Business Beyond Borders

Learn about Business on a Local and Global Stage

Designed for international high school students ages 15–17 who want to explore business and entrepreneurship, this program invites learners to examine real-world issues shaping our society and to develop innovative solutions to local and global business challenges.

UC Davis offers practical expertise, distinguished instructors and a beautiful California campus located near the world’s leading hub of technology and innovation—San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Students gain unparalleled access to real business environments, industry professionals and hands-on learning experiences. This immersive program empowers students to expand their skills, broaden their perspectives and grow beyond their expectations.

Program Benefits

In this engaging and dynamic program, students will apply their critical and creative thinking skills to business problems and improve communication skills to find ethical solutions while learning about what is needed to succeed in an international business environment.

The program features:

• Current topics in international business
• Opportunities to develop collaboration, leadership, problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Interactions with local small business owners

Program Details

This two- or four-week summer program features 16 hours of instruction per week and includes a weekly site visit or guest lecture focused on global business, entrepreneurship and design thinking. Delivered through an interactive, English-medium instruction (EMI) curriculum, the program is designed specifically for international high school students.

Classes

The program includes two courses in 2-week program and four courses in 4-week program.

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship
• Problem Solving through Creative Thinking
• Hot Topics in International Business
• Intercultural Research Project.

Unique Learning Opportunities

Business Beyond Borders combines classroom instruction, site visits, guest lectures and workshops, offering exposure to Northern California’s innovation ecosystem—including Silicon Valley visits such as Meta, Google, Apple and Salesforce, as well as and regional excursions. (Site visits are subject to change.) Participants in Business Beyond Borders also have the opportunity to interact with UC Davis students during organized activities.

Skills You Will Gain

• Collaboration and leadership skills
• Creative problem solving
• Intercultural communication
• Ethical decision-making in international business contexts

English Language Requirement 

The minimum English language requirement for non-ESL, content-based programs is CEFR level B1+/B2- (intermediate to high intermediate). 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