Hi! I’m Changyu Li and I was part of the Berkeley Global Access (BGA) Program in the Fall 2023 semester. I received my bachelor’s in business English from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and I’m now pursuing a Master of Science in marketing from the University of Hong Kong.
One of the main reasons I chose the Berkeley Global Access Program is that I've always been drawn to California. I love sunny weather and the ocean, and I wanted to experience life at Berkeley.
In addition, I have a strong curiosity about computer science and UC Berkeley is renowned for its excellence in that field. I was excited about the opportunity to audit computer science classes here. What also attracted me to the BGA program is its flexibility. It allows visiting students to choose from a wide range of courses so I'm not limited to classes within my major for credit transfer. I could take classes that I’m genuinely interested in but never had the chance to try before.
I took courses on Virtual Communities/Social Media, Cross-Cultural Communications, Special Topics in Management of Organizations, Marketing Management, and the Career Development and Coaching Seminar.
The career coaching was an incredibly valuable experience. I learned practical skills, such as how to request recommendation letters at the right time and in the right way—something that's essential when applying to graduate programs. Most importantly, my career coaching professor, Sally Clapper, continued to support me even after I returned to China. She arranged follow-up coaching sessions when I felt overwhelmed and unsure about my next steps. With her guidance, I was able to successfully receive offers from USC, NYU, HKU and Columbia University.
The biggest difference between Berkeley classes and those at my home university is that each class at Berkeley typically has a teaching assistant, which really helped support my learning and made the experience smoother. Having that extra layer of academic support was something new for me. As for similarities, I found that professors at both Berkeley and my home university are very kind and patient. I truly enjoyed all the classes I took at both institutions.
[The program] allows visiting students to choose from a wide range of courses so I'm not limited to classes within my major for credit transfer. I could take classes that I’m genuinely interested in but never had the chance to try before.
Exploring Beyond the Classroom
Outside of the classroom, I had some amazing experiences.
I went kayaking at the Berkeley Marina and went sailing in Sausalito with Professor Sally—that trip was so much fun!
I also took a trip to Los Angeles to visit the Getty Center, which I absolutely loved. The artistic atmosphere there was incredible, and I felt like I could have spent the entire day exploring. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time for a longer tour, but it was a memorable experience.
Everything I did in Berkeley and San Francisco felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Each moment was so special and left a deep impression on me.
My Advice to You
Enjoy every moment at UC Berkeley—it's a fun, relaxing and unforgettable experience.
Always keep in mind what comes next after the program ends. It's important to think ahead, whether that means planning your return to your home university, preparing for graduate school or exploring career paths.
The Berkeley Global Access Program is not only a time to explore, but also a valuable stepping stone toward your future goals.
When I think about my future goals, I see myself working at an internet technology company, likely in roles related to e-commerce or marketing. I am particularly interested in social media marketing—I currently run a Xiaohongshu account with about 1,300 followers under the name “常与先Lyric.”
I hope to grow this account as a side business alongside my main career. I'm passionate about developing my skills in digital marketing and building a successful presence on social media while contributing to innovative projects in the tech industry.
