Fall Break Connection

(LAST UPDATE/REVIEW: SEPTEMBER 2025)

The Fall Break Connection program gives UC San Diego international students and scholars the opportunity to spend some time with a local San Diego host family or community during the university’s Fall Break from classes.

Please note that while ISEO programs are designed to serve international students, scholars, and their families, everyone in the Triton Community is welcome to participate regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.

This exchange program is an opportunity for both international guests and hosts to learn more about each other’s cultures and meet new friends. Originally begun years ago as a “Thanksgiving exchange” with hosts and guests meeting to share a meal on the Thanksgiving holiday, the Fall Break Connection program has since expanded into an opportunity for the UC San Diego international community and local San Diego community members to exchange cultures, conversation, and food–with the opportunity to discover new friendships. Many students and hosts are returning participants each year!

How It Works

International guests and local San Diego hosts must apply to participate in the Fall Break Connection program. This year, there will be two days available to participate, Thursday or Saturday. As part of the application process, hosts will indicate which day they would like to host their international guests, and international guests will indicate which day(s) they are available (there is no overnight component or expectation). Following the application deadline in November, UC San Diego’s International Services and Engagement Office will then match guest participants to a host. Both guests and hosts will be notified of who they have been matched with in mid-November. Following the matching period, hosts are responsible for coordinating with their guests about their planned activities. Guests are expected to be responsive and show up on the day of planned activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What days are the Fall Break at UC San Diego this year?
This 2025-26 academic school year, UC San Diego’s Fall Break Connection program will take place on Thursday, November 27 or Saturday, November 29, 2025. Hosts and guests will be matched in part based on which of these days they indicate they are available.

What is the program’s time commitment?
We ask all hosts and guests to commit to a meal together. Hosts may choose to invite their guests for a longer amount of time. There is no overnight component or expectation.

Do I need to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in order to participate in this program?
No, guests and hosts do not need to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in order to participate in the Fall Break Connection program. The goal of the program is to take advantage of the Fall Break in classes in order to create opportunities for UC San Diego international students and scholars and local San Diego community members to connect.

What kinds of things might I do for the Fall Break Connection program?
Hosts get to decide what they invite their international guests to join them for, and are expected to coordinate and communicate details as needed to their guests. Regardless of your planned activities, we ask all hosts to include a meal. Because the Thanksgiving holiday falls during the university’s Fall Break, many hosts choose to invite their guests to their Thanksgiving meal. However, some hosts may choose to instead invite their guests to a family dinner and game night, a lunch out and excursion to a San Diego landmark, etc.