Discovering the SAF difference: Inside our program specialists' personalized campus visits
At SAF, we believe studying abroad is about more than just academics; it's about feeling at home, no matter how far from home you are. That's why our program specialists are always there to welcome you.
Once you arrive for your study abroad experience, our team is there to help you find your way around campus, and offer a friendly, supportive space where you can talk about your study abroad adventures. These personal visits from our team are a key part of what we do, and they're as enjoyable for us as they are for you. This means providing not just great places to live with all the comforts you need but also fantastic resources on campus and chances to eat out and bond with your fellow students.
This year, our specialists have been busy connecting with students at top universities all over North America, from California to Toronto. Here’s a look at some of the things our team has done during their visits.
Creating community at California’s top universities
Our fantastic team member, Alex de Gala, visited students at some of California's most prestigious schools, including UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and San Jose State University, as they started their Fall and Winter semester programs. Alex helped students settle into their new home at Ryder on Olive, UC Davis's furnished student apartments known for their modern amenities, including a lively outdoor pool, breathtaking views, a dedicated study lounge, and private study rooms.
Beyond campus, Alex took students from all three universities to enjoy the best local delicacies, ranging from fresh deli sandwiches to mini cupcakes and other sweet treats from a well-known local bakery.
![SAF program specialist and SAF students pick up treats from a local bakery near UC Davis](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_third/public/2023-12/GroupPhoto1_0.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=Ymlco-QQ)
![The living room at Ryder on Olive student housing at UC Davis](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_third/public/2023-12/Davis_RyderonOlive_Housing_LivingRoom_0.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=wtsU8ODB)
![A typical bedroom at Ryder on Olive student housing at UC Davis](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_third/public/2023-12/Davis_RyderonOlive_Housing_Bedroom3.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=yLZoxvvi)
Guided journeys through academic landscapes
Kelly O’Hanlon recently visited newly arrived students at several top California universities, including UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
At UCLA, she assisted students in settling into their chic, California-style residences located in the vibrant and secure neighborhood of Westwood in Los Angeles. In Long Beach, Kelly guided students around the CSULB campus, showcasing its diverse facilities, such as the College of Business and its outdoor study spaces that make the most of the pleasant Californian coastal climate. Over at UC Santa Barbara, she organized a fun pool game in the student lounge, gave a tour highlighting landmarks like Kerr Hall and the Campus Store, and helped students move into their residences, complete with an inviting outdoor pool.
A warm welcome in the Great White North
Up in Canada, at two of the country's highly acclaimed universities, SAF's Director of Program Management, Lucia You, made a special visit to students starting their September semester at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the University of Toronto. Lucia met with the students at the campus language center, a hub designed to enhance both linguistic skills and interpersonal connections, and toured the cozy campus dorms to make sure everyone was settling in.
Her visit ended with a meal out, where students had the chance to share their hopes and excitement for their new adventure in Canada. This warm and friendly gesture was particularly comforting as they geared up for the approaching fall season.
![SAF Director of Program Management Lucia You meets students at University of Toronto](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_third/public/2023-12/IMG_5578.jpg?h=71976bb4&itok=-AxmOirM)
![SAF program specialists settle students into their new residences at University of Toronto](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_third/public/2023-12/IMG_5571.jpg?h=d318f057&itok=IMlZkRfR)
![Students have lunch with SAF Director Lucia You at Saint Mary's University at University of Toronto](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_third/public/2023-12/IMG_5567.jpg?h=d318f057&itok=oQOxLPeS)
Related Programs
![University of California, Berkeley Content 013](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Content_013.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=O77YnVES)
![University of California, Berkeley logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/University%20of%20California%2C%20Berkeley.png?itok=3TonockW)
UC Berkeley Environmental Design
![University of California, Berkeley Content 013](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Content_013.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=0X8GojvJ)
UC Berkeley Environmental Design
Founded in 1868 and the oldest of the University of California’s 10 research institutions, Berkeley values innovative thinking, top-quality research, and public service above all else. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it has a deeply motivated academic...
