Your Guide to a Stress-Free Study Abroad Experience at UC Davis
Studying abroad is an exciting adventure that offers opportunities for academic, professional and personal growth. But uncertainty about safety, the value of the program, cultural differences, visa issues and housing can be a lot to worry about. We can help!
Here’s our guide to help reduce your stress and prepare to study abroad, so you can make the most of your international education at UC Davis.
You’re in Safe Hands
When it comes to safety, Davis ranks among California’s safest cities. A true college town, Davis boasts a friendly and welcoming community with students representing more than 50% of the population. Our students thrive here.
Downtown is just a few short blocks from campus. College students fill up the tables at nearby restaurants and coffee shops with their laptops, homework and friends.
“Davis has a small-town feel, and a safe and clean environment, so it is an ideal place for students, especially for international students,” said Ryotaro Okada, a Global Study Program student from Japan. “Students can focus on studying and enjoying what life has to offer without constantly worrying about their safety.”
Davis’ student-friendly transportation is also reassuring. You don’t need a car to get around. You can easily get to and from classes and local places in town by foot, bike or bus. Bicycling is the No. 1 mode of transportation at UC Davis, and Unitrans—the student-run bus system—provides service around campus and to the entire city.
Do Your Best Work at a Hub for International Scholars
UC Davis is a tier-one research university and highly ranked in the U.S. and the world. Whether you’re coming to Davis to enroll in credit-bearing classes, gain research experience in state-of-the-art laboratories or immerse yourself in American culture and improve your English fluency, our International Programs give you access to the extraordinary knowledge and expertise of one of the world’s premier colleges.
“As a science student, the advanced instruments in the UC Davis laboratories and the abundance of academic articles in the library helped me understand the chemical structures and properties of molecules,” said GSP student Tian Tian of China.
The UC Davis International Center, a multicultural learning center in the heart of campus, will be your home base. The center features classrooms, computer labs, advising offices and common areas for gathering during social events, orientations and just hanging out with friends.
The value of our programs extends beyond our world-class academics and facilities to the faculty and staff who want you to succeed.
“My goal is for our international students to thrive academically and culturally during their time with us,” said Kristina Carrizosa, program specialist managing Academic Preparation and Pathway Programs and Pre-College Programs.
Our students learn from highly qualified instructors who are experienced international education leaders and UC Davis faculty. Classes are small (normally 15-20 students) to provide a personalized experience, with one-on-one access to teachers, staff and UC Davis student assistants.
“My classes are hard,” said instructor Teresa Pargeter, a recipient of UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s Outstanding Service Award for Teaching. “But students will get a lot out of them. And I want to help them learn!”
We’ll Provide the Support to Succeed
Finalizing your visa documents, finding a place to live or figuring out medical insurance can be a lot to take on at once. With personal, high-touch support, we can help make the process as smooth as possible. Our experienced, friendly staff will guide you through every step of your journey and help you tackle any unanticipated issues that arise prior to or during your time abroad.
We provide immigration and visa advising to both F-1 and J-1 visa holders. Our Immigration Advisor Stephanie Palmer knows the challenges of navigating a new culture and language, so she ensures that students clearly understand visa regulations and how to maintain their immigration status.
“Many students and scholars have a lot of questions about the visa process after admission to a program, so I begin working with them as soon as they have been accepted,” said Stephanie. “I typically remain in constant contact with them through the first 30 days of their program or research project and am available to answer any visa or immigration questions they may have.”
While UC Davis is your home away from home, we are committed to providing thoughtful housing assistance. If you’re traveling abroad in the summer, UC Davis residence halls or dormitories (conveniently located on campus) are often open to international students. If you’ll be in Davis outside the summer months, we can help you with a homestay arrangement or provide resources for you to rent a room or apartment.
Our Housing Coordinator and Student Experience Advisor Lisa Whitaker has spent more than a decade developing ways to support the success of international students. She can work with students, guardians or their institution to answer questions related to housing, medical services, bike rentals and more. “I am available to assist in resolving any issue that arises,” said Lisa. “A stable and secure daily life helps students feel confident and ready to focus on their studies.”
Our programs also include daily activities, one-on-one interaction with UC Davis students and frequent social and cultural events, all geared to help you acclimate to your new surroundings and make lifelong friends. You’ll have plenty of time to connect with students from around the world, experience different cultures and traditions and expand your perspective.
“Being abroad is such a good experience,” said GSP student Ann-Katherine from Germany. “It shapes your character and your personality.”
It’s normal to be anxious about studying abroad but navigating the challenges and embracing the uncertainties are all part of the transformative experience—and you don’t have to do it alone. “I can strongly say that participating in this program was the best choice,” added Communication and Culture Programs student Jeongwon Yoo of Japan. “I will never forget this summer in Davis.”