Studying abroad is a dream for many. Studying abroad in reputed universities like the University of California, Berkeley is a golden opportunity. The Semester Abroad Programme at SRMAP gives wings to the aspirations of many who wish to gain educational experience abroad.

Mohammed Khizar Baig, a student of Computer Science Engineering, recently went to UC Berkeley through SRM University-AP’s Semester abroad Programme. Here’s what he has to say about his experience,

“It was a holistic selection process starting with an interview from SRM AP. Then the shortlisted candidates were invited for an interview from UC Berkeley. Apart from this, we were also required to submit a Statement of Purpose. Several factors including academics, extracurricular involvements, leadership background were considered for the evaluation.

The selection at the University of California, Berkeley was indeed ecstatic. A place where dreams are given the right guidance to turn into a reality. Situated right next to Silicon Valley, every aspiring entrepreneur’s dream destination, what could be a better experience than attending a university comprising staggering alumni of Nobel laureates, Olympic medallists, and legendary tech pioneers such as Steve Wozniak, Andrew Ng, Gordon E. Moore, and many more.

It is a semester-long program involving diverse courses from Entrepreneurship, Creative and Emerging Technologies, Design, and informative lecture series by eminent Founders and CEOs.

SRM AP extended its immense support throughout the selection process of UC Berkeley. Dr Naga Swetha ma’am helped in the interview and the shortlisting process along with establishing the connection with the team at UC Berkeley. I would also thank Dr Sonam Maurya ma’am for her immense support in the smooth Academic mapping process, which would make the transfer of credits easier once we are back to SRM AP. Dr Ashu Abdul sir and Dr T. Raghunathan sir also extended their guidance during the process.

As rightly said, “Dreams don’t work unless you do”, I aspire to assimilate the knowledge, experience, and most importantly the real-life lessons learned during my SAP at UC Berkeley and proliferate it to augment the entrepreneurial ecosystem back in India. This would be the most fundamental exposure pivotal in accomplishing my dream of establishing a start-up and eventually in manifesting my ambition of fostering a meaningful impact on humanity.”

SRM University-AP has enables the students to pursue their dream PhD at many prominent institutes along with UC Berkeley. Students are also provided with training and guidance for pursuing higher education abroad. Check out our International Relations page to learn more

If you would like to be a part of SRM University-AP’s vibrant and innovative culture of knowledge, ideas and research then see here what more we have on offer for you.

Landing in a foreign university for higher education is an enviable opportunity that every student aspires for. Proper guidance, passionate effort and unwavering faith are the factors that drive you forward to give shape to your dream. The training received from your educational institution also has a substantial impact in helping you earn a seat in international universities. SRM University-AP has turned into a centre of excellence giving wings to the dreams of hundreds of students to fly high.

Shanmukh Rachakunta is one among the lucky handful who has made it into UC Berkeley through the Semester Abroad Programme of SRM University-AP. Let us hear from Shanmukh as he shares his excitement upon learning the news.

“It was unbelievably awesome; I still feel emotional when I think about it now, as it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have always looked up to my seniors who got this opportunity earlier and shaped their futures. Now seeing myself there indeed excites me.

The first eligibility for applying for semester abroad program is overall GPA, which is supposed to be >=9.0 until that semester, and the resume for further interviews. My first interview was more technical, and the questions were on my major studies – computer science. Selected candidates had a second interview, where they were assessed on their projects, interests, and future goals. The last interview was from the University of California. Most of it was on analysing our communicative skills and what we expect from them.

The semester abroad program is for six months. UC Berkeley Engineering’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology – SCET, offered us courses for our SAP program. SCET teaches using the Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship and offers a suite of highly applied, experiential project courses that develop the entrepreneurship and innovation potential for students, professionals, and academics.

Apart from maintaining good academic performance, I plan to work on my start-up and its research. Being a contextual leader, currently, I am working with my team on our idea.

I would always be grateful for the people who have generously shared their advice and wisdom and guided me to this opportunity. SRM University-AP has awarded us with a scholarship of $21,900 which covers the semester fees, application fees, and health insurance throughout our stay. The perks of the SRM student exchange also include reserving my seats for courses, and the travel cost is free in Berkeley. It is hard to mention everyone because everyone played a major role in getting this opportunity. Special thanks to Prof Raghunathan T, Naga Swetha ma’am, Sonam ma’am, and Ashu Abdul sir who are still guiding us through our journey here. Not to forget the friend circle who always gave me the competitive spirit to go forward.”

Check out our international page to know more about our pioneering initiatives that facilitate the abroad journey of our students. Join SRM University-AP, the next-generation learning institute and get exposed to global education culture.

Pulkit Jasti has found his place in the line of students taking off to UC Berkeley through the Semester Abroad Programme at SRM University-AP. The programme aims to offer its students an opportunity to get exposed to global education culture and gain advanced training in their field of studies. It opens the door to a world of possibilities to explore and experience. The university also takes immense pride in setting the right path for its students to scale greater heights.

Pulkit is over the moon as he talks about the incredible offer he has been bestowed with,

“I’m extremely delighted to land this once in a lifetime opportunity. Spending a semester abroad in one of the world’s most prestigious universities in the heart of Silicon Valley is a dream come true for any technology entrepreneurship aspirant.

It would have been impossible for me to get an opportunity like this if not for SRM AP. I fall short of words to express my sincere gratitude to the management and faculty of SRM AP. I would like to thank Ragunathan sir, Sonam ma’am, Ashu Abdul sir, Nagaswetha ma’am for extending their full support during the process.

There were multiple rounds of interviews, and I interacted with different panel members who were very friendly and supportive. The panel closely examined each of our resumes, academic performances, and entrepreneurial activities to make a fair and impartial decision.

The start-up semester is a six-month-programme where I network with the world’s topmost entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and learn from them. Additionally, I will be working with UC Berkeley’s distinguished faculty on a few projects which have the potential to become successful start-ups in the future.

I strongly believe in giving back to society, so my future plans are to get my current start-up ideas to life that are going to have a significant impact in people’s lives and open employment opportunities to my juniors from college.”

Pave the way to a successful career with SRM University-AP. Catch a glimpse of our International Relations page to know more about our global collaborations.