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EAP Program: United Kingdom, University College Dublin, year 2006-2007 
I'm a Electrical Engineering and Computer Science major. I took advantage of the amazing opportunity to spend a full academic year at University College Dublin in Ireland. The immersion program meant I was able to live in the dorms and attend classes with local Irish (and other international) students, which really enhanced the experience of living in another culture. The entire city of Dublin is an international hub with every accent imaginable filling the pubs and restaurants. It was great to go out and interact with people from so many different parts of the world on a daily basis. I made sure to use the cheap travel opportunities and went to a ton of different European countries, including the more "exotic" ones in the east like Russia and Romania. EAP is something everyone who's at all interested should participate in. I found going abroad as an Engineer presents some additional challenges, but it is totally possible and worth the extra effort. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at msd@berkeley.edu. EAP Program: United Kingdom, University of Durham, England, year 2006-2007 
I studied for a year at the University of Durham, England, and had the time of my life. Though at first it was quite confusing getting used to the differences between Berkeley and England (note: people internationally do not wear pyjamas to lecture!), I soon found myself totally immersed in the new culture and thinking back upon my time, there are many things I now miss. The one thing I know is that I wouldn't be the person I am now had I not gone abroad, and the memories I have brought home with me are some of the best of my life. It was the most valuable thing I've ever done, and I want to make sure as many people as possible know what opportunities await them! You can email me at: lfairweather@berkeley.edu EAP Programs: Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong, fall 2006 China, JPIS Fudan University, Shanghai, spring 2007 
My name is Michele and I am a fourth year undergraduate student, majoring in economics and minoring in Chinese studies. I studied abroad in back-to-back programs through BPSA and EAP. I went on the International Asian Studies Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Fall 2006, followed by the Business & Economics Program at Fudan University in Shanghai in Spring 2007. Although these places are relatively close in proximity to one another, I encountered two completely different cultures and experiences. Because I was born in Hong Kong, returning to my home town was a good chance for me to learn more about where my mother’s family was from. I spent a lot of time with my family during the semester and got to know cousins and family friends that I have never met before. I even got to go to meet Andy Lau! Shanghai, on the other hand, posed an entirely new experience. I had visited briefly when I was younger, but remembered very little of the city and the people. In essence, I was going on my first trip away from home (I grew up in San Francisco), to a completely different place where I no longer had the luxury of relatives to show me around, or even the ability to speak the language properly. However, it turned out to be the best six months of my life. In addition to the wonderful friends I made, many of whom are scattered all over the globe, from Sweden to Australia to Mexico, I was able to travel to exotic places in China, like Tibet, Inner Mongolia, Sichuan and Yunnan. My travel companions are now some of my best friends, after we had endured altitude sickness in the bitter cold of the Tibetan mountains, the scorching heat while riding camels in the deserts of Inner Mongolia, and the strenuous 20,000 step hike up to the peak of Yellow Mountain. I strongly encourage anyone who loves new experiences, new people, and new places to go on a study abroad program during your time at Berkeley. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for you to explore the globe without a care in the world! If you have any questions you can email me: ms.michele.li.@gmail.com. EAP Programs: Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, year 2006-2007 
I studied at the Hong Kong University for Science and Technology in civil engineering. It definitely was a challenge adjusting to a new place, but once I acknowledged my fears that things weren’t the way I expected them to be, I began to really appreciate the way things were and where I was. During the process, I learned so much about myself and was surprised in the changes that were taking place in me. I began to fully enjoy my experience. Upon that realization, I couldn’t bear to leave Hong Kong after one semester like I originally planned, and I extended into a year program from the fall semester. In Hong Kong, I learned so much about myself and others, about my family history, the region and country, the US, and the world in general. After living in Hong Kong, I became more confident of myself and observant of others. And when I came back to Berkeley, I knew that the adventure wasn’t over. From my travels, I learned that life anywhere is an adventure in itself-—unpredictable and oftentimes full of setbacks, but exciting because of the limitless possibilities. If you have questions, please email me at: low_k@berkeley.edu EAP Program: Japan, Doshisha University, Spring 2007 
