International students, want to spend the summer in California? UC Berkeley is ready to welcome you for an amazing summer of study and exploration!
What Is a Summer Learning Program?
Summer learning programs offer high school and undergraduate students a great opportunity to learn more about their field of interest, develop new skills, and benefit from personalized instruction with faculty experts. Summer programs often feature interactive workshops and collaborative projects, providing a platform for students to explore their passions and connect with peers.
They also provide a taste of the US university experience: Summer learning activities are designed to familiarize you with university studies and student life. Programs typically last anywhere from one to four weeks and give you the opportunity to explore