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Interdisciplinary STEM Seminar

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Student Recommended

100% of students would recommend the course

According to a recent student survey


Remote Program

Prepare for a Global Future in STEM

Our online program brings a high-quality international learning experience to students—no matter where they are in the world. Our 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.

Create a Custom Group Program

All of our Short-Term Content-Based Programs can be customized to fit your needs. For more information on how to set up a custom, content-based program, contact Xin Chen at [email protected].

Program Benefits

This comprehensive program builds language and professional skills, such as critical and analytical thinking, as well as oral presentation and intercultural communication skills that empower students to succeed in English-speaking technical environments. The entrepreneurial, educational and professional focus of the program provides long-term value that will increase academic and employment opportunities for students seeking further education and careers in science, technology and engineering.

  • Enhance your 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 examine 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
  • Develop technical English vocabulary
  • Strengthen your literacy and discussion skills
  • Expand your knowledge about future career choices

Program Details

This two- or four-week, remote-learning program is offered twice a year (summer and winter) and 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.

  • 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
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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.

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

Minimum English Eligibility Requirement

The minimum English language requirement for the Interdisciplinary STEM Seminar 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

Participants must have a high-school diploma or be at least 18 years old to enroll in this program.