Building English Skills and Lifelong Connections at UC Davis

For international students who want to improve their English while experiencing American university life, the Academic Engagement Track (AET) at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education International Programs offers an immersive pathway to do both. 

The academic preparation program helps students build language proficiency, develop academic skills and gain a deeper understanding of U.S. higher education — all while connecting with peers from around the world. 

For Ryusei, a student from Ritsumeikan University in Japan, AET offered the chance to pursue a longtime dream. 

“I had always wanted to visit and study in America,” he said. “My English level was not very high, so I joined the Academic Engagement Track.” 

Finding His Voice 

Ryusei just completed his second quarter in the program. While there were many other Japanese students in AET during his first quarter, his teachers encouraged him to use English by engaging him in classroom discussions. 

“My teachers often asked about my personal opinions and what I thought about different topics,” he said. “That was different from classes in Japan.” 

His second quarter in AET was much more diverse, with students from around the world, which motivated Ryusei to practice his English even more. 

“My English has definitely improved since coming here,” he said. “Now when I meet new people, I can talk more smoothly and keep the conversation going without running out of things to say.” 

While AET helped Ryusei improve his language skills and learn about U.S. education and culture in a structured setting, it was the conversations and relationships he built outside the classroom that helped him thrive. 

Building Connections Beyond the Classroom 

Ryusei met Yuzuki and Yuga, also from Ritsumeikan University, through sports and social clubs on campus. They each joined the Japanese American Student Society (JASS) and participated in Kaiwa Hour, a weekly Japanese-English conversation group. 

“We had special experiences that we could only have here and spent meaningful time together,” said Yuzuki. 

While the Japanese students quickly formed a close bond, it also became a starting point for stepping outside their comfort zones. Their relationship served as a foundation for making new friends and exploring the campus and beyond. 

“Through JASS, I met new people every week and made many new connections,” said Yuzuki, who even went snowboarding with friends he met through the club. 

Yuga also made new friends by spending time at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) on campus, where he started conversations with others and built friendships. 

Together, Yuga, Yuzuki and Ryusei have taken full advantage of UC Davis’ central location in California and the western United States, visiting destinations including the Grand Canyon, Seattle, Canada, Colorado, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. 

“Since coming to UC Davis, I have become more proactive about talking with people I don’t know,” said Yuga. “I realized how important it is to connect with others.” 

Taking Lessons Home 

For Yuga, immersing himself in campus life and improving his language skills has inspired him to think beyond academics and consider how his time at UC Davis might influence the next chapter of his life. 

“When I return to Japan, I hope to have a job where I can use English,” he said. 

Yuga’s advice to other international students considering studying at UC Davis: actively communicate with local students and join clubs or campus activities. 

For Ryusei, Yuga and Yuzuki, their time in the Academic Engagement Track has been about far more than improving their English. It has been an opportunity to build confidence, explore new places and form friendships that span cultures. 

As they prepare to return to Japan, the lessons and memories from their time at UC Davis will stay with them long after the program ends.