I am a 4th year psychology major, Japanese minor. I decided to study abroad in Japan with EAP because I love Japanese music, art, and traditional culture. Studying abroad at Doshisha University in Kyoto for the Spring 2007 semester was one of the best times I’ve had in my life! I had taken 2.5 years of Japanese at Berkeley before I went, and I had been there on a vacation with my family for a week when I was in high school, but actually living there was an incredibly different experience. I loved being immersed in the language because I was able to improve so much more by speaking and listening to it every day. (Even now, although I’m still not even close to being fluent in Japanese, it often sneaks into my English sentences!) I especially enjoyed being part of a student group. I was intimidated at first because I was the only foreigner in the club, but the Japanese students were so kind and patient with me, and I made so many great friends! I also miss the delicious food and being able to see beautiful traditional gardens and temples while walking down virtually any street in the city!! After getting to know Kyoto and the neighborhood around my apartment, I really came to feel that I belonged there, like a home away from home. I can’t wait to go back! EAP Program: Germany Spring + Fall Internship 
My name is Alyssa and I am a third year history and German major. I studied for a year in Germany on the Spring Language and Culture program and Fall internship. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I made new friends and got to experience living in another culture. I also had the opportunity to live in three different cities in Germany: Potsdam, Goettingen and Berlin. Each city has its own character and it was great to be able to live in different parts of Germany and see the differences in the regions, especially between East and West Germany. The internship is a great way to get international experience in your field and makes a valuable addition to your resume. Another benefit of EAP is that it makes you much more independent. After having to conduct bank transactions and apartment searches in German, I feel I can handle anything. Email me at: pskowski@gmail.com EAP Program: Morelia Mexico Summer 2007 
My name is Anthony Ramil and I am a Film major, Spanish minor at UC Berkeley. I have been an active member of the university's spirit organization called the University of California Rally Committee since my freshman year. Due to my commitment to this organization, I was hesitant to spend a semester abroad, but knew that studying abroad was a rare opportunity I had as a college student and I was not about to let that pass. This is why the summer program was right for me. During the summer of 2007, I studied Spanish in Morelia, Mexico. Not only did I have an unforgettable experience traveling to new places with wonderful people, I also realized that no matter how great one's college experience is on campus, nothing compares to studying abroad. I quickly realized while in Mexico that I would gladly substitue any number of semesters at Cal for another chance to study outside the country. Please email me with any questions about EAP at: ableroger212@berkeley.edu EAP Program: Singapore Fall 2007 
I am a fourth-year Public Health major and education minor. I went to study in Singapore during the fall of 2007. In my host university, National University of Singapore, twenty percent of the undergraduates are international exchange students so I was able to encounter peers from all over the world. I learned to make food from different cultures and am ever more motivated to continue traveling so that I can see my friends again. One of the greatest experiences I had in Southeast Asia was traveling alone to Laos, and then meeting people from Finland and Japan whom I hung out with for four days. Please email me at ssong08@berkeley.edu if you have questions. EAP Program: Japan, Hitotsubashi University, Year 2006-2007 
I am a Japanese Language and Literature major in my 4th year at Cal. I have many varying interests but ever since I was in elementary school I have held an interest in Japanese culture and studies. Therefore, what better way to do that than to get first hand experience in the country itself! I went abroad to Japan at the wonderful Hitotsubashi University for one year. There I made many friends, was introduced to a different lifestyle and culture, and overall feel I have changed and grown greatly from my experience. If I have any complaints it would be that one year is too short! There I also met many other exchange students from different countries, therefore making my experience that much more cultural and educational. For all other people who are interested in Japan or just studying abroad I would be more than happy to share my experience and offer information about studying abroad on EAP. You can email me at: kpwong@berkeley.edu |
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