International High School Students Get a Head Start on College Success

For international students dreaming of studying at a U.S. university, the journey to academic success begins long before they set foot on campus. This winter, high school students from China took that first step by attending the U.S. College Study Skills program at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education-International. 

Through a longstanding partnership with Gowell Education, UC Davis welcomed 63 high school students into the classroom, helping them gain the confidence and skills to succeed in higher education. Designed to equip students with essential academic skills, College Study Skills provides a unique opportunity to experience campus life at a world-class university and earn two college credits—all before they even graduate high school. 

Beyond its rigorous curriculum, College Study Skills provides an immersive experience that bridges cultures and prepares students for the academic challenges ahead. As one of the few international youth programs at UC Davis International Programs that grants college credit, College Study Skills stands out as a transformative learning opportunity for students with global ambitions. 

The Value of College Study Skills 

Succeeding in college requires the right skills to navigate coursework, manage time effectively and work collaboratively. That’s where the College Study Skills program comes in. Designed to prepare international high school students (ages 14-17) for the academic demands of college life, the program focuses on equipping students with foundational skills that will serve them well no matter where they choose to study. 

The program covers a range of topics, including: 

• College-level writing skills to communicate effectively in an academic setting 
• Effective study habits, including notetaking and test preparation strategies to retain information, organize notes and approach exams with confidence 
• Discussion and leadership skills for collaborative learning and working in teams 
• How to be an active listener, including giving feedback and conflict resolution 
• Time management skills, including prioritizing, setting goals and avoiding procrastination 
• Critical thinking and analysis for evaluating different perspectives and developing independent thought 
• Ethical internet practices, including how to research and cite online sources to avoid plagiarism 

By the end of the two-week program, students leave with a strong foundation in these core areas, giving them an academic advantage as they take their next steps toward higher education. The added benefit of earning two units of UC Davis academic credit makes College Study Skills a unique opportunity for students who want to get a head start on their university journey. 

A Sister Program to Summer Academy 

U.S. College Study Skills and UC Davis Summer Academy share a common goal: to prepare students for academic success. Both programs provide immersive learning experiences at a Tier 1 research university and equip international high schoolers with the tools they need to thrive in a college environment. However, they serve slightly different purposes and audiences. 

• Summer Academy is a more intensive, three-week residential program that incorporates College Study Skills but adds a strong emphasis on college application preparation, particularly writing personal statements for U.S. university applications. 
• College Study Skills is a more flexible, two-week program offered in both winter and summer, focusing on essential study techniques that benefit students regardless of where they plan to apply for college. 

Inside the Classroom: Insights from an Instructor 

Students participating in College Study Skills are given a unique opportunity to experience a college-level classroom environment firsthand. One of the program’s instructors, Amna Abunijem, has seen firsthand how the program transforms students’ academic habits and confidence. 

“The College Study Skills class has been such an amazing class to teach because it gives high school students the opportunity to get a glimpse into college life,” Amna said. “I wish I had a similar class in high school! I went into college with very little information about how to be a successful college student.” 

One of the most impactful lessons Amna uses in her classroom is an exercise in active listening and communication. Students are split into two groups, with one group instructed to practice poor listening habits—looking at their phones, avoiding eye contact and failing to engage in conversation. The other group experiences the frustration of not being heard. 

“This activity gives students a real-life experience with bad communication,” she explained. “I’ve noticed a significant improvement in their attentiveness during class after this activity. I hope it has a lasting impact on them as they progress through college and beyond.” 

Through engaging coursework and interactive exercises like this, students walk away from College Study Skills with more than just academic strategies—they develop confidence in their ability to navigate college and succeed in a new learning environment. 

Set the Foundation for Academic Success 

The U.S. College Study Skills program is an invaluable experience for international students looking to build a strong academic foundation before entering college. By focusing on core academic study skills, students gain tools that will benefit them throughout their educational journey and a newfound confidence in their academic performance. 

As UC Davis International Programs continues to foster global education and expand opportunities for international students, programs like College Study Skills play a critical role in shaping the next generation of scholars. 

This article was kickstarted by AI and handcrafted to completion by the marketing staff at UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education, who are responsible for the final product. By combining technology and human expertise, the article is accurate, engaging (at least we hope you think so!), and written efficiently.