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.