From Berkeley to a Master’s Program
Hi, everyone! I’m Xiangyi Yang, and I’m excited to share my experience from the Spring 2024 semester in the Berkeley Global Access (BGA) Program. I came to Berkeley in my final undergraduate semester from China University of Petroleum, where I majored in chemical engineering.
I chose Berkeley because the chemical engineering classes here are outstanding, and several of my friends who had studied at Berkeley told me it was a truly life-changing experience. I wanted to challenge myself academically and see what it was like to study at my dream school.
During my semester at Berkeley, I took two courses in the Chemical Engineering Department. One was Transport Processes, which focused on fluid dynamics. My favorite class was Principles of Electrochemical Processes, taught by Professor Nitash P. Balsara, who is a fantastic teacher.
I really appreciated being able to ask questions, discuss ideas and get feedback in person. Those review sessions were incredibly helpful and made me feel supported.
I also took Introduction to Human Nutrition: Managing Life and a special “decal” course on how to apply good storytelling skills.
My Berkeley classes were very different from my classes back home. There was much more direct communication with professors and teaching assistants, especially through office hours and review sessions before midterms and finals. I really appreciated being able to ask questions, discuss ideas and get feedback in person. Those review sessions were incredibly helpful and made me feel supported.
Outside of class, I tried to explore as much as I could. I went to San Francisco (of course!) and visited the Golden Gate Bridge. I also traveled to Los Angeles and Las Vegas during breaks, which was a great time to see more of the U.S. and experience different cities and cultures.
My top five things to do were:
- Hiking to the Big C and watching the sunset over the Bay
- Taking some beautiful photos under the cherry blossom trees in March and April.
- Trying all kinds of restaurants around campus, and eating at my favorite dining hall, Crossroads, with friends.
- Studying at Moffitt Library, which is beautiful—just don’t forget to bring a matcha latte with you! I really miss that.
- Attending campus events and hoping to run into Oski!
I also really enjoyed both orientation at the beginning of the semester and the closing ceremony at the end. We had great food and plenty of time to talk with students from many different countries.
It was amazing to hear about other people’s cultures and experiences. We took a lot of photos together, and I posted many of them on my social media.
Attending Graduate School
I am now studying for my master’s degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My time in BGA helped me a lot, especially with communicating clearly in English.
Try everything. There are a lot of resources on- and off-campus.
When I first arrived at Berkeley, the language barrier felt very real because I had never been so fully immersed in an English-speaking environment before. I had to quickly learn how to participate in discussions, ask questions in class and communicate with professors and classmates in English. Over time, this challenge became one of my biggest gains from the experience. It gave me the confidence and skills I needed to adapt quickly when I started my master’s program.
I plan to graduate in Spring 2026, and after that I hope to apply for Ph.D. programs in environmental engineering or chemical engineering. Berkeley is still my dream school, and I definitely hope to apply there again. After earning my Ph.D., I would like to continue doing research in the U.S. or back in my home country. I really want to teach, as well.
When I think about my advice to you, a future BGA student, one phrase comes to mind: Try everything. There are a lot of resources on- and off-campus. Enjoy the sunshine and the atmosphere of Berkeley, San Francisco and California overall.
Try new things, say yes to opportunities and make friends from around the world. Don’t be shy—just be yourself.
