BISP large brochure-2025-flipbook - Catalog - Page 4
BISP Makes it Possible
BISP provides a unique study abroad
opportunity for visiting international
students to take high-quality courses
alongside UC Berkeley degree students
for one or two semesters. BISP provides
sponsorship and the necessary letter
of invitation to obtain a student visa
for qualified students, who enroll in
courses on a fee-paying basis. We also
offer a robust program of activities and
support to students who get the much
sought-after “Berkeley Experience.”
Each semester, BISP sponsors between
300-500 visiting international students
from all over the world, who enjoy the
experience of taking classes at the
world-famous UC Berkeley. The students do quite well here and have a
fantastic experience both in and outside
the classroom. BISP students often
transfer these courses back to their
home universities for their degree
requirements.
BISP students come from a wide
variety of academic backgrounds. BISP
has its roots in an academic department
and continues to maintain a very close
relationship with departments across
campus that provide a rich schedule
of courses for all students, particularly those in the social sciences, arts,
humanities, biological and physical
sciences. We have many students from
other fields such as business, media,
health, education, and politics who find
relevant courses in these study areas.
It is common in the U.S. for students to
take courses in subjects outside of their
major. UC Berkeley faculty and students
greatly appreciate the participation of
students from many cultures in the
classrooms, making it an exciting and
vibrant multicultural learning
environment.
BISP provides a well-rounded,
enriching experience with dedicated
staff to support them. Students also
participate in activities planned by our
Cultural Peer Mentors, UC Berkeley
students who assist with adjustment to
the Berkeley campus and surrounding
area, and provide opportunities to get
to know other students and the culture
of Berkeley and the U.S.
The BISP Advantage
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Gain a new perspective pursuing your interests in the U.S.
Prepare for your future in an ever-increasingly global world
Engage in a vibrant and multicultural study abroad experience
Benefit from comprehensive academic and social support from start to finish
My advice is this: come here, study carefully, seriously and hard. Experience many new things and have more
fun than you will ever have experienced.
Professor Trond Petersen, BISP Director and Associate Executive Dean of the College of Letters and Science
