Improve Your Cross-Cultural Understanding and Conversational Fluency
The online Global Awareness and Intercultural Communication Seminar (GAIC) is a comprehensive, remote-instruction program designed to provide students with an intensive and communicative learning experience. This enriching program offers international undergraduates a unique opportunity to enhance their understanding of U.S. culture and society, while improving their English-language abilities from their home country.
Program Benefits
The program curriculum focuses on understanding the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they can take action to make a difference. Students will also learn current trends in American culture and compare it to their own cultures, while engaging in synchronous English-language discussion sessions. Participants will:
- Improve analytical skills by reading articles, listening to lectures, watching audiovisual programs and discussing current research
- Develop English vocabulary and literacy skills
- Strengthen discussion, fluency and conversational skills
- Learn to be global citizens by analyzing the SDGs
- Enhance understanding of social and cultural movements that are changing people’s lives in the U.S.
- Expand knowledge about future career choices
Program Details
This two- or four-week, remote-learning program is offered twice a year (summer and winter according to the U.S. academic calendar). The program is open to students of all English levels who want an intensive learning experience in a short-time frame without leaving home. Participants must have a high-school diploma or be at least 18 years old to enroll in this program.
- Includes 79.2 hours of synchronous learning plus 64-70 hours of asynchronous work (1 hour = 50 minutes)
- Highly qualified and experienced teachers
- No F-1 Visa required
- Synchronous instruction via Zoom
- Asynchronous instruction via the Canvas Learning Management System
- UC Davis students as conversation partners
- Live weekly lectures and discussion seminars
Dates and Fees
- Summer 2026 (2-Week Option): August 17-28, 2026
- Summer 2026 (4-Week Option): August 17-September 11, 2026
Dates are subject to change
- Tuition (2-Week Option): $900
- Tuition (4-Week Option): $1,500
- Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
All fees are subject to change
Student Recommended
100% of students would recommend the program
According to a recent student survey
Program Courses
Courses are designed to improve students’ linguistic skills and develop their critical thinking and analytical skills through dynamic discussions of various cultural and social topics. Students will also expand their soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, communication skills and social skills. Students will engage in homework, assignments and discussion sessions through Canvas and are expected to spend one hour per class day on homework. Courses include:
- Hot Topics in American Culture
- 16 hours/synchronous
Increase your knowledge of American values and attitudes, institutions, history and culture through current “hot topics” in American culture
Experience the importance of cross-cultural understanding through a variety of activities such as discussions, projects and presentations
Improve critical thinking skills - Global Awareness through Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs)
- 32 hours/synchronous
Understand the importance of approaching SDGs as members of the global community
Develop the mindset of global competencies as global citizens
Deepen an understanding of today’s complex world in relation to cultural, social, political and global contexts - Intercultural Communication Skills
- 16 hours/synchronous
Improve intercultural, social and academic oral communication skills
Learn how to engage in a Q & A sessions
Improve use of eye contact, posture, gestures and voice (including pronunciation)
Quickly organize and deliver impromptu speeches
Learn to respect various points of view - Weekly Lecture Series
To widen students’ horizons, content experts from various fields, including professors, researchers, graduate students, business professionals and local leaders, will offer a weekly lecture series on Fridays. These lectures will be followed by discussion sessions where UC Davis student assistants will lead small group discussions to enhance students’ understanding of the lectures.
4 Special Lectures (7.2 hours/synchronous)
4 Conversation Clubs (4 hours/synchronous)
4 Discussion Sessions with UC Davis Student Assistants (4 hours/synchronous embedded in Hot Topics in Culture and Intercultural Communication Skills)
Sample Schedule (4-week online synchronous program)
- Monday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Intercultural Communication Skills
6-6:50 p.m. Hot Topics in American Culture
7-7:50 p.m. Global Awareness through Sustainable Development Goal - Tuesday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Intercultural Communication Skills
6-6:50 p.m. Hot Topics in American Culture
7-7:50 p.m. Global Awareness through Sustainable Development Goal - Wednesday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Intercultural Communication Skills
6-6:50 p.m. Hot Topics in American Culture
7-7:50 p.m. Global Awareness through Sustainable Development Goal - Thursday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Intercultural Communication Skills
6-6:50 p.m. Hot Topics in American Culture
7-7:50 p.m. Global Awareness through Sustainable Development Goal - Friday
- 4-7:50 p.m. Guest speaker and conversation practice with UC Davis student assistants
Program schedule can vary.
