UC Berkeley Global

When Jillian Ho came to UC Berkeley from ETH Zurich, she figured she’d get a fun semester abroad and head back home to a standard career path. Instead, it completely shifted how she thought about her future.

Between late-night study sessions at Doe Library, dancing with AFX and KOSMOS, and doing Insomnia Cookies runs on Bancroft, Jillian took a Cognitive Neuroscience class that changed her trajectory. That single course sparked a passion for neurotech, pushing her to take on research internships, consider a Ph.D. and embrace a little career uncertainty.

Check out Jillian’s full story on her time in the Berkeley Global Access Program and how one semester opened up a whole new set of possibilities 👉 https://bit.ly/4i3YPOf

Finding My Future at Berkeley Hi, I’m Jillian Ho and I was part of the Spring 2026 cohort of the Berkeley Global Access Program. Before coming to Berkeley, I had earned my bachelor’s degree in food science and nutrition at ETH Zurich and had begun my master’s degree in medical engineering.

"After this experience, I feel like I was able to reset and realize there are so many more opportunities outside my own country."

For Fernando Mattos, studying at Berkeley was the spark that ignited his career in technology and product operations.

Through the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP), Fernando engaged in interactive debates, learned key strategies in technology innovation and developed the confidence to lead projects.

Fernando's advice for future students?

"Embrace everything that comes with it. Get involved in activities, and don't worry about making mistakes. Use this opportunity to become the best version of yourself."

Click the link to read more about Fernando and his time in BHGAP!
📖 https://bit.ly/4h8JP1j

"That became one of the themes of my time at Berkeley: Trying things that I wouldn't have access to anywhere else."

For Gaspard Marcon, a French ESME engineering student specializing in robotics, studying abroad was a requirement for his degree, but he saw it as something more than a box to check.

He wanted an experience that would expose him to new ideas, different ways of learning and opportunities that simply didn't exist back home.

Through the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP), Gaspard swapped a rigid curriculum for academic flexibility, diving deep into cutting-edge fields like Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) and embracing a whole new level of independent learning.

Now continuing his studies in microelectronics with eyes set on the aerospace industry, Gaspard returned to France with tangible accomplishments and a clear vision for his future in innovation.

Click the link to learn more about Gaspard and his journey at UC Berkeley.
👉 https://bit.ly/4gsLUDp

"Rather than waiting for change to happen, I wanted to place myself in an environment where I could learn directly from the innovators, entrepreneurs and builders shaping the future."

For Natalie Chu, the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP) immediately stood out because of its people.

"People here are constantly questioning assumptions, experimenting with new ideas and building things that don't exist yet. Whether it's students launching startups, researchers working on cutting-edge technology or founders discussing their next venture at a coffee shop, there is an energy that pushes you to think bigger."

As someone passionate about entrepreneurship, technology and global business, Berkeley proved to be the perfect place to expand her thinking.

Read more about how the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP) has helped Natalie reinvent her future. 👉 https://bit.ly/4wLlao7

Meet Lilou, a student from France’s EDHEC Business School 🇫🇷 enrolled in the Global Economic Transformation & Technology (GETT) master's program.

Through a prestigious partnership between EDHEC and UC Berkeley, Lilou spent six months at SKK Graduate School of Business in Seoul 🇰🇷 before completing a full year at the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program. 🇺🇸

"One of the greatest assets of these classes is the strong connection between the classroom and the professional world. Many courses regularly featured guest speakers, founders, executives and industry experts who shared their real-world experiences."

Beyond high-level networking, the coursework delivered actionable insights for the next generation of business leaders. Ready to expand your perspective and study at a world-class business school? 📚

👉 Click the link to learn more about Lilou's time with the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program. https://bit.ly/4g4583y

Join us in 2027 for the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program!!

Join an elite cohort of students learning in a dynamic, experiential environment with UC Berkeley Haas School of Business faculty.

This unique visiting-student program provides in-person access to Berkeley Haas' top-notch faculty, courses and networks within the innovative ecosystem of the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.

Through the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program (BHGAP), top-qualifying international students from both business and non-business backgrounds gain the knowledge, skills and connections necessary to excel as tomorrow's innovators and global leaders.

🗓️ If you would like to join us for the Spring 2027 term which runs from January 12–May 14, the priority application deadline is August 28 and the final application deadline is October 30.

🗓️ If you would like to join us for the Fall 2027 term which runs from August 18–December 17, the priority application deadline is April 9 and the final application deadline is June 4.

👉 Click the link to learn more and to apply! https://bit.ly/4hH3Ah8

"It was a complete, beautiful and unforgettable experience that reshaped how I view my career and my future."

For Sulibeth Jiménez, studying at UC Berkeley was a dream. As a final-semester business and marketing student from Universidad Tecnológica del Perú in Chiclayo, she noted that sustainability isn't a core focus within her business curriculum yet.

Being able to dive deep into these subjects allowed her to explore her interests in a new way.

"Every class felt different, but they were all incredibly engaging. We analyzed real-world case studies, built our own business proposals and designed concrete action plans. We also had guest speakers from top companies in San Francisco and Silicon Valley sharing their raw, firsthand experiences."

👉 To learn more about Sulibeth and her time with the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program, click here: https://bit.ly/4i7A04j

Meet Xiaokun “Ken” Zhong! 👋

Ken recently graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology with a degree in mathematics on a computer science track. Driven by a desire for an international education to prepare for future opportunities in the U.S., Ken pushed himself beyond standard coursework.

His connection with UC Berkeley began during Berkeley Summer Sessions in 2023, where he took The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (CS 61A) and General Chemistry (CHEM 1A). Beyond the academic challenge, Ken was deeply inspired by the vibrant campus energy, world-class teaching and collaborative student community.

That experience, combined with the region's tech scene, made returning for the Berkeley Global Access (BGA) Program in Spring 2026 an easy choice. 🐻💙💛

Reflecting on the experience, Ken shared:

"The Bay Area has a strong entrepreneurial- and technology-focused culture, and being here made me feel closer to the people, companies and ideas that are shaping the future of AI."

We’re thrilled to spotlight Ken and can't wait to see where his research journey takes him next! Read more about his story by clicking the link in our bio!

Meet Xuan Su! An economics student from China, she joined the Berkeley Global Access Program to explore the intersection of AI and finance. “I chose BGA because of Berkeley’s unparalleled reputation as a hub for innovation and its proximity to Silicon Valley,” she shares. Today, she’s pursuing her M.S. in finance at Johns Hopkins University, building on the foundation she developed at Berkeley. Read her story ➡️ https://bit.ly/4vDJqrM

Meet Zihao (Zacky) Huang! A business student studying in Japan, he joined the Berkeley Global Access Program to explore the intersection of business and technology. “Berkeley already had this huge reputation in my mind: world-class academics, amazing people,” he shares. Today, his experience has helped him rethink his path and approach the future with greater confidence. Read his story ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ufAhEM