Wanna study in the Bay Area? Exchange experience at UC, Berkeley

Oversea exchange is great way to enrich your university life. Every year, CUHK offers over 280 student exchange programmes. Although most exchange programme are administered by the Office of Academic Links and Nine College, faulty and department also provide exchange opportunity for their students. For example, Berkeley Biosciences Study Abroad (BBSA) Programme is an exchange programme hosted by the School of Life Sciences, offering students a chance to spend a semester in UC, Berkeley. Lucky, I joined BBSA Programme 2019-20 and I would like to share my exchange experience here.

My life at Berkeley is exciting and challenging. Adapting a new environment make me feel like a freshman again. The study atmosphere at Berkeley is more active than CUHK and you can hear many questions during lecture. In addition to regular lectures, each course also has optional office hours every week, helping students to catch up the course. I had attended some office hours before, and I loved the experience! The instructors were friendly, while questions from classmates always inspired to think more. Although learning at Berkeley is hectic, I received many helps during my journey.

Apart from studies, Berkeley has some wonderful scenery around the world. In CUHK, sometimes you may see some cats around the campus. Similarly, you can find squirrels around the campus! They are super cute and definitively cheer you up when studying! There are also many stunning landscapes and historical buildings. If you ever feel tired, feel free to explore Berkeley to relive stress.

Looking back, I would describe my life at Berkeley like a roller coaster. Unfortunately, COVID outbreak occurred during my exchange. Many big changes happened that time, especially switching to remote instructions. As exchange student, it was indeed a dummer. I am glad that professor from CUHK and Berkeley show their kindness to help students throughout the outbreak. Overall, I experienced an unforgettable semester at Berkeley, giving me a chance to explore myself and connect with peers around the globe. If possible, I would highly recommend students to apply oversea exchange. You won’t regret the experience!

For more information, please check out the website below:
https://www.oal.cuhk.edu.hk/gettingstarted/
https://www.sls.cuhk.edu.hk/index.php/programmes/undergraduate-programmes/special-programmes/bbsa-programme/bbsa-2021-22

Please also check out related post about BBSA Programme below:

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