Updated November 2025
Overview and Program Benefits
The Berkeley International Study Program at the University of California, Berkeley, is launching a new collaboration starting in Fall 2026, supporting education of future teachers of kindergarten through high school students. The initiative will offer semester-long courses (16 weeks) as well as shorter immersions (2-4 weeks) for university-level students in Teacher Education programs from around the world. It will also provide opportunities for practice-learning in local schools where participants work with teachers in class rooms and staff in school administrations.
The program builds on collaborations with eight Norwegian institutions of higher education, and is also open for students from other countries.
For more information, contact Trond Petersen, Director of the Berkeley International Study Program, at trond@berkeley.edu. Interested students and potential partner universities can contact Jenny Cornet-Carrillo, Associate Director of the Berkeley International Study Program, at bisp@berkeley.edu.
Fall 2026: Applications will open soon! It's time to start planning
Talk with your home university to discuss the process for your school so you are ready to submit the paperwork required. For Fall 2026, we offer a full semester of studying abroad at UC Berkeley through the Berkeley International Study Program. Most students will take between 3-5 courses during the semester, with a variety of options available depending on your specific interests and academic goals. See below for a list of sample courses.
Eligibility
Priority will go to students enrolled in bachelors, masters, or doctoral programs in teacher education or related areas. Norwegian students seeking to fund their studies abroad through Lånekassen (separate link) may find preliminary information regarding their eligibility for loans and scholarships. Students from other countries should consult with their home university or home country for funding opportunities available to you. Students from other countries should consult with their home university or home country for funding opportunities available to you.
Check for your home university on the BISP Partner List.
Students from a partner university: Contact the International Office at your faculty or school to begin the application process. We recommend doing this as soon as possible; deadlines will be earlier at your university than our deadlines. If you meet your home university’s criteria and are selected to proceed, your school will nominate you to BISP. Once nominated, students will receive instructions outlining the next steps.
Independent students: If you are interested in applying for the Teacher Education track, you must first apply for the Berkeley International Study Program (BISP). Learn more about BISP's application process (separate link). When you write your personal statement, make sure to indicate your interest in the Teacher Education track. Once we receive your application materials, you will be sent instructions for the next steps.
If you are already enrolled in BISP or another concurrent enrollment program, please email bisp@berkeley.edu to inquire about pursuing the teacher education track.
Pursuing the Teacher Education Track
All students are encouraged to apply early in the semester before the term they plan to study abroad. BISP partner deadlines are usually early in the semester, and independent students should apply early for quick responses. Students will work with a BISP advisor before the semester begins to select classes aligned with their Teacher Education interests and goals.
Anticipated Dates for Fall 2026 & Spring 2027:
Fall Semester 2026:
Orientation/Week of Welcome in Berkeley (required): August 19-25, 2026
Course Instruction Begins: August 26, 2026
Final Examinations: December 14-18, 2026
Spring Semester 2027:
Orientation/Week of Welcome in Berkeley (required): January 12-18, 2027
Course Instruction Begins: January 19, 2027
Final Examinations: May 10-14, 2027
Sample Classes
Please note: Course enrollment is on a space-availability basis, and not all classes are offered every semester. This is a small sample of the classes that are offered at Berkeley related to teacher education. Flexibility is required.
SOCIOL 111C: Sociology of Childhood
SOCIOL 113 or 113AC: Sociology of Education
SOCIOL 150: Social Psychology
SOCIOL 169C: Cross-Cultural Communications
SOCIOL 180E: Comparative Perspectives: Education
COGSCI 1: Introduction to Cognitive Science
PSYCH 1 or 2: Introduction to Psychology
PSYCH 125: The Developing Brain
PSYCH 140: Developmental Psychology
PSYCH 160: Social Psychology
EDUC 130: Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science (includes field placement)
EDUC 131AC: Classroom Interactions in Science and Mathematics (includes field placement)
EDUC 150: Advanced Studies in Education (topics vary each semester)
EDSTEM C122: Research Methods for Science and Mathematics K-12 Teachers
We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to spend a semester, or maybe two, with us at Berkeley. We are sure you will find it to be an incredible academic and cultural experience.
More Information
If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact us: bisp@berkeley.edu