International Programs

Intensive Short Course on English Language, California Agriculture, & Graduate School Preparation

2017-04-13

I. INTRODUCTION

The University of California, Davis is pleased to present this proposal to deliver a customized program in California agriculture and preparation for US graduate school for students at Huazhong Agricultural University for three weeks in Davis, California.

GOALS:

The primary goals of the proposed training program are to provide an intensive short course on the following topics to students from Huazhong Agricultural University:

Ø To improve English language skills, particularly conversational and public-speaking skills

Ø To develop a better understanding of US culture and society

Ø To acquire an introductory knowledge of select topics in California agriculture and environmental issues, including global warming, food safety and security, and postharvest production issues

Ø To learn about California agriculture through visits to key facilities and farms in northern California

Ø To gain a competitive edge in applying for US graduate programs, including learning about the UC Davis graduate programs and the admission process for US graduate schools, and obtaining basic preparation for the GRE examination

Ø To experience the rich cultural and recreational activities in northern California, including the city of Davis, Sacramento (the state capitol), and San Francisco.

II. STRATEGIC CONTEXT: THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AND CHINA

With over 200,000 students, ten campuses, three Department of Energy National Laboratories, and five academic medical centers, the University of California is unrivalled by other universities in the quality and scope of its research and education programs. The University’s academic quality is built on the foundation of distinguished faculty, outstanding students, a world-class education, and internationally acclaimed research breakthroughs. UC’s 49 Nobel Prizes, 56 National Medals of Science, and 358 members of the National Academy of Sciences are unmatched by any other institution, public or private.

As a system, the University of California has enjoyed an unparalleled array of interactions with Chinese academic institutions, including research collaborations in a wide variety of fields, from science and engineering, to agriculture, medicine, business and the humanities. Thousands of Chinese scholars have earned degrees and served as visiting scientists at UC campuses, and UC alumni have gone on to make important contributions to Chinese society. Chinese students and scholars have, in turn, contributed very significantly to the quality of UC research and education, and hence to economic development in the state of California.

III. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

The University of California, Davis is one of the ten campuses of the University of California, which is considered the premier US university system in the US. UC Davis is a Tier One research university and ranks 9^th among US public universities in research funding. The University of California, Davis is considered a leader in interdisciplinary research and study. Several of its key research initiatives explore new energy technologies and how to make traditional energy sources more efficient. The campus is poised for pre-eminence in energy and water, energy and agriculture, and energy and the environment.

The University of California, Davis is the most comprehensive of the ten UC campuses with 4 colleges, 5 professional schools, 103 academic programs, and 86 graduate programs. UC Davis awards more bachelor’s and doctor’s degrees in science than any other US institution.

UC Davis is a global campus. It is deeply committed to international education. The UC Davis International Initiative strongly emphasizes international and domestic engagement. UC Davis places a strong emphasis on graduate education and research opportunities. UC Davis draws graduate students and researchers from all over the world. The university hosted more than 5,500 international scholars and students in 2012/13. It has a significant undergraduate exchange program with top tier universities throughout the world.

IV. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS EXTENSION’S CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

　　　　　 UC Davis Extension is the professional and continuing educational division of the University of California. UC Davis Extension creates a bridge between the university's academic knowledge and the working world of professionals. The mission of UC Davis Extension is to provide education that transforms people's lives.

UC Davis Extension’s Center for International Education offers robust international scholar and student programs, as well as customized training programs for government agencies and professions. Clients include leading international universities, such as Zhejiang University, National Taiwan University, Ewha Womans University, and other leading universities.

V. SHORT-TERM Program for HUAZHONG AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

This three-week intensive course will provide selected students from Huazhong Agricultural University training on the following topical areas:

1.　　 Fundamental Introductory Concepts in California Agriculture

Lectures will be taught by UC Davis emeritus faculty, UC Davis faculty (if available), and/or advanced graduate students.