Programs and Activities

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Program Overview

From International Cafés every quarter to Global Ambassador led holiday celebrations, there are ongoing opportunities to get involved and meet international and domestic students and scholars. SISS offers events, programs, and opportunities for international students, scholars, and families at UC Davis to explore the campus and the local community. If you are interested in a long-term volunteer commitment, read about the Global Ambassador Mentorship Program.

Programs Open to Everyone

International Café

SISS hosts two or more International Cafés each quarter. International Cafés are an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with international and domestic students and scholars! Help yourself to free light beverages and snacks and participate in the themed craft or activity. Join us at our future International Cafés! In collaboration with our campus partners, keep an eye out for our specially-themed International Cafés.

  • Check the Events page to see when the next International Café is happening 

Connections at International House Davis

International House Davis (I-House) has been greeting newcomers to the Davis area for more than five decades. Internationals and Americans meet weekly on Wednesday mornings at I-House from 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m. to socialize. Rooted in kindness and an interest in making friends from all over the world, International House members host an open-house with coffee, tea and baked goods. There is also a craft table and a children’s play area. New arrivals are greeted by friendly faces who can make adjusting to a new environment a pleasant adventure. You may even meet someone from your home country! Great for spouses, partners and dependents, all ages are welcome and there is no fee to join and no need to call ahead to attend. 

Language Exchange Programs

The UC Davis Language Center has programs designed to help native speakers of one language find native speakers of another to help one another in language learning. Through the Tandem Exchange Program you can conduct a search available language partners on the website.  

Undergraduate Student Programs

Global Ambassador Mentorship Program

The Global Ambassador Mentorship Program is designed to help new freshmen and transfer international students adjust and thrive on the UC Davis campus. The students who run the program, the Global Ambassadors, act as mentors and, most importantly as friends to help new international students excel in their new lives as UC Davis students. Participants will be able to share their culture and values with their mentor and receive support from them.

Foundations for University Success for International Students

This is a 2-unit course in which international students may register each quarter of their first year at UC Davis. This course is offered by the School of Education and co-sponsored by Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS). It provides new international students with the tools to succeed in their first year at UC Davis. Students study and discuss the issues that challenge all of us and explore their interests, both academically and personally.

Academic and Professional Development Workshops

What goals would you like to achieve while at UC Davis? How about after graduation? Whether it involves an internship, employment, or attending graduate school, join us in a series of workshops, specifically designed for international undergraduate students to gain the foundations for academic and professional success.

UC Davis PAL Program 

The Pal Program through the Office of Undergraduate Education, International and Academic English, pairs up UC Davis undergraduate students for intercultural conversation experiences. Participants can use these sessions to practice their target language, acquire intercultural competence, explore campus, and enrich their college experience. 

Graduate Student Programs

Certificate Seminar Series

Participate in our seminar series, an opportunity to meet and learn about some of the global leaders at UC Davis. Seminar guests will share their professional journey and career development, highlighting what it means to be a global leader and how to be successful in an increasingly international workplace. Limited seating available. Registration required.

Scholar Program and Activities 

Certificate Seminar Series

Participate in our seminar series, an opportunity to meet and learn about some of the global leaders at UC Davis. Seminar guests will share their professional journey and career development, highlighting what it means to be a global leader and how to be successful in an increasingly  international workplace. Limited seating available. Registration required.

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Activities Global Ambassador Certificate Seminar