Dinasha Dahanayake | UCB Study Abroad

What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?

I was interested in studying abroad after all my friends wouldn't stop talking about how much fun they had during their program. I chose the University of Sussex, England Physics Program because there were very few programs that allowed me to study abroad while taking a major and pre-med requirement. Sussex enabled me to complete a whole year's worth of physics in just one summer!

What was the most interesting cultural experience you had abroad?

Having the opportunity to meet and connect with the locals in the most random and unexpected places and times was one of the most interesting cultural experiences I had abroad. Since the World Cup was going on this summer, I was lucky to be in Europe and experience the English football culture. I was exposed to so many different cultures from around the world because of it.

What was the biggest challenge/concern of your study abroad experience? How did you respond?

One of the biggest concerns I had during my study abroad experience was whether I would genuinely connect with the people I met during my program. Once I arrived at the University however, I was able to meet so many different people from various Universities and quickly formed strong connections with people. I realised that we were all in a very similar situation, traveling abroad to a foreign country alone for the first time for the most of us. I am very grateful to the people that I met during this program and the life-long connections that were formed because they made my study abroad experience more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

A typical day for me would be to go to lecture in the morning, then discussion or lab section, meet up with friends to have lunch, go to the library or back to my flat and review the material from the day, then hang out with with friends either at the University or go to the main city and explore the town (Brighton). Long weekends would be mainly spent traveling to other countries.

What coursework did you take while abroad? How did courses abroad compare with Berkeley classes?

I took a whole year's worth of Physics during my summer abroad in England. The course was comparable to the amount of effort required to study and prepare for the material presented in a Berkeley class. However, once you figure out your schedule and learn to manage your time wisely the course becomes easier to manage. For example, I was able to study the material presented right after lecture Monday-Thursday, and Friday-Sunday was used to travel and explore not only the city but other countries as well.

What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?

The most meaningful aspect of my time abroad was getting to meet random people from all over the world in the most unexpected time and place. I enjoyed learning more about their culture, beliefs, and values and sharing my own as well.

What impact did studying abroad have on you personally?

Studying abroad exposed me to new cultures and transformed the way I think and see the world. I learned how to adapt to new environments and be open to trying and exploring new things.

What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially to your country or program?

I highly recommend prioritising your time efficiently so you are able to immerse yourself in the culture and experience what your program and country of interest has to offer.