Prepare for a Global Future in STEM
This online program brings a high-quality international learning experience to students—no matter where they are in the world. The synchronous, online Interdisciplinary STEM Seminar (I-STEM) is an intensive, remote-instruction program designed to provide students with the knowledge and English-language skills to confidently communicate in the fields of business, science and technology. In addition to STEM concepts, students will be introduced to entrepreneurship as an important part of the rapidly developing world of technology. This enriching program offers international undergraduate students a unique opportunity to prepare for a future in STEM, while improving their English-language abilities.
Program Benefits
This comprehensive program builds language and professional skills, such as critical and analytical thinking. Students will also develop oral presentation and intercultural communication skills to succeed in English-speaking technical environments. Participants will:
- Enhance understanding of the power of ideas in science and technology that are changing people’s lives around the world
- Increase awareness of current issues in applied science and technology and new businesses in emerging technologies
- Explore ethics and leadership in science and technology
- Improve analytical skills by reading scientific and technical articles, listening to lectures, watching audiovisual programs and discussing current research
- Improve technical English vocabulary, literacy and discussion skills
- Strengthen your literacy and discussion skills
- 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). It includes 4 hours of online, synchronous instruction each day, plus additional asynchronous work. The program is open to students with a low-intermediate or higher English level who are looking for an intensive learning experience in a short-time frame. Participants must have a high-school diploma or be at least 18 years old to enroll in this program.
- 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
Program Requirements
The minimum English language requirement for the Interdisciplinary STEM Seminar 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
Student Recommended
100% of students would recommend the program
According to a recent student survey
Program Courses
Courses are designed to provide students with a perspective of how modern developments in science and technology continue to affect the entire world in a complex, interdisciplinary way. As future scientists, engineers or STEM-related entrepreneurs, students will build essential professional expertise and soft skills, such as interpersonal skills, communication skills and social skills, which will help them become balanced professionals. Courses include:
- Hot Topics in STEM
- Improve analytical skills by reading articles, listening to lectures, watching audiovisual programs and discussing current research
Develop critical thinking skills
Discuss and appreciate the power of ideas in science and technology that are changing people’s lives and the world - Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- 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 - Listening Comprehension and Pronunciation
- Improve pronunciation skills through directed practice
Strengthen listening comprehension with dictation, close exercises, note-taking and other activities
Focus on frequently used vocabulary and expressions in science and technology - 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 lecture at the end of each week. These lectures will be followed by discussion sections where UC Davis student assistants will lead small group discussions to enhance students’ understanding of the lectures.
Weekly special lectures
Conversation clubs with UC Davis students each week
Weekly discussion sessions
Sample Schedule (4-week online synchronous program)
- Monday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
6-6:50 p.m. Listening and Pronunciation
7-7:50 p.m. Hot Topics in STEM - Tuesday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
6-6:50 p.m. Listening and Pronunciation
7-7:50 p.m. Hot Topics in STEM - Wednesday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
6-6:50 p.m. Listening and Pronunciation
7-7:50 p.m. Hot Topics in STEM - Thursday
- 4-5:50 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
6-6:50 p.m. Listening and Pronunciation
7-7:50 p.m. Hot Topics in STEM - Friday
- 4-7:50 p.m. Guest speaker and conversation practice with UC Davis student assistants
Program schedule can vary.
