at Mary Washington that blend academics with immersive cultural experiences.
“Whether it’s studying ecology in the Galapagos, food cultures in Spain, the classics in Rome or other activities across the globe, we like to say there is a program for everyone, and CIE is here to help you figure it out,” Moran said. “We have short-term, semester or year-long experiences as well as internships, research abroad and more.”
UMW’s international footprint also extends beyond outbound programs. This year, more than 100 international students are studying on campus, including 25 first-year students. Several UMW alumni recently earned acceptance to master’s degree programs in Aix-en-Provence, France, underscoring the lasting impact of global education.
Mary Washington also ranked among the Peace Corps’ top 10 small schools for volunteer production in 2025. Through CIE’s Peace Corps Prep Program, undergraduates build skills in language, intercultural competence and leadership that prepare them for meaningful international service.
Learn more about education abroad, Peace Corps Prep or international student resources on the University’s Center for International Education webpage.
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