So, you're a Cal student & the travel bug has bitten. Hard. You're daydreaming about swapping lecture halls in Berkeley for bustling cityscapes in another country, immersing yourself in a new culture, & making memories that'll last a lifetime. Well, you're in luck. UC Berkeley has a TON of study abroad options that can make those daydreams a reality. Honestly, figuring out where to even start can be the hardest part. But don't you worry, I've got you covered. Here's the lowdown on everything you need to know about studying abroad as a Berkeley student.

First things first, let's talk about the "why." Is it really worth it to pack up your life & head to a new country for a semester, a summer, or even a whole year? The short answer: ABSOLUTELY.

Studying abroad is so much more than just an extended vacation. It's a chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone, gain a whole new perspective on the world, & develop skills that'll make you stand out to future employers. You'll learn to be more independent, adaptable, & culturally aware. Plus, you'll get to take some pretty cool classes you wouldn't find at Berkeley & maybe even pick up a new language.

One student, Jennifer D., said that "studying abroad is such a wonderful experience, and one that contributed to my academic experience." And she's not alone. Over 1,800 Berkeley students head abroad every year, & they come back with stories that'll make you want to pack your bags immediately.

Alright, so you're convinced. But where do you even begin? UC Berkeley has a whole slew of study abroad programs, each with its own unique flavor. Let's break 'em down:

This is the big one. UCEAP is the University of California's official study abroad program, & it offers a massive range of options in over 40 countries. Whether you want to study art history in Italy, politics in the UK, or environmental science in Costa Rica, there's a good chance UCEAP has a program for you.

Here's the cool thing about UCEAP: you're not just taking classes with other UC students. You're actually enrolling in a foreign university, taking classes with local students, & getting a truly immersive experience. You can go for a summer, a semester, or a full academic year.

Applying for UCEAP is a two-part process. You'll need to submit an application to both Berkeley Study Abroad & UCEAP itself. Deadlines vary by program, so it's SUPER important to plan ahead. Some programs are first-come, first-served, so you'll want to get your application in early.

Before you apply, you'll need to do your homework. Research the program you're interested in, check the eligibility requirements (like GPA & prerequisites), & talk to your academic advisor to make sure the classes you take abroad will count towards your degree.

This one's for the freshmen. The Global Edge program is a unique opportunity to start your Berkeley career with an international experience. You'll spend your summer on campus, taking classes with a cohort of fellow Global Edge students, & then you'll all head to London for the fall semester.

It's a pretty sweet deal. You get a head start on your Berkeley requirements, you get to explore one of the most exciting cities in the world, & you'll have a built-in community of friends from day one. The courses in London are taught by UK-based faculty & are designed to fulfill Berkeley's breadth requirements. And don't worry about falling behind—many Global Edge students are actually ahead of their peers when they return to Berkeley in the spring.

Want to study abroad but can't commit to a full semester or year? Berkeley Summer Abroad is your answer. These are intensive, 4-6 week programs led by Berkeley faculty. You'll travel with a group of Berkeley students & take a deep dive into a specific subject.

Think studying Mediterranean nutrition in Greece, learning about migrant rights in Barcelona, or exploring the history of London through its museums. These programs are designed to be super immersive & hands-on, giving you a unique learning experience you just can't get in a traditional classroom.

Applications for Summer Abroad programs typically open in February & are due in March. You'll need to write a couple of short essays about why you want to go on the program & what you hope to learn. You'll also need to submit a transcript & pay a deposit.

Want to gain some real-world work experience while you're abroad? The Global Internships program is for you. This program places students in internships in a variety of fields in cities around the world, from tech startups in San Francisco to finance firms in Singapore.

It's a fantastic way to build your resume, develop professional skills, & get a taste of what it's like to work in a different culture. Plus, you'll be taking academic courses alongside your internship, so you'll still be earning credit towards your degree.

For the truly ambitious, Berkeley offers dual degree programs with two of the world's leading universities: Sciences Po in France & the University of Hong Kong. These are four-year programs where you'll spend two years at Berkeley & two years at the partner university, graduating with a degree from both institutions.

These programs are incredibly prestigious & offer an unparalleled opportunity to get a truly global education. If you're passionate about the social sciences or the humanities, these programs are definitely worth looking into.

This is the question on everyone's mind, right? The good news is that studying abroad can be more affordable than you think. In some cases, it can even be less expensive than a semester at Berkeley.

Here's the deal: you can use your financial aid to pay for your study abroad program, whether it's for a summer, a semester, or a full year. And on top of that, there are a TON of scholarships available specifically for study abroad. Berkeley is actually the #1 university in the country for Gilman Scholarship recipients, which is a major scholarship for students with financial need.

The key is to start planning early. Research the costs of the programs you're interested in, talk to the financial aid office, & apply for every scholarship you're eligible for.

Okay, so we've covered the practical stuff. But what's it actually like to be a Berkeley student studying abroad?

I'm not gonna lie, it's not always easy. There will be moments of culture shock, homesickness, & "what have I gotten myself into?" But those moments are always outweighed by the incredible experiences you'll have.

One student who spent a summer in London said that while she was nervous about the class being too demanding, she actually had plenty of time to explore the city. She got to visit museums, see plays, & just wander around on her own, learning as much from the city as she did from her class.

Another student, a Norwegian exchange student at Berkeley, talked about how his time abroad changed his perspective. He said, "you learn that we're all humans...it's like being instead of just a Norwegian...you're like a Norwegian turning into a global citizen." And isn't that what it's all about?

Anu, an LSE student on exchange at Berkeley, admitted that it took her a little while to warm up to her new surroundings. But she quickly fell in love with the vibrant campus life & the sheer number of things to do. She even went to her first American football game & experienced the famous Cal school spirit firsthand.

Before I let you go, a few practical tips. You'll need a valid passport, of course. Make sure it's not going to expire anytime soon! You might also need to apply for a visa, depending on where you're going & how long you'll be there.

And what about a place to live? Housing will vary depending on your program, but you'll get guidance on how to find a place to stay.

Speaking of a place to stay, if you're looking for a convenient & affordable parking spot for your car while you're on campus, or even a place to store your stuff while you're abroad, you should check out Prked. It's a pretty cool service that connects people who need parking or storage with homeowners who have extra space in their driveways, garages, or even attics & basements. It's a great way to save some money & avoid the hassle of finding a traditional storage unit.

I hope this has been helpful & has given you a better idea of what's possible with UC Berkeley's study abroad programs. Honestly, the hardest part is just taking that first step & deciding to go for it.

Do your research, talk to your advisors, & start dreaming about all the amazing places you could go. The world is waiting for you, Bears.

Let me know what you think in the comments! Have you studied abroad? Are you planning to? I'd love to hear your stories.