Berkeley Insights Through Berkeley Global Access Program
Hello! My name is Greta Puschmann, I am 21 years old, and I study political science with a minor in law at Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main. Right from the start of my studies, I knew that I wanted to spend my fourth semester abroad. I spent a long time considering whether to stay in Europe for my semester abroad but decided on the United States.
For me, it was a unique opportunity to study at an American campus and take the step of moving more than 9,000 km away from home. Moreover, Berkeley ranks among the Top 10 universities for political science and is renowned for its commitment to free speech, diversity and academic excellence.
While I was searching for universities, it soon became evident that Berkeley stood out as my preferred option. The location in the Bay Area and the beautiful campus were also very appealing to me. That’s why I decided to apply to the Berkeley Global Access Program and am extremely grateful to have been accepted!
Course Selection and Learning Culture: Differences and Challenges
Regarding my course selections, I was a little overwhelmed at the beginning because the process is quite different from what I'm used to in Germany. First and foremost, I made sure to choose courses that would be credited at my home university—remember to talk to your home university about that beforehand! My advice is to choose enough courses that would be options for you. It's not guaranteed that you'll get the courses you originally wanted.
Personally, I selected 15 courses that I considered suitable for me. In the end, I chose UN UNPlugged, Social Inequalities, and Development and Globalization. In selecting these courses, I paid attention to my interest in the topics and ensured that their credits would transfer to my home university and fit into my study program. I'm also attending the Career Development and Coaching Seminar, which is offered for free by the BGA program and prepares you very well for your next academic and professional steps.
In Berkeley, the interaction with professors is far more personal and encouraged. I think this is an incredible opportunity that simplifies the academic experience.
All in all, I am very happy with my course selection. A significant difference for me compared to my university in Germany was the number of assignments during the semester, along with midterms and finals. In Germany, I don’t really have a lot of assignments during the semester; instead, I write longer papers during the semester break. The system here is somewhat different but definitely manageable if you keep up with the weekly assignments.
All of my professors are extremely approachable, hold weekly office hours and are eager to help with any questions or concerns. I think this is a very important point: Take advantage of this and show your interest in the subject or ask any questions that arise—it really helps a lot! In Berkeley, the interaction with professors is far more personal and encouraged. I think this is an incredible opportunity that simplifies the academic experience.
As for my classmates, my experiences with them have also been really positive. Even though I made most of my social contacts outside of classes, my classmates are very open, helpful and interested.
Living Situation :)
Now I would like to talk about one of the most important aspects: No matter how great the university and its courses are, one of the most important aspects is the environment you're in and the people you meet. This really influences how comfortable you feel during your semester abroad. Initially, I wanted to live in student housing but decided against it and chose off-campus living, which turned out to be the best decision I could have made. I live in a shared apartment—just a 10-minute walk to campus—with four other girls my age. Three of them are full-time students at Berkeley and the fourth is from New Zealand, also here as a visiting student.
Living in this situation gave me immediate access to locals, which I am very thankful for. Because my roommates are seniors at Berkeley, they know the university very well and have an extensive network in Berkeley, which has been incredibly helpful for meeting new people, getting university-related questions answered and receiving insider tips!
When you're new to a country, it's normal to feel lonely or find it challenging to meet new people. I was able to avoid this because of my living situation: Usually at our house, there is always at least one person to talk to and spend time with when you come home, which is really nice. I spend most of my free time with my roommates; We cook together, study together, visit San Francisco, go hiking or go to the gym, often have movie nights and, of course, lots of looong conversations
Berkeley also offers many nice cafes and restaurants, amazing hiking spots and, of course, a beautiful campus where I love to spend time. It's amazing to have friends on the other side of the world, with the hope of visiting each other in the future and learning more about our cultures—such an enriching experience!
It's amazing to have friends on the other side of the world, with the hope of visiting each other in the future and learning more about our cultures—such an enriching experience!
Advice for Future BGA Students
Which challenges did I face during my semester abroad?
I think one of the most stressful periods was actually the preparation phase: one to two months before coming to Berkeley. I can reassure you that everything will work out, no matter how overwhelming it may seem at first. Once you're accepted into a Berkeley visiting-student program (first of all: Congrats!), make sure your passport is valid, apply for your visa early and read the course descriptions more than once so you can select enough courses. This will save you a lot of stress and a more relaxing arrival in Berkeley.
For me, academics come first, but I also had to learn that this semester is a unique time and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So enjoy every day, participate in activities, go on trips and make new connections.
Regarding the university, don't worry too much—you will do great! Everyone here is very helpful and open, including your professors and fellow students. So make sure to ask questions or reach out for help when you need it. Remember, professors won’t know that you are an international student if you don’t tell them about your background.
I also think it's important to find a good balance between academic life and leisure. For me, academics come first, but I also had to learn that this semester is a unique time and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So enjoy every day, participate in activities, go on trips and make new connections.
For me, this semester abroad has been one of the best times of my life, for which I will be forever grateful!
