The following is a transcript of the Berkeley Brainwaves episode, called International Student Experience at Cal, that originally aired on February 25, 2025.
Paras Sajjan: [00:00:00] You’re listening to KALX Berkeley 90. 7 FM, university and listener supported radio. And this, is Berkeley Brainwaves, coming at you from the Public Affairs department at KALX, bringing you stories from the Cal campus. I’m your host, Paras Sajjan, and today with me, I have Saloni, a second-year cognitive science and economics major; and Janvi, a cognitive science and political economy major.
Both are international students from Hong Kong and India. Welcome to the show!
Janvi: Thank you.
Saloni: Thank you for having us.
Paras Sajjan: I wanted to start by asking you guys, how or when did you decide to apply outside of your country, specifically to Berkeley?
Janvi: Um, personally for me, um, I always knew that I was going to study in the States or just abroad in general. Specifically the States.
For me personally, [00:01:00] I prefer meeting new people and engaging with different cultures and learning about new cultures and communities. And studying abroad would provide me that, and that is why I think it was a pretty easy decision for me.
Saloni: Yeah, that’s interesting. Um, for me, personally, I had a pick between different locations.
I was debating about whether I was going to stay in Hong Kong, whether I was going to go to the United Kingdom, the UK, or, um, come to the U. S. And so, ultimately, um, after a lot of deliberating, I landed on the U. S., and in particular, Berkeley. Um, because for my major I was interested in economics, political economy, particularly behavioral economics, and yeah, UC Berkeley is one of the leading institutions for behavioral economics.
Um Yeah, and I think there are so many aspects that led me to Berkeley in particular just because of the unique culture and traditions that are present at UC Berkeley. I especially love California as a state as well. And I think just the [00:02:00] interdisciplinary nature of U. S. higher education institutions.
Paras Sajjan: Nice.
So was there something you wish you had known before coming to Cal as an international student?
Janvi: Personally, for me, I think my research for like studying, considering I’ve always wanted to study abroad, but my research kind of lacked in that sense, or maybe I focused a lot on like private institutions and universities. And Berkeley, although was my top choice, I didn’t expect to get in because it was a public university.
I thought that they would prioritize, uh, student, like students in their state or. And like, I wasn’t thinking of Berkeley per se because I knew I wouldn’t get a scholarship here because it’s not applicable, it’s, it’s, they don’t give it to international students. So I wish I’d like, researched that more, like other, um, opportunities that is available, like beforehand, like so that I was, it would have been easier for me to delve into it.
Like other opportunities in terms of academics [00:03:00] or how to declare my major. Or other majors that exist, like I did not know about cognitive science before coming here. Or just like club culture in general, I wish I knew that sooner, cause I feel like for students who live in California or in the States or just have had that um exposure, they know what they’re gonna do or they know what this school provides and I personally did not have that.
Just because I didn’t have the exposure or just I didn’t make, like I didn’t push myself enough to research. But then I don’t have any, I don’t have any regrets ’cause I found that out here and I feel like that was also like a, like that learning curve, that learning curve for me, like pushed me to try out new things.
Or create new things even. Yeah.
Saloni: What I wish I’d known. I mean, I agree with the point of like club culture. I feel like there’s a lot of resources though to help you navigate with that process. And I feel like, just like, your community, I [00:04:00] guess, like, there is this sort of expectation of like, you’re just gonna, you just have to integrate, as well.
Um, and there are spaces, like, there are also spaces for international students as well, like, reserved for them as well. But I think, a lot of times, like, just speaking with other international students as well, you just, like, you know, you have to, like, push yourself a little bit to, like, um, integrate as well. But there’s just like a lot of like small nuances where I’m like, how was I supposed to know that, um, coming from abroad without like having that explained to me.
And sometimes it’s like, like it’s like small stuff, like you’ll be at like Walgreens and you’ll be like I’ve never heard of these products and that’s like the smaller end, um, of it. But there’s also like other things where it’s just like in the education system. I’m quite unfamiliar with this and I feel like they do have resources for it as well, but then when you’re talking with like other students in your class, they’re probably just more familiar with it as well.
And just like, again, coming from like an international [00:05:00] background, um, there are people that come with like, you know, they did an AP system, right? And that just like slightly tracks better if you’re coming from in-state as well. Um, the requirements are also fulfilled a bit easier as well. I think this is something you can, there, there are resources though, so if you’re coming to Berkeley, I would recommend like researching beforehand to see what credits get fulfilled, what units get fulfilled.
Because, I mean, this is applicable for most students as well. It’s important to know like which credits and units you have and sort of creating your four year plan. But especially for international students, you’re gonna have to reach out. You might have to speak to an advisor because it is a bit more complicated the system of transferring credits and units.
Janvi: I did not do the IB system or like the AP system or whatever.
I was from like a national board back in India. And I feel like the IB or the AP at least, like, it prepares you at least like fifty percent of you, to like, delve into the UC system that I wasn’t prepared for. [00:06:00] So like, I wasn’t sure. So I didn’t already have like, oh, units coming in. So I was doing everything from the start, like all my intro classes and everything, although that helped me a lot.
But it also like put me a little, I sometimes I feel like it puts, puts me a little behind because I need to do a lot more than other people. And or like other students who have done these systems, but I feel like taking the intro classes has helped me merge better into the community or into the academics.
Saloni: Wait, can I add on?
Janvi: Yeah.
Saloni: So like, I think the breadth requirements is like an amazing aspect of the UC system…
Janvi: Yeah.
Saloni: …in particular and shout out to the American Cultures requirement as well. I feel like as an international student, it was just so interesting to be really able to delve into like U.S. history, U.S. culture, and you can pick your own niche as well.
Also just like being able to really just get a broader understanding, not just about [00:07:00] U. S. history and cultures, but when you interact with your different classmates as well, it’s, you just are able to learn from so many different perspectives.
Paras Sajjan: Going off of what both of you guys were saying about club culture and communities, how is it to build a community here as an international student, through those clubs or through meeting people at dorms and things like that?
Saloni: Yeah, I feel like, speaking from my own experience, I think it really varies as well, just based on your dorm for example, which clubs you’re in, what your major is, and so a lot of these different factors can actually add up in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Just because some classes, some degrees, for example, would have more international students. Um, but, in being in such a large public school system, I feel as though you have to really take the initiative to build your own community. And you have to make an effort to integrate yourself [00:08:00] into different spaces.
And I would advocate for just, take the opportunity to go introduce yourself. Like you have to, you have to get over the awkwardness and I feel like this applies to so many students in general, but I would also say for international students, sometimes there is a bit of a cultural barrier as well. And so you have to just keep communicating.
You just have to keep talking and putting yourself out there and eventually, you’ll be able to really build your own community. I would also again advocate for community based resources for like any student at Berkeley, to be honest, but just joining clubs, you don’t have to join a club full time as well, or just going to events and meeting different people as well.
You can really just build your own community from the ground up I feel.
Janvi: Based like, based on my experience. I feel like, like because I was entering with the mindset that, oh, I want to meet new people, I want to find community and I want to engage as much as possible [00:09:00] or create my own community if possible right?
So I was prepared for that and I think that mode, that, that mindset really motivated me to push myself and go out there and meet as many people. It started out with like, oh, like mixers, social mixers and events by different clubs that I didn’t even know what they do, but I feel like that helped me find different types of people in a party like scenario and I feel like that really helps me, helps people connect in the beginning. And then I started to, um, focus on meeting people in my classes, talk to people in my classes.
And one thing I really like about like smaller classes, like my first semester, I almost took like an English class and we had like, uh, it was a discussion based class and that discussion really made, allowed me to talk to my professor, my, like my peers. That really helped me open up and meet new people again.
And then. The club culture, although can be a little [00:10:00] toxic in the beginning, because everybody’s applying, everybody’s trying to get in, but one of, I think there is a silver lining to it, because when everybody’s going through the same thing together, uh, like the whole process together, and if you keep meeting the same people again, because both of you are passionate about the same thing, or like, the group of you are passionate about the same thing, or learning about that, so you automatically form like an unsaid bond, and since you keep meeting that person, keep meeting those group of people, and you make friends through the whole club application process.
And if you’re in the club, you meet more people, and you’re always surrounded because clubs work like small communities. You’re always surrounded with those kind of people, and that helps you connect, that helps you meet new people, find your own community. Like sure, it is kind of difficult to find it in the beginning, but once you get into the flow of it. Or like you register yourself into emails and stuff, you find out different information and you just put it on your calendar.
And [00:11:00] that’s the way I go about it and I think, um, that allows me to meet new people and just find the community that I wanted. And especially for international students. I think, like, coming from India, what I’ve noticed that Indian students or, like, Indian parents particularly do is create, like, a WhatsApp group or an Instagram group. And I won’t lie it, it really helped. Like, because all the parents are sharing information, all the kids are sharing information about the visa process, and things to carry, medicines to carry, if somebody reached the country before, right? They know how the weather is like, what clothing, clothing items to carry. Like it’s such a…
Paras Sajjan: Like building a community before you actually get there.
Janvi: Yeah, exactly. I think what, I think one thing I feel like the international Indian students have done great personally for me is like creating those WhatsApp groups, creating those online communities. And um, like find, like they allowed, they basically made a community before [00:12:00] actually delving into the community, which made the transition or like going into a new country, new environment, new setting a lot easier.
And yeah.
Paras Sajjan: You’re listening to Saloni and Janvi discuss their experiences as international students at UC Berkeley on Berkeley Brainwaves, KALX Berkeley 90. 7 FM. I’m your host, Paras Sajjan.
Yeah, Saloni, anything you want to add on to that just, for even general advice about building communities as an international student.
Saloni: Yeah, I mean I feel like, and this is directed to any international students incoming. Remember that like being an international student is this, is your strength rather than your weakness. For example, sometimes when you’re just trying to connect with people maybe in your class maybe in a club. Um, it’s just like mentioning where you’re from and being able to [00:13:00] share your aspect as well where you came from, your insights, what it’s like back home as well.
I think people actually really appreciate that as well. And so your voice matters, your perspective matters. And at times it can feel a bit isolating and alienating as well. But remember that being an international student means that you come, you’ve come to a new place. You’ve learned how to assimilate, you’ve had to overcome various challenges, and you have a fresh and unique perspective, and so you need to keep that in mind as well.
Paras Sajjan: I like that, just to have the confidence to put yourself out there, too.
Saloni:Yeah, and I also want to comment that I think Janvi mentioned about the U. S., like, dorm experience and like club culture as well. And I have to say like compared to the other um, systems, um, globally as well, like when I compared to my friends [00:14:00] back home, for example, I would say like, it’s, it’s like the U.S. dorm culture, for example, as well, that really forces you to have, again, this shared experience as well.
We talk about when you’re applying to clubs, everyone’s going through the same thing. And I think especially, um, at UC Berkeley as well. You have these like large intro classes as well, and it can feel a bit isolating, it can feel like for a lot of students as well, that they’re coming into this new environment, that it’s something that they really have to adapt to and it can be a bit unfamiliar.
Um, just keep in mind that everyone else is also going through very similar experiences as well. There’s also out-of-state students who are also, again, not so familiar with California’s system as well. And so, just remember that you’re not alone. There’s definitely people you can reach out to, and that’s also a way of making community.
Paras Sajjan: Nice. So going off your point Saloni about comparing [00:15:00] the dorm experience to back home, for both of you guys how do, um, how do your friends or people you know back home perceive your college experience? Is it accurate or what assumptions do they have? That may seem inaccurate.
Saloni: So for me, um, I have friends all over the globe.
I have friends studying in Asia, I have friends studying in Australia, Europe, Canada, a few others on the East Coast as well. And so when I talk to my friends, everyone has a very different experience as well. But I would say I found that a lot of people, um, a lot of people don’t understand just how diverse California is culturally, geographically, and in so many different ways.
And I also think that the UC system is a very, it’s a very niche system. And if you’re an in state student, you would have a better time comprehending it as well. But just because, [00:16:00] come from abroad, a lot of people, a lot of people I know back home, study at private universities, and so they don’t comprehend just how big UC Berkeley is as well.
Um, so when I talk about enrollment issues as well, a lot of people don’t face that similar struggle, and are very confused by it as well. And also, again, when we think of UC Berkeley, there’s a very specific image that comes to mind as well, of it being close to Silicon Valley, um, which not everyone back home is familiar with, but then to the ones who are familiar with that sort of perception, a lot of people just think it’s a STEM school only, and they disregard, again, the other very diverse majors we have at UC Berkeley.
Um, there’s a lot of like specific UC Berkeley traditions as well that I feel just doesn’t, there’s no cultural equivalent back home.
Janvi: Yeah, honestly, the same for me. Like, [00:17:00]or, I just feel like it is, I feel like it’s not as different as it’s from other countries, like people think like, oh, it must be so different or like, because it’s such a, uh, top level school it is so selective, so it would be a small class of people, or something like that.
But they don’t realize how big it really is. Like a lecture hall full of, what, 1, 500 students? 40, 000 students in the undergrad, in the whole of undergrad class. And, and I feel like when I talk about this with people, it comes off as shocking, potentially, because they don’t believe it, because every year, what, eleven percent or less even now, get in.
Especially internationally, and when I talk about other international students, I think that also comes up as a shock because it’s such a, it’s so competitive in the beginning that it’s, it’s, it’s, it’s bound for people to think that way. And as for, um, the culture here, I think I wouldn’t say [00:18:00] it’s just a Berkeley thing and it’s like, it’s bound to be different everywhere.
Like back in India or, uh, one of my friends studies in Australia, it’s different in Australia. Some of my friends study in the UK, it’s different there. Um, also, also, um, other aspects, like, I would say that is the viewpoint my friends have. But in terms of, like, adults or, or people from, like, the older generation or, um, they would think, like, oh, it’s, again, very competitive, it’s very intellectual, you don’t do anything but study.
And which is true, but I feel like they, they cannot comprehend or they haven’t been able to comprehend the fact that it is more than that. Like, there are people, like, there are students um, in clubs or theater. Like even in creative, creative clubs, design, theater, etc. Working on consulting projects, which is so cool.
And, and in the recent years, there’s also been like the whole startup culture. So it’s, and I feel like students don’t focus on joining bigger [00:19:00] companies. Like sure, it’s a dream come true, but like, people are also, like students are also leaning towards startups around their own thing. And I feel like that’s really hard for the older generation to comprehend. And that’s what, and I feel like it is a little misunderstood fact about Berkeley back home.
And, but I feel like with recent years with AI, with news, with the situations, now people are understanding it, but it, it’s a slow process, which is fair, but it’s still like, there is still like a gap.
Paras Sajjan: Yeah, just having a little bit more exposure now to what Berkeley culture actually is.
Janvi: Yeah.
Paras Sajjan: You are listening to Saloni and Janvi discuss their experiences as international students at UC Berkeley on Berkeley Brainwaves, KALX Berkeley 90.7 FM. I’m your host, Paras Sajjan.
So in terms of your [00:20:00] overall academic journeys, how do you think studying abroad has changed your worldview at all, or any of your perspectives that you had before coming to Berkeley?
Janvi: In terms of my worldviews and everything, I personally enjoy the classes that I take.
It’s tough, for sure. But, like, I am a political economy major, and I feel like we study a lot of real world issues, and or just like theories that we can easily place into the real world or to comprehend what it is. And I feel like that my classes help, my classes and my professors help me analyze and understand the current issues or just what is going on in the world.
And like I mentioned earlier, like meeting new people and engaging with new types of people in communities also allows me, allowed me to open my eyes and worldviews and understanding. And just being in a different [00:21:00] location, away, being away from home, being in a separate environment, being around different kinds of people, you are kind of forced to acknowledge different things.
And I think if I was back home or I studied in a university back home, I’d be more like, focus on like the issues back home, like in India, in my own country or around, right? But then here I meet so many different kinds of people from different countries, different places in the States, there’s different things happening everywhere.
And I think that forces me like pushes, really pushes me to, yeah, I need to get out of my homey, homely, uh, homely, um, ideologies or like just get out of that like my comfort zone and acknowledge other aspects of things.
Saloni: Yeah, just to add on to what Janvi has mentioned about, coming, studying abroad and how that influences your world view. I think it [00:22:00] really forces you to, when you when you study abroad, and and you come from your home, where you’ve lived your whole life.
And I feel, again, many Berkeley students can relate to this as well. Um, but especially if you’re an international student, it forces you to confront different real, the reality of the place you call home and realize both the pros and cons. Because when you come to a new place, you’re constantly drawing comparisons.
And especially, especially when you first come, you’re going to be drawing so many comparisons and that’s not necessarily a bad thing as well, because I feel like that’s really helped me understand because I’m really interested in economics. Um, and also politics as well, and I feel like coming to a different country with a very different, um, political and economic situation as well, um, [00:23:00] I’m always drawing comparisons, and that just really adds to my own, um, academic journey as well.
But, as I mentioned before, um, I came to the U. S. again just because of the interdisciplinary um, scope as well, especially at Berkeley. And I think there’s so many opportunities for learning outside the classroom which supplement what you’re doing as well academically. Um, it really forces you to draw connections, comparisons. So for example, um, I’m taking my intro to cognitive science class currently and, um, we’re constantly having discussions about artificial intelligence and debating more philosophical questions.
Um, but I’ve had so many other academic opportunities as well at Berkeley, both inside and outside of the classroom, to again, talk about the ethics of artificial intelligence. Again, a lot of discussion based activities as well, which I really appreciate. Um, because again, you [00:24:00] get to meet so many different people, and you get to hear so many different perspectives, and just you get to learn in such a nice and unique way.
Also, the professors here are also very receptive. So, if you have anything you want to discuss, if there’s a niche you’re interested in as well, go to the office hours. Honestly, it’s a great experience.
Janvi: Also, just like coming away from like academics or Berkeley in general, just being an international student, what makes the international student experience more nuanced is, I believe, is understanding where you are currently, like you’re not only just doing academics or meeting people, you’re doing life.
And in life there are different kind of things. You’re, you’re eating different cuisines, you’re, you’re learning the different banking systems. It’s pushed me to look at it in a different way than I would’ve back home because my dad would’ve helped me back home. But here, my dad is not [00:25:00] here, and he’s not, he doesn’t really understand the uh taxing, banking, thing, financial things of the State. But I am doing it myself I am making the effort to push myself, learn it. Learn how, like currently I’m learning how to tax, like do my own taxes, which is really interesting. And just learning different things from different countries is really essential I think.
Saloni: Yeah, just to add on, I think, um, sort of going back to academics, but also, um, just learning a work life balance.
I feel like in America is something that. There’s, there’s a unique relationship there. Um, especially at Berkeley, there’s a bit of a work hard, play hard culture. But I think just having to be adaptable and flexible as an international student, whether that be insurance, immigration, taxes, and navigating a new legal or medical system, it’s just that…
Janvi: Yeah, medical systems, the [00:26:00] insurance policies, understanding, understanding all of that is, has really also like, prepared me for life ahead, regardless of where I am.
Like, I’m not, I feel like I’m not that afraid anymore to delve into technicalities of, like different technicalities of different countries, different places with my age. Like, I’m, I’m what, 19 years old and I’m doing all of that now. I feel like I’m getting prepared for my adulthood and I, and I really appreciate that.
Like, it’s tough for sure. It’s scary even, in the beginning. It’s scary even now, but I’m actually also kind of grateful that I’m getting to do that.
Saloni: Yeah, it just forces you to be flexible and adaptable and this is a skill you would need like throughout life. Um, and yeah, and that’s something that prepares you, um, academically, um, and regardless of which sector you’re going to [00:27:00] as well.
Um, again, just want to re-mention that there’s so many different clubs here, and you can really find a niche at Berkeley as well. If you want to, um, take a behavioral economics elective, if you want to take an environmental economics elective, which is um, something that I’m quite interested in. Um, but again, there’s so many clubs that hold different events about, um, and there’s also classes on personal finance and accounting as well.
And so I think, again, when I mentioned this back home to people, I would say my biggest takeaway from Berkeley hasn’t been the academics, actually. It’s been all these different factors and learning curves that have really prepared me for life.
Paras Sajjan: Yeah. Well, so we’re almost out of time. I just have one final silly question for you guys.
So what is something that you miss from home that you would want to bring here to the States or to UC Berkeley?
Janvi: Definitely the food. [00:28:00] I’m sorry, but then I feel like the food here is very processed. And like personally and as a student, like, who’s working, studying, clubs and everything. Like, it’s hard to cook for myself every meal.
Um, so I can’t help but resort to like outside food.
Paras Sajjan: if you could bring like a certain food or restaurant from home, what would you bring?
Janvi: I would probably bring this one biryani place back home called Aminia. And they have the best chicken rolls and biryanis and it’s like Bengali-style biryani, which I don’t think I find here at all.
I’m on my hunt, but I don’t find it here. So it’s probably that. Also another thing I’d probably make it or bring it back home is the portion sizes here.
Saloni: Oh my god. Yeah.
Janvi: It’s actually uncanny and scarily good because like. You’re, you’re paying for it, right? And you get what you’re paying for. But it has its pros and cons.
Pros is that you’re, oh, you’re getting a lot. Cons is that [00:29:00] sometimes you’re not able to finish that and it’s hard to keep it all the time. So…
Saloni: I have to agree as well with the food aspect as well though. Um, but really grateful as a vegetarian, um, in California, especially Berkeley, there’s a lot of great vegan and vegetarian options as well, but you’re always just gonna miss the food back home.
It just has a special place. Shout out to the Hong Kong, um, style egg tarts. Miss you guys every single day. Um, also, what else do I miss back home? The public transit system from back home.
Paras Sajjan: Oh, you’d bring that here?
Saloni: I would bring that back here. Um, because I, yeah, it’s definitely, um, that there’s a lot of progress being made on that front as well, but I would encourage, especially students, use the public transit system!
Um, there are definitely, um, pros and cons as well, but I would just recommend students to use public transit as well.
Paras Sajjan: Nice. [00:30:00] Well, thank you so much for joining me. We’ve been speaking to Saloni and Janvi, two international students at Berkeley who’ve been talking about their experiences at Cal. And this is Berkeley Brainwaves, coming at you from the Public Affairs department at KALX, bringing you stories from the Cal campus.
I’m your host, Paras Sajjan. Thanks for listening.
