Get the Technical English-language Skills You Need
UC Davis’ English for Science and Technology Program is an intensive, immersive experience that helps students build technical English skills and communicate with confidence in science and technology environments. Participants also explore the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and innovation. Designed for international undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields, as well as working professionals, the program supports those looking to advance their English proficiency for academic and career success.
Program Benefits
Designed for students seeking further education and careers in science, technology and engineering, this engaging, academically rigorous program builds the language and professional skills needed to succeed in global, English-speaking technical environments. Participants will gain:
- Expanded technical vocabulary and understanding of emerging technologies
- Increased confidence in creating and delivering professional presentations
- Stronger critical and analytical thinking, oral communication and intercultural skills
- Greater awareness of current issues in applied science and technology
- Opportunities to network with peers and faculty
Program Details
This four-week program, held in the state-of-the-art International Center, is offered twice annually, in the summer and winter sessions according to the U.S. academic calendar.
- 16 hours of instruction per week plus extracurricular activities such as workshops, site visits and guest presentations
- Small classes (about 15-20 students)
- Highly qualified and experienced instructors
- Technology-driven classrooms, including a multimedia learning center
- Daily recreational, cultural and social activities with UC Davis student leaders
- Optional weekend trips may include Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Los Angeles
- No F-1 Visa required
Dates and Fees
- Summer 2026 Session 1: July 2-31, 2026 (July 3 is a university holiday)
- Summer 2026 Session 2: August 7-September 4, 2026
- Winter 2027 Session 1: January 8-February 5, 2027 (Jan. 18 is a university holiday)
- Winter 2027 Session 2: February 12-March 12, 2027 (Feb. 15 is a university holiday)
- Tuition: $2,010
- Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
- Student Services Fee: $140 Includes general advising services, housing assistance, access to computer labs and the International Learning Center (ILC), UC Davis email account and wireless Internet access, city bus pass, social events and afternoon activities.
- Medical Insurance: $68.75 per week
- Estimated Living Expenses: $1,910 Includes lodging, food and other personal expenses (books, trips, activities).
All fees are subject to change
Program Requirements
Participants must have a high-school diploma or be at least 18 years old to enroll in this program.
Students are grouped based on their level of proficiency to ensure the best possible learning experience. The minimum English language requirement for the English for Science and Technology Program is CEFR level B1+/B2-. This is equivalent to:
- TOEFL IBT: 3.5 (as of January 2026, previously 60/120)
- TOEFL PBT: 500
- IELTS: 5
- Duolingo: 90
- Michigan English Placement Test: 45
Program Courses
Core courses, along with presentations and site visits, allow students to observe current advancements in science and technology and communicate directly with experts. Courses include:
- Hot Topics in Science and Technology
- Improve analytical skills by reading articles, listening to lectures, watching audiovisual programs and discussing current research
Develop technical English vocabulary
Discuss and appreciate the power of ideas in science and technology that are changing people’s lives and the world - Intercultural Research Project
- Develop questions to research a topic of choice
Conduct information gathering by interviewing native English speakers on and off campus
Collect, analyze and organize project information
Prepare, practice and give a poster presentation - Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Science and Technology
- Realize the power of R & D (i.e., research and development) in science and technology through studying entrepreneurship
Feel the spirit of entrepreneurship that has advanced science and technology and changed the way people live in recent years
Think flexibly about your future career choices
Enhance understanding of mandatory extracurricular activities such as site visits, presentations and/or workshops - Listening and Pronunciation
- Hear and pronounce problematic vowels and consonants in English
Identify syllable stress in individual words
Understand a natural flow of syllables in words and phrases
Learn to follow English sentence stress and timing (rhythm, intonation and words which should have more stress)
Understand common reductions in spoken English
Learn common academic idioms
Sample Schedule
- Monday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Hot Topics in STEM
10-10:50 a.m. Listening and Pronunciation
11-11:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
12:10-1 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Exploring Davis - Tuesday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Hot Topics in STEM
10-10:50 a.m. Listening and Pronunciation
11-11:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
12:10-1 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Conversation Club - Wednesday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Hot Topics in STEM
10-10:50 a.m. Listening and Pronunciation
11-11:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
12:10-1 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Davis Farmer's Market - Thursday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Hot Topics in STEM
10-10:50 a.m. Listening and Pronunciation
11-11:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
12:10-1 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Global Cafe - Friday
- 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Weekly site visit, workshop or guest presentation
Program schedule can vary. Classes may be scheduled during the afternoon in summer. Site visits have included Genentech, Novzymes, Schilling Robotics, UC Davis Northern California Nanotechnology Center, Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology, California Energy Commission, IDEO, the Plug and Play Tech Center, California Fuel Cell Partnership, Hewlett-Packard and the Intel Museum, the Aerospace Museum of California and the California Academy of Sciences.
