Berkeley Study Abroad

Several UC Berkeley undergraduates studying abroad in Paris are in the process of healing along with the city, where Islamic State terrorists coordinated multiple bombings and shootings Friday night — killing more than 120 people, including a California State University student, dead, and leaving the global community in shock.

Nadine Gerdes, a senior study abroad adviser with Berkeley Study Abroad, has been working with the organization since 1991. Gerdes chatted with The Daily Californian about how to study abroad and why it’s a worthwhile experience.

Deciding to study abroad can be a complicated process complete with the intimidating task of choosing from more than 40 countries and all that daunting paperwork. Luckily, The Daily Californian had the opportunity to chat with members of the Berkeley Study Abroad office, including Diane Marcus, associate director of marketing, Laura Shanks, publications and production specialist, and Barbara Tassielli, assistant director of advising, via phone and email to answer some of the perplexing questions you might have.

Students may soon be able to apply for new Berkeley Study Abroad programs that will provide them with an array of resources and opportunities to make their experiences an unforgettable one.

As fighting among Israelis and Palestinians entered its 16th consecutive day Wednesday, members of the UC Berkeley community in the impacted areas were grappling with the reality of violence outside their doors.

In a Friday discussion on engagement between universities and the global community, UC Berkeley’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost George Breslauer discussed the ways in which the campus study abroad program is currently being adapted to more closely resemble that of Columbia University.