Global Quest
Global Quest is a two-semester program for first-year students who are ready to dive into global learning from day one. Students enjoy the comfort and support of a small Quest cohort, and have a dedicated faculty members to assist them during their first year.
The Quest academic learning community offers small-sized academic seminar courses that meet general education and baccalaureate requirements and provide students with opportunities to consider the ethical dimensions of problem solving and action, a key learning objective at the University of Utah. Within these courses, students are also introduced to integrated university supports as they make decisions around majors and career pathways. Quest further helps build students’ sense of belonging at the university with participation in Quest social, community service, and academic peer events.
Global learning improves intercultural understanding, adaptability, self-awareness, and confidence. Studies show that experiences abroad can
- raise a student’s GPA,
- increase success in graduating, and
- help students stand out to future employers.
First Semester in Salt Lake City
Global Quest students spend their first semester at the Salt Lake City campus. Within a small cohort of fellow freshmen, they take a course focused on ethics and problem solving in action and work closely with faculty and peer advisors to explore resources that will support their academic journey.
Second Semester Abroad
Global Quest students spend the second semester of their freshman year taking classes in one of our international locations. Students enjoy small class sizes, participate in social and service activities with their cohort, and enjoy an early international experience that instills confidence and global perspective.
Our Locations
We offer two full semester locations and one spring break location. No prior language experience is required as in-country courses will be taught in English.
Seville, Spain
Spend your second semester studying in Seville, Spain, the sun-drenched capital of Andalusia and birthplace of Flamenco. Seville offers students an unforgettable experience abroad immersed in history, culture, and everyday Spanish life. Students live like locals through homestays or shared housing, engage in meaningful service projects, and enjoy cultural experiences such as Flamenco performances and visits to iconic landmarks. The program also includes unforgettable excursions to destinations like Gibraltar, Córdoba, Granada, and Portugal, with an optional adventure to Morocco. Sevilla is the perfect base for learning, travel, and cultural immersion all in one.
Notice: Students interested in the Global Quest: Spain must register for Quest 1130 - MW 8:05- 9:25 timeslot for the fall semester.
Songdo, South Korea
Spend your second semester studying at our Utah Asia Campus in Songdo, South Korea. With on‑campus living, countless events and excursions, and classes capped at just 30 students, the experience is built for connection. South Korea is a vibrant mix of modern energy and deep cultural charm. From the neon-lit streets of Seoul to the peaceful temples and beaches of cities like Gyeongju and Busan, there’s something for every kind of explorer. Food lovers will find paradise in sizzling Korean barbecue, comforting bowls of kimchi jjigae, and the endlessly snackable street food. The country is also known for its safe, efficient public transportation and tech-savvy lifestyle, which makes navigating daily life a breeze. Whether you’re into hiking scenic peaks, exploring colorful night markets, or discovering the café culture tucked into every corner, South Korea offers unforgettable experiences for students eager to dive into a new world.
Notice: Students interested in the Global Quest: South Korea must register for Quest 1130 - MW 11:50- 1:10 timeslot for the fall semester.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Not interested in a full semester experience? Consider our one-week experience abroad during spring break that is part of a full semester course in Salt Lake City. You’ll be based in San José but will have the chance to adventure into the Monteverde cloud forest, exploring how culture, technology, sustainability, and community all connect in real life. Expect cool experiences like working in a research lab, creating tech-inspired art with a local artist, cooking and sharing Costa Rican food, helping out at a wildlife rescue center, and visiting innovative companies and a coffee plantation focused on ethical and sustainable practices. Along the way, you’ll build real-world skills, collaborate with local communities, and make close friends all while soaking in Costa Rica’s energy, nature, and pura vida vibe.
Notice: Students can participate in the Global Quest: Costa Rica program without registering for the Fall Quest Course. This is a Spring course only.
Student Testimonials
Ava B.
“I feel like the Global Quest program really set us up for success. The Fall semester course prepared us so we didn’t feel like we were going in blind to a new country and culture. We talked about the history of Korea and how it has influenced their society today, including how it has shaped their view on foreigners in Korea. It also helped to give us a broader perspective on Asia as a whole. Another perk was that it gave us an immediate group of friends before going abroad, which made the experience feel less intimidating. I actually met my roommate through this program! It was also easy to branch out and meet new people once we arrived on campus in Korea.
My favorite thing about the U Asia Campus was how easy it was to get involved. The class sizes are small, which made it easy to make friends and interact with professors. There are so many research and internship opportunities on campus that students are exposed to through their professors. There are also so many clubs to join! I joined the taekwondo club and I was involved in a lot of volunteering opportunities. The campus also curated many off-campus excursions such as visiting temples or historic sites. I never felt isolated or alone while at the U Asia Campus.
One of my favorite memories was definitely volunteering at the Children’s Day Festival at the National Assembly Building in Seoul. We helped set up and run different kids’ games and activity stations. It was a great way to interact with the local community and with Korean kids. The Korean fire brigade even taught us how to spray a fire extinguisher and how to use an AED – valuable skills to know! At the event, I was able to practice my limited Korean skills that I was normally too shy to use with Koreans. The U Asia Campus baseball team & taekwondo club were there as well, so it was a nice way to feel integrated into the U Asia Campus community on a wider scale.
For any student interested in participating in the Global Quest program, I say go for it! Embrace any and all opportunities that come your way. There will be some great moments and some challenging moments. You’ll learn so much about yourself and others. This program will change your perspective on travel and the world, and it will increase your empathy and your awareness of what’s going on in the world and your impact upon it.”
Carson S.
“I appreciated that students take the first part of Global Quest in Utah because you get to make friends with the other people in the class, and you know that you’ll be going to Korea together. The class also prepares you with information on the culture and history of Korea before you arrive.
At the U Asia Campus, I liked the small class sizes because you get to know the professors and can ask questions easily. The layout of the campus itself is great. It's easy to get from housing to class, there is nearby public transportation, and there are a lot of restaurants and shopping within a short walk. Campus also has many common space areas where it's easy to socialize and meet other students.
One of my favorite memories from my time in South Korea was going on a hike to one of the mountains that overlooks Seoul with some of the other Global Quest students. It was a very snowy day and we weren’t prepared for the weather. We kept sliding down the side of the mountain! We ran into an older couple who helped us by giving us hiking poles, showing us the way down the mountain, and giving us snacks. They also took us to a restaurant after the hike. It was a really fun, but scary, day.
For any student considering the Global Quest program, I would say do it! It's a great way to explore a new country and learn about the culture and history of South Korea. Be sure to maximize your time abroad - explore the cultural and historical sites, try new foods, and have an open mind going into it!”
Jesus J.
“The Global program made such a good call by requiring a course before heading to the U Asia Campus. We learned about South Korea's history and prepared for many of the differences in culture, language, and beliefs compared to the U.S.
While the U Asia Campus may be tiny compared to the Salt Lake City campus, the atmosphere here is amazing with such amazing faculty and students. The International Student Diplomats are saviors in helping international students find their way around campus, the city, and overall questions about Korean life.
[This program] really attempted to showcase everything about Korea—at least everything they could fit into a semester-length course. It really helped me to not be hit so hard by culture shock and helped me adjust to a Korean lifestyle faster.”
Global Quest is a program developed in collaboration with the Quest Office. The Quest academic learning community offers small-sized academic seminar courses that meet general education and baccalaureate requirements and provide students with opportunities to consider the ethical dimensions of problem solving and action, a key learning objective at the University of Utah. Within these courses, students are also introduced to integrated university supports as they make decisions around majors and career pathways. Quest further helps build students’ sense of belonging at the university with participation in Quest social, community service, and academic peer events.