What to Expect During Your Summer Study at Berkeley

Summer is a great time of year in California, with long days of sunshine and many warm afternoons to spend outside. Choose to boost your summer months by studying abroad without foregoing any benefits of autumn or spring abroad programs.

Three SAF China Global Ambassadors, Shiyuan, Yulu, and Yao discuss their experiences participating in a UC Berkeley summer study abroad program, from applying to arriving in the United States to living on campus.

Applying and Arriving in the USA

The first steps to considering a summer class abroad are to inquire, apply, and get situated in your new school. SAF  helps you make flight and boarding arrangements following the application and interview. 

Shiyuan describes the process as, "I registered through the International Affairs Office of the school and unexpectedly became the only student from the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering to participate in the Berkeley program this summer. Although I was alone, under the guidance of the SAF counselor, I arranged my trip in an orderly manner. From filling out the application form to the interview, booking the air ticket, and moving into the dormitory, SAF's Chinese and American counselors gave detailed guidance."

According to Shiyuan, the transition to campus was also seamless: "When I first landed in San Francisco, I was unfamiliar with everything. The SAF counselor helped me arrange for an Uber driver to pick me up at the airport so I could arrive at the dormitory safely and smoothly."

Student Life and Classes

Students enrolled in a Berkeley summer study abroad program will tell you that this campus provides an excellent representation of American college life. Despite the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful weather, visiting students will still see and enjoy meeting other students from all around the globe. Classes are smaller during the summer term, but this does not detract from learning or the sense of community.

"The summer in Berkeley was wonderful in my life. I experienced the daily life of Berkeley students, met friends worldwide, and received guidance from academic masters. In July, the shining sunshine and the occasional breeze in California kept the temperature around 24 degrees Celsius; green plants always accompanied the road from the school dormitory to the cafeteria and campus. Living and writing in such an environment, my mood could not help but become better." - Shiyuan, SAF China Global Ambassador

"First of all, I was deeply fascinated by the academic atmosphere of Berkeley. The curriculum here is rigorous and rich, and the professors are knowledgeable and passionate. They encourage students to think independently and actively participate in class discussions." -Yao, SAF China Global Ambassador

"Berkeley's curriculum is very cutting-edge and practical. I chose a new media course. Through these courses, I mastered the basic skills of new media and understood the source and development behind new media." - Yulu, SAF China Global Ambassador

Overall Takeaway

Regardless of the season, Berkeley's study abroad programs have much to offer anyone curious about life and education on the West Coast of the USA. Even with a smaller student body on campus, spending a summer in the Bay Area while earning college credits is a great decision.

Yulu says, "Overall, studying new media at Berkeley enabled me to make significant academic progress and gain valuable experience in practice. This experience improved my professional skills and gave me confidence and expectations for my future career development."

Yao also found the time at Berkeley an incredible and irreplaceable adventure. "This experience at Berkeley Summer School has greatly benefited me. Not only have I improved academically, but I have also made progress in personal growth and interpersonal communication. This experience will become a valuable part of my life and inspire me to pursue excellence in my future studies and life. Berkeley Summer School is a temple of knowledge and a place where dreams begin."

Finally, SAF participants enjoyed how simple it was to feel a part of UC Berkeley. Making new friends, encountering new teaching strategies, and enjoying the never-ending natural beauty were excellent ways to spend those brief but beautiful summer weeks. Shiyuan said: "I am grateful and will always miss my summer in Berkeley, the sun, the sea, and the friendly professors."