A new study-abroad program will bring hundreds of students from around the globe to Berkeley-Haas each year to study business and entrepreneurship, connect with Bay Area companies, and experience life in the Bay Area.
The Berkeley-Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP), a non-degree program launching this fall in partnership with UC Berkeley Extension and universities worldwide, will provide a one- or two-semester immersive experience for both undergraduate- and graduate-level international students.
“We want to provide students from around the world with the opportunity to come to Berkeley-Haas, study with our leading faculty, and experience our network within the entrepreneurial, innovative Bay Area,” says Adam Berman, BS 85, executive director of emerging initiatives at Berkeley-Haas and head of the new program. “The Bay Area economy is ranked among the Top 15 economies in the world, and there are companies from virtually every industry within 50 miles of our campus.”
BHGAP students will be able to experience Sara Beckman’s unique Problem Finding, Problem Solving course
Students accepted into the program will join a cohort in one of three tracks: non-business undergraduates, business undergraduates, or graduate students. All BHGAP students take a minimum of 12 units, including three business courses held separately for the cohort students at the Berkeley-Haas campus, as well as an elective from the UC Berkeley course catalog.
In addition to coursework, BHGAP students are offered visits to Silicon Valley companies, career coaching, cohort lunches, and professional development workshops. They will also have opportunities to meet Berkeley-Haas students through numerous student clubs.
“We want to provide these students a transformational experience both inside and outside of the classroom,” Berkeley-Haas Dean Rich Lyons said. “This unique program is a deep dive into Berkeley, Silicon Valley, Bay Area entrepreneurship, and California.”
Students who complete the program will receive a transcript from UC Berkeley Extension and a co-branded Certificate of Completion from Berkeley-Haas and UC Berkeley Extension.
The curriculum includes some of the most popular business courses at Haas. Non-business undergraduates will be taught business and entrepreneurship through classes such as Leading People, Marketing, and Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
Business undergraduate and graduate students will focus more intensely on entrepreneurship, leadership, innovation, and technology through courses such as Problem Finding, Problem Solving; Digital Marketing; and Entrepreneurship Workshop for Startups.
Throughout the program, students receive the same benefits provided to degree students at UC Berkeley, including access to campus libraries and recreation facilities. Students in the program arrange their own housing, but receive assistance through UC Berkeley Extension International Student Services.
Students who complete the program will become part of an organized BHGAP alumni group and will have access to select benefits within the vast UC Berkeley alumni network.
The deadline for applying to the fall 2017 BHGAP session is June 17, 2017. Spring and summer sessions will be offered as well.