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Finding Your Global Community

Welcome!

Whether you are a continuing or incoming international student, a current scholar or new to UC Davis, we are here to support you and help you find your Global Aggies community so you feel at home.

You are a part of a vibrant global community of students, scholars, faculty, and staff from more than 140 countries. There are countless ways for you to learn from expert faculty, take your interests and skills to the next level, and form lifelong friendships. See below for programs, events and resources. 

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Programs and Events

Explore Programs and Events

SISS Events and Programs

Scholar Coffee Breaks

Connect with other international scholars at the monthly SISS Scholar Coffee Break. Whether you are new to campus or have been here for several months, international scholars are invited to join SISS in this welcoming and virtual space. Find upcoming dates on the SISS Events Calendar.

Global Ambassadors Mentorship Program and Events

The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to help incoming first-year and incoming transfer international undergraduate students successfully adjust to life at UC Davis. Through peer mentorship and participation in social events, first-year and transfer undergraduate international students make connections with new friends and find a welcoming global community at UC Davis.

  • First-year and new transfer international undergraduate students can request to be matched with a peer mentor during their first quarter. Applications to get mentorship as a mentee open in the summer through fall quarter.
  • Current international undergraduate students can become mentors! Mentors deepen intercultural leadership skills, develop programming, and join a diverse cohort of peer mentors. Applications open at the beginning of the winter quarter.
  • Global Ambassador Mentorship Program events are open to all international undergraduate students. Keep up to date on events by subscribing to the SISS Newsletter and checking the SISS events calendar.

Learn more about the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program and how to become a mentor or mentee.

Pal Program

The Pal Program pairs UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Sessions are at least one hour per week, and participants can use these opportunities to increase their intercultural awareness, learn about a target language, and develop friendships. Registration is available each quarter. Participants can also choose to earn credit toward graduation while enjoying the benefits of the Pal Program.

Events and Programs from Campus and Community Partners

ASUCD

ASUCD is the UC Davis student government. It provides programs and services to students based on four pillars: basic services, media, advocacy, and social. Within ASUCD is the Office of the International Student Representative, which advocates for initiatives on campus that improve awareness, understanding and advocacy for issues affecting international students at UC Davis.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)

Find student organizations and clubs, and discover a community of support and friendship. The UC Davis Center for Student Involvement (CSI) empowers students to get involved and develop a sense of belonging while discovering their passion. Find student organizations that share your interests (or discover new interests) and learn about their events. Find a student organization or club and get involved.

Campus Recreation 

Campus Recreation staff help keep you fit in body and mind wherever you are. Check out upcoming Campus Recreation events, both virtual and on campus, that will help connect you to other Aggies!

Center for Leadership Learning (CLL)

The Center for Leadership Learning Leadership Essentials Workshop Series is an opportunity to strengthen your leadership skills and knowledge and build peer and mentor connections. Open and free of charge to all undergraduate students, workshops are held throughout the quarter. Visit the CLL upcoming events page for the most up-to-date information.

Campus Community Book Project

In support of our featured theme and selection, the Campus Community Book Project organizes a year-long program of lectures, panels, workshops, book discussions, film screenings, exhibits, performances, and more at UC Davis, UC Davis Health, and in our local Davis and Sacramento communities. 

First-Year Aggie Connections

First Year Aggie Connections groups up to 25 first-year and new transfer students together based on shared purpose, interest, or theme. Connections meet regularly for one academic quarter and are led by staff or faculty facilitators who are passionate about the themed topics. Most connections are social opportunities and do not bear academic credit; a few connections offer one unit of academic credit for participation.

Club-I

Club International (Club-I) from International House Davis is a group of international and American students that plan activities throughout the year, including cultural dinners, potlucks and parties. They meet every Friday evening, usually somewhere in Davis, to socialize and have fun. Whether it’s a delicious meal or a trip, email the Club-I coordinator at [email protected] or join their Facebook group for more information. Watch a video and learn more about Club-I!

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New Student Orientation

International Student Orientation

Congratulations and welcome to our UC Davis community! All orientation events for new international students and scholars for the fall will be virtual. Visit our international student orientation webpages for all the details to complete orientation requirements, to find resources to help adjust to life in the U.S., and to access campus resources remotely.

Resource Videos 

Learn more about City of Davis and UC Davis campus resources:

  • Safety: the City of Davis Police Department and UC Davis Police Department explain about safety in the City of Davis and on campus.
  • Unitrans Bus System: learn how to use the Unitrans bus system in Davis, including where to catch the bus and how much the fare will be.
  • Biking: Davis is a bike-friendly city and campus. Learn about the importance of bike safety, what kind of bike to get, and how to get around campus and the city.
  • UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP): if you have the UC SHIP health insurance policy, this video provides more details on how to access these services and their associated costs.
  • U.S. Healthcare 101: get an overview of the U.S. health care system and how to access health services in Davis.

See the full YouTube playlist for SISS videosTrouble watching the videos? Don't forget to sign into the UC Davis VPN through the Library.

Watch the Event for Families of New Undergraduate Students

Family members of new undergraduate students can view a recording of the virtual Q&A event, How to Support Your Student. Hear from a panel of advisors about how parents and family members can help support their student during their studies, whether at Davis or in their home country. This session was designed for parents and family members of new undergraduate students. 

Campus Orientation for All New Students

Undergraduates can visit the UC Davis Orientation page for more details about the comprehensive orientation experience for all new UC Davis undergraduate students.

Graduate students can learn more about the Graduate Student Orientation event from Graduate Studies, an intensive social and academic overview for new graduate students.