Graduate International Connection
Graduate International Connection (GIC) is an exceptional peer-to-peer mentoring program exclusively designed to support incoming international students at UCI. As a GIC participant, you will be assigned a knowledgeable peer mentor who will provide guidance via email throughout the summer. They will share valuable information and personal experiences to help ease your transition to life at UCI.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, GIC offers a range of in-person or remote activities and student panels during the summer and Fall Quarter. These activities are an excellent opportunity for you to connect with other students, learn more about the campus, and build a supportive network.
We have met capacity for GIC mentorship this year but for students incoming for the 2024-2025 academic year, please check back in April for registration information.
Exciting news! The GIC Instagram has launched. Follow us to stay updated on all our latest programming activities, meet our incredible mentors, and get information about campus resources and the surrounding community. Find us @uci_gic
An experienced graduate student mentor will help with your transition to the campus and the Irvine communities. You will receive communications from your mentor starting during the summer, prior to your arrival. During fall quarter, if you choose to continue to be connected with a peer mentor, you and your peer mentor will meet to discuss professional development pathways and resources specific to the Ph.D. or Master’s track.
Visit the Graduate International Connect Podcasts & Blogposts for more information from our graduate student mentors.
Use these helpful tools for managing your move to campus.
The Program in Academic English offers a number of courses and services that are designed to help international graduate students succeed at UCI. In addition, they are provide language testing for international graduate students needed for admissions and teaching assistantships. The courses and services are for students in all academic disciplines.
- Courses in pronunciation, conversation, presentation, grammar for writing, graduate writing for scholarly publications, thesis/dissertation writing
The International Center provides immigration services, including SEVIS complinace, visa documentation and related advising for international students and scholars.They also host programs and activities to provide students, scholars, staff and faculty the opportunity to engage in intercultural learning while fostering skills and knowledge related to international education