Multicultural opportunities
In many unique ways, our diverse campus environment lets you learn more about yourself, others, and the world in which we live.
Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad
BPSA is the UC Berkeley resource center for the University of California Education Abroad Program (EAP). BPSA’s website and resource library have information about other study abroad programs (studyabroad.berkeley.edu; 160 Stephens Hall, MTThF, 10am-12pm and 1-4pm; eapucb@berkeley.edu; 510/642-1356).
Education Abroad Program (EAP) allows undergraduates and graduates to earn academic credit at 150 host institutions in 33 countries for full-year, semester, or summer programs. Planning should start by the fall before the year abroad. There is a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 to 3.0, and need-based scholarships are offered. Interested students should go to the BPSA website first (studyabroad.berkeley.edu) for information, and then complete a self-assessment before visiting the office. Drop-in advising is available during open hours, and students also can speak with EAP Peer Advisers who have recently returned from abroad. The application is available online (University system-wide information: eap.ucop.edu/eap/country/; Berkeley information: studyabroad.berkeley.edu; 160 Stephens Hall; eapucb@berkeley.edu; 510/642-1356).
EAP countries
Australia
Barbados
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Costa Rica
Denmark
Egypt
France
Germany
Ghana
Hong Kong
Hungary
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Korea
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
United Kingdom
Vietnam
The International Association of Research Universities (IARU), of which Berkeley is one of 10 members, offers the Global Summer Program (GSP) at participating university locations (www.iaruni.org/gsp).
Travel Study, Summer Sessions
Combine study, travel, and UC Berkeley credit through an array of 12 international programs in Mexico, Europe, and Asia. Courses are four to six weeks long and are taught by regular Berkeley faculty. Study art, history, politics, business, languages, and more (summer.berkeley.edu/travelstudy; International Programs, 1995 University Avenue, Suite 117; travelstudy@berkeley.edu; 510/642-5612).
International House (I-House)
Explore the world, only a few blocks from Sather Gate! I-House offers a broad selection of recreational, cultural, and educational programs for the entire community. Activities include fitness, coffee hours, dance classes, live performances, multicultural festivals, seminars, slide shows, language tables for conversation practice, trips throughout California, and visits to local places of interest. Immerse yourself in a unique cultural environment; network with Nobel Prize winners, faculty, diplomats, social entrepreneurs, heads of state, government officials, and civic leaders. Impact your community through local projects in disadvantaged schools or, globally through peace projects.
I-House members can participate in most activities for free, and all new Berkeley students can join at a special discount rate. Visit the I-House website Programs and Events section to find out more about membership and the dynamic events offered throughout the year (ihouse.berkeley.edu; 2299 Piedmont Avenue; 510/642-9490).
I-House seeks a socioeconomically and internationally diverse population, and offers room and board scholarships to eligible students and scholars. Upper division and graduate international students (F1 or J1), US citizens, and permanent residents may apply (2299 Piedmont Avenue; US citizens and permanent residents, 510/643-5308; international students, 510/642-9468).
International and Area Studies
Berkeley’s international centers for research and outreach are part of our rich multicultural environment. Through concerts, lectures, special events, conferences, and seminars, you’ll have many opportunities to satisfy your personal and academic curiosity about other countries and cultures. Put yourself on the mailing list for events such as an Indonesian puppet show, a discussion on a New World Order in the international economy, or a lecture on medicinal plants in Latin America. Whether you’re interested in the humanities, sciences, or social sciences, you’ll find the international angle enriches your Berkeley experience (ias.berkeley.edu; iasdean@berkeley.edu; 510/642-9656).
Oxford/Berkeley Program
The Oxford/Berkeley Program, which is offered collaboratively by the University of Oxford and the University of California, is an opportunity for a brief, but serious, encounter with the Oxford method of teaching—the result of centuries-old traditions that make it one of the greatest universities in the world. Participants choose from a list of seminars taught by Oxford dons. During the three-week summer period of travel and study, participants live at Merton College and experience Oxford as an insider (www.unex.berkeley.edu/oxford).
International Student IDs
STA Travel can issue International Student IDs, which will make you eligible for discounts abroad. You will need $22, an extra passport photo (or they can take one for you for $4), and University enrollment verification, such as your Cal 1 Card (student ID) or a transcript (sta.com; MLK Student Union, first floor, Lower Sproul Plaza; 510/277-9976).
Passports
The Recreational Sports Facility is an authorized US Government Passport Acceptance Facility. The office, located at the RSF membership area, is open to all US citizens and will accept passport applications on behalf of the US State Department. Avoid hassles and long lines at the post office! It’s the only place in town open on the weekend, and they offer all the necessary forms, expedited service, and a friendly staff. Membership to the RSF is not required. In addition to the application service, passport photos may be taken for an additional charge (www.recsports.berkeley.edu/services; 2301 Bancroft Way; 510/642-7796).
Berkeley’s main post office accepts applications for US passports. The passport is good for 10 years—if you’re over 18 at the time of issue—and the application takes six weeks or less to process. You’ll need your checkbook to write two checks totaling $100, birth certificate, California Driver’s License or state ID, and two passport photos (or you can have passport photos taken for an extra fee). The passport office is open M-F, 9am-3:30pm (2000 Allston Way; 800/275-8777). You can download the application at the State Department’s website (travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_841.html).
Peace Corps
The Peace Corps is an international volunteer service agency, now celebrating 47 years of promoting international peace and friendship. Berkeley continues to be a top contributor to the total number of Peace Corps volunteers serving around the world. Since its inception in 1961, the Peace Corps has recruited more students from Cal than from any other institution. More than 3,280 Cal students have been placed in over 100 countries serving in education, health, business community development, agriculture, and the environment. Peace Corps volunteers can serve as English teachers, plant a school garden, start an after-school program, provide guidance to merchant businesses, and more. They serve for 27 months, and receive living stipends and student loan deferment (publicservice.berkeley.edu; Cal Corps Public Service Center, 505 Eshleman Hall; publicservice@berkeley.edu; 510/642-3916).