Read MoreAt a Glance
![University of California, Berkeley Content 013](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Content_013.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=O77YnVES)
![University of California, Berkeley Content 014](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Content_014.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=MhgXv86F)
![University of California, Berkeley logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/University%20of%20California%2C%20Berkeley.png?itok=3TonockW)
UC Berkeley Academic Program in Physics
![University of California, Berkeley Content 014](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Content_014.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=p5a8rVcL)
UC Berkeley Academic Program in Physics
Founded in 1868 and the oldest of the University of California’s 10 research institutions, Berkeley values innovative thinking, top-quality research, and public service above all else. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it has a deeply motivated academic...
Read MoreSpring 2025 Academic (Physics)
At a Glance
![University of California, Berkeley Content 014](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Content_014.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=MhgXv86F)
![University of California, Berkeley Featured 013](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Featured_013.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=SIVXGyO_)
![University of California, Berkeley logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/University%20of%20California%2C%20Berkeley.png?itok=3TonockW)
UC Berkeley Humanities & Social Science
![University of California, Berkeley Featured 013](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Featured_013.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=UgfJsGE-)
UC Berkeley Humanities & Social Science
Founded in 1868 and the oldest of the University of California’s 10 research institutions, Berkeley values innovative thinking, top-quality research, and public service above all else. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it has a deeply motivated academic...
Read MoreSpring 2025 Academic (Humanities and Social Sciences)
At a Glance
![University of California, Berkeley Featured 013](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Berkeley_Featured_013.jpg?h=ac778ff2&itok=SIVXGyO_)
![University of California Davis Featured 08](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Davis_Featured_08.jpg?h=2e111cc1&itok=JODDbZyL)
![University of California, Davis Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/UC-Davis-Logo.png?itok=MxBEUu9X)
UC Davis Academic Program
![University of California Davis Featured 08](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Davis_Featured_08.jpg?h=2e111cc1&itok=YKZ58eH1)
UC Davis Academic Program
Established in 1908, the University of California, Davis, started life as the university farm, rolling up its flannel shirtsleeves to provide research- and science-based instruction to the nation’s farmers. On the lush California campus just outside the state capital, Sacramento, that...
Read MoreSpring Quarter 2025 Academic
At a Glance
![University of California Davis Featured 08](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Davis_Featured_08.jpg?h=2e111cc1&itok=JODDbZyL)
![San Jose State University Featured 03](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/San_Jose_State_University_Featured_03.jpg?h=c4fa20ab&itok=l-1__tHw)
![San Jose State University logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-08/8011-San-Jose-State-U-logo.jpg?itok=ctqQCVp-)
San Jose Academic Program
![San Jose State University Featured 03](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/San_Jose_State_University_Featured_03.jpg?h=c4fa20ab&itok=HNRqYDUV)
San Jose Academic Program
Established in 1857, the historic San Jose State University sits at the heart of one of the most forward-facing neighborhoods in the world: Silicon Valley. The public university is an important partner in the economic, cultural, and social development of the local community...
Read MoreSpring 2025 Academic
At a Glance
![San Jose State University Featured 03](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/San_Jose_State_University_Featured_03.jpg?h=c4fa20ab&itok=l-1__tHw)
![University of California, Los Angeles Content 033](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Los_Angeles_Content_033.png?h=d39becaf&itok=thw7KLBv)
![University of California, Los Angeles logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/University%20of%20California%2C%20Los%20Angeles.png?itok=G_9KJKLl)
UCLA Academic Program
![University of California, Los Angeles Content 033](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Los_Angeles_Content_033.png?h=d39becaf&itok=3Vm4wJKC)
UCLA Academic Program
Founded in 1919, UCLA is the largest and most competitive institution in the University of California system. UCLA’s distinguished professors and faculty include Nobel Prize winners, Guggenheim Fellows, members of the National Academy of Sciences, and other prestigious academic...
Read MoreSpring 2025 Academic
At a Glance
![University of California, Los Angeles Content 033](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Los_Angeles_Content_033.png?h=d39becaf&itok=thw7KLBv)
![California State University Long Beach Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/California_State_University_Long_Beach_Featured-02.jpg?h=53aa6165&itok=A4mQOtQE)
![California State University, Long Beach logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/Cal%20state%20long%20beach%20logo.png?itok=V7Mfu7Vu)
CSU Long Beach Academic Program
![California State University Long Beach Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/California_State_University_Long_Beach_Featured-02.jpg?h=53aa6165&itok=1AEjC-Uk)
CSU Long Beach Academic Program
California State University, Long Beach in California is a 322-acre, peach-tree-studded campus that delivers world-class teaching in state-of-the-art, park-like facilities—all blissfully near the Pacific Ocean. With a diverse population and vibrant oceanside environment, the large...
Read MoreSpring 2025 Academic
At a Glance
![California State University Long Beach Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/California_State_University_Long_Beach_Featured-02.jpg?h=53aa6165&itok=A4mQOtQE)
![University of California, Santa Barbara Featured 01](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Santa_Barbara_Featured_01.jpg?h=6825ba28&itok=0HRHv4bj)
![University of California, Santa Barbara logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/University%20of%20California%2C%20Santa%20Barbara.png?itok=Tzfhk6fD)
UC Santa Barbara Academic Program
![University of California, Santa Barbara Featured 01](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Santa_Barbara_Featured_01.jpg?h=6825ba28&itok=kUwcWvaR)
UC Santa Barbara Academic Program
A leading research university that delivers a comprehensive liberal arts education, the University of California, Santa Barbara has been championing students to be their very best selves since 1891. With six Nobel laureates and 41 American Academy of Arts and Sciences members to its...
Read MoreSpring 2025 Academic
At a Glance
![University of California, Santa Barbara Featured 01](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_California%2C_Santa_Barbara_Featured_01.jpg?h=6825ba28&itok=0HRHv4bj)
![Saint Mary's University Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/Saint_Mary%27s_University_Featured_02.jpg?h=a5f10106&itok=Y4HwjKr2)
![Saint Mary's University logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-08/Saint%20Mary%27s%20University%20logo.png?itok=aYah5qmA)
St. Mary's University Concurrent Program
![Saint Mary's University Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/Saint_Mary%27s_University_Featured_02.jpg?h=a5f10106&itok=pzq7w71B)
St. Mary's University Concurrent Program
The vibrant Saint Mary’s University (SMU) campus is a global community of students from more than 117 countries. Faculty and staff are deeply supportive, nurturing academic pursuits and contributing to the university’s values of recognizing the importance and contribution of each...
Read MoreAt a Glance
![Saint Mary's University Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/Saint_Mary%27s_University_Featured_02.jpg?h=a5f10106&itok=Y4HwjKr2)
![University of Toronto Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_Toronto_Featured_02.jpg?h=a1e1a043&itok=uoyqk6Ei)
![University of Toronto logo](/sites/default/files/styles/university_program_logo/public/2022-07/University%20of%20Toronto.png?itok=wPejLq8S)
UToronto English Language Program
![University of Toronto Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_finder/public/2022-07/University_of_Toronto_Featured_02.jpg?h=a1e1a043&itok=ry5zjfaq)
UToronto English Language Program
Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has led the charge in ground-breaking science—here, scientists discovered insulin—and counts five Canadian prime ministers, the actor Donald Sutherland, and The Handmaid’s Tale author, Margaret Atwood, among its notable alumni. Considered one...
Read MoreAt a Glance
![University of Toronto Featured 02](/sites/default/files/styles/program_card/public/2022-07/University_of_Toronto_Featured_02.jpg?h=a1e1a043&itok=uoyqk6Ei)