University of California, Berkeley

Brilliance in Action

The Berkeley International Study Program (BISP) provides the opportunity for short-term study abroad at the world-class and culturally-rich University of California, Berkeley. Affectionately called “Berkeley” or “Cal,” it is famous for its top scholars, social activism, innovation, and diverse student body. In other words, “Brilliance in Action.”

Berkeley’s professors are some of the best in their fields, engaged in groundbreaking research, innovative thinking, inspiring teaching, and service to society. No less than seven of the university’s current faculty hold the Nobel Prize, demonstrating the level of expertise offered at this premier university. In our globalized world, UC Berkeley famously continues to promote free speech and thoughtful debate as the world of work and social networking becomes increasingly diversified.

The campus is vibrant and alive with some of the best undergraduate and graduate students from California and all over the world, who actively engage in campus life and in the community. The campus and surrounding areas are rich in culture, with unlimited opportunities to experience life in California and the U.S.

As a result of the university’s continued research and academic excellence, UC Berkeley is at the top of multiple world rankings. Every year it has been named one of the world’s “Elite Six” global university brands, according to the Times Higher Education. Additionally, UC Berkeley has been named the number one public university in the United States in the 2020 US News and World Report global rankings of universities, as it has been in many past years.

So Much to See, So Much to Do!

The Berkeley campus is buzzing with life, with more than 42,000 students from California and around the world to create a dynamic and interconnected community. Daily activities, performances and events are common on campus and the surrounding area, and is open to both the student population and the general public.

BISP students are encouraged to participate in student groups, of which there are over 1,000 available to choose from all over campus.

Students often travel to fun and exciting places within California. Common trips include nearby San Francisco, Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and down the coastal beach areas to Los Angeles, Hollywood and San Diego. During school breaks they may go outside of California to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, up the Pacific Northwest to Oregon or Washington, New York, Chicago, Florida, Texas, or a particular favorite is Hawaii.