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. Participants will:
- Explore current topics in international business
- Develop collaboration, leadership, problem-solving and creative thinking skills
- Interact with local small business owners
- Build intercultural communication skills
- Practice ethical decision-making in international business contexts
- Interact with UC Davis students during organized activities
Program Details
This two-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.
- Small classes (about 15-20 students in most cases)
- Highly qualified and experienced instructors
- Technology-driven classrooms, including educational technology and AI
- Daily recreational, cultural and social activities with UC Davis student leaders
- Optional weekend trips may include Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and Los Angeles
Dates and Fees
- Winter Session 2027: January 25-February 5, 2027
- Summer Session I 2027: July 5-16, 2027
- Summer Session II 2027: July 19-30, 2027
- Winter Session 2028: January 10-21, 2028
- Summer Session I 2028: July 3-14, 2028
- Summer Session II 2028: July 17-28, 2028
- Program Fee: $1,200 (does not include housing)
- Application Fee: $100 (nonrefundable)
All fees are subject to change
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
Program Courses
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- Designed to help the students understand entrepreneurship and innovation, this course introduces vocabulary and frameworks related to business plans and management. Students will also focus on concepts of innovation and how it relates to entrepreneurship. Finally, the course will help students understand the basics of what it takes to start and maintain a business and work in teams to create a business plan.
- Problem-Solving through Creative Thinking
- In this class students will learn to solve business and organizational problems through creative thinking. Conduct a business needs assessment.They will develop a creative mindset which allows them to seek innovative solutions rather than quick fixes and identify creative solutions that cater to human needs. Throughout the course, they will tackle problems by framing the issue through soft skills such as visualization, brainstorming and collaboration. Students will also have opportunities to nurture teamwork and leadership skills by working together on real-world project challenges and applying creative thinking skills to build innovations and look for solutions to significant problems.
Sample Schedule
Week 1
- Monday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Welcome and Campus Tour
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship - Tuesday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Free Time
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Problem Solving through Creative Thinking - Wednesday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Guest Speaker
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship - Thursday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Exploring Davis
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Problem Solving through Creative Thinking - Friday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Visit to local business
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Free time - Saturday
- Trip to Sacramento
- Sunday
- Host Family Day
Week 2
- Monday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Visit to local business
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship - Tuesday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Summer Youth Mixer
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Problem Solving through Creative Thinking - Wednesday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Bowling at Memorial Union
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship - Thursday
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Visit to local business
12-1 p.m. Lunch
1-5 p.m. Problem Solving through Creative Thinking - Friday
- 9-11 a.m. Free time on campus
11 a.m. Certificate Ceremony
7 p.m. Departure
Program schedule can vary. Site visits may include Meta, Google, Apple and Salesforce, as well as and regional excursions. Site visits are subject to change.
