Summer Study Abroad Students Thrive at UC Davis

This summer, the UC Davis campus was bustling with more than 160 students from Japan, China, South Korea, Colombia, Peru and Yemen. They came to participate in UC Davis International Programs’ summer Academic Preparation and Pathway Programs, which included 75 students in the 10-week Academic Engagement Program and 90 students in the four-week short-term programs—Communication and Culture, English for Global Business and English for Science and Technology.  

With so many students taking advantage of the opportunity to once again study abroad in person, the atmosphere this summer at the UC Davis International Center was full of excitement and energy. It was an unforgettable experience for these students, many of whom had never been away from their home country before.  

“I can strongly say that participating in this program was the best choice. I will never forget this summer in Davis,” said Jeongwon Yoo, a Communication and Culture student from Japan.  

“I have never seen such a huge campus like UC Davis before! Davis is a very safe place and has great access to both nature and nearby cities. The weather is nice—there is no humidity—and, more importantly, I enjoyed your great hospitality,” said Shuhei Wakayama, a student chaperone from Ritsumeikan University.  

Experiential Learning

In the classroom, students engaged in dynamic activities such as group discussions, experiential learning, special events and interactions with UC Davis undergraduates. Students in the short-term programs also benefited from site visits to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis, Exploratorium in San Francisco and a virtual tour of Amazon, as well as presentations from guest speakers, including directors from the UC Davis Student Startup Center and International Student Services of Global Affairs, UC Davis professor emeritus of materials science, and other faculty members and local professionals. On weekends, many of the students took advantage of Davis’ central location to participate in optional field trips to Yosemite National Park and Los Angeles provided by California Tours.   

“I’m so appreciative of my teachers,” said English for Global Business student Jisu Chung of South Korea. “I learned much more than I thought I would. All the classes were informative and instructive.”  

During their participation in the Academic Preparation and Pathway Programs, students improved their academic and linguistic skills in an immersive English environment and also developed global competencies and intercultural communication skills. The personal, academic and professional skills gained will help them succeed in their undergraduate education and beyond.     

“Studying abroad in the U.S. has easily been the best decision of not just my career, but also my life.” said Tsukiho Suzuki, a Communication and Culture student from Japan. “The benefit to studying abroad is the opportunity to discover yourself, while gaining an understanding of a different culture. I realized I wasn’t so weak and had enough power to survive in a new country. I would like to use my strength to overcome any situation with a positive attitude and turn adversity into an exciting challenge in the future.”  

A Life-Changing Opportunity

During an emotional graduation ceremony, students expressed gratitude for their time in Davis, and reflected on what they had learned. Many shared about how inclusive and welcoming their host families were, the friends they made from other countries and the experience of traveling throughout California. But perhaps the biggest takeaway for many, was what they had learned about themselves and how they had grown during their study abroad experience. Students echoed sentiments of new-found independence and confidence, as well as the desire to try new things and to continue learning.  

In a moving speech, Hitomi Shimamura, a receptionist from Japan who participated in the Academic Engagement Program, shared that prior to coming to UC Davis she was very self-conscious, but her experience here changed that. “Even though I’m not that good at speaking English, no one laughed at me. The peaceful climate made me forget my busy life in Tokyo, and I could see things with a fresh mind,” she explained. “My teacher taught me the importance of not being afraid of making mistakes. My classmates motivated me a lot and my host family encouraged me. Every single experience I had here gave me confidence. Making myself understood in English is still difficult for me, but thanks to all the people I’ve met here, I have increased my self-esteem.”