Innovation and Design Thinking for a Globalized World
Our world has become increasingly more interconnected, and so have the economic and social challenges we face as a global community. Designed for international undergraduate students interested in entrepreneurship, this program focuses on analyzing current issues affecting our society and finding creative solutions through design thinking. To further enhance students’ global awareness and understanding of the global market, students will compare and contrast U.S. and other cultures. They will also examine the critical role that entrepreneurship plays in driving the international economy forward, while building English-language fluency and developing essential soft skills for the business world.
Program Benefits
Located at the crossroads of three (San Francisco, San Jose/Silicon Valley and Sacramento) tech hubs in the United States, Davis is a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. In this dynamic program, students will develop critical skills to apply to complex business problems and improve intercultural communication skills to promote ethics and succeed in an international business environment. Participants will gain:
- Access to a world-class university known for its innovative research in areas of energy, bio-tech and bio-medical fields
- Understanding of current topics in international business
- Collaboration, leadership, problem solving and creative thinking skills
- Connections to UC Davis faculty, industry experts and entrepreneurs from sustainability and high-tech industries
- Increased ability to think critically and analytically about business cases and readings
- 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
- Visits to local companies and presentations from entrepreneurial experts
- Small class size (about 15-20 students) for high interaction among instructors and students
- Highly qualified and experienced teachers
- Technology-driven classrooms, including a multimedia learning center
- Daily recreational, cultural and social activities with UC Davis student leaders
- Optional weekend trips may include Yosemite National Park, Napa Valley, San Francisco and Los Angeles
- No F-1 Visa required
Dates and Fees
- Summer 2026: August 7-September 4, 2026
- Winter Session I 2027: January 8-February 5, 2027
- Winter Session II 2027: February 12-March 12, 2027
- Summer Session I 2027: July 2-30, 2027
- Summer Session II 2027: August 9-September 3, 2027
- Winter Session I 2028: January 7-February 4, 2028
- Winter Session II 2028: February 11-March 10, 2028
- Summer Session I 2028: July 3-28, 2028
- Summer Session II 2028: August 7-September 1, 2028
- 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 Entrepreneurship and International Business 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 weekly presentations from guest speakers and site visits to local companies, allow students to communicate directly with experts. Students also practice English once a week in class with UC Davis conversation leaders. Courses include:
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- Learn about the initial phase of research and development, followed by beta testing
Gain skills to analyze business and market trends, data and reports
Evaluate various business situations
Discuss recommended courses of action
Engage in role-play to stimulate practical learning
Consider flexibility in searching for a career - Problem Solving through Design Thinking
- Tackle complex problems by framing the issue through soft skills
Understand a non-linear design-thinking approach
Nurture teamwork and leadership through an interactive process
Identify creative solutions that cater to human needs - Intercultural Research Project
- Learn to make effective oral and visual presentations in English
Design and conduct effective research interviews
Collect, organize and analyze data
Enhance collaborative and leadership skills - Hot Topics in International Business
- Improve critical thinking and analytical skills by reading articles, watching talks and engaging in guided discussions on international business themes
Understand transnational and cross-cultural management issues
Learn current approaches to innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship that are changing the future of the business world - Weekly Site Visit or Guest Presentation
- Enhance knowledge of innovation and sustainability in business practices and entrepreneurship through presentations, workshops and/or site visits to local companies
Communicate directly with experts and professionals
Sample Schedule
- Monday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
10-10:50 a.m. Hot Topics in International Business
11-11:50 a.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
12:10-1 p.m. Problem Solving through Design Thinking
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Exploring Davis - Tuesday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
10-10:50 a.m. Hot Topics in International Business
11-11:50 a.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
12:10-1 p.m. Problem Solving through Design Thinking
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Conversation Club - Wednesday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
10-10:50 a.m. Hot Topics in International Business
11-11:50 a.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
12:10-1 p.m. Problem Solving through Design Thinking
1-2 p.m. Lunch
2-4 p.m. Davis Farmers' Market - Thursday
- 9-9:50 a.m. Intercultural Research Project
10-10:50 a.m. Hot Topics in International Business
11-11:50 a.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
12:10-1 p.m. Problem Solving through Design Thinking
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 local small businesses, large businesses and start-ups: Steady Eddy’s Coffee Shop (Winters, CA), Turkovich Winery (Winters, CA), The Hive (Woodland, CA), The Yummy Cookie (Roseville, CA), Japan Innovation Campus (Palo Alto, CA), Davis Craft and Vintage Fair (Davis, CA), UC Davis Coffee Center and UC Davis Start-Up Center.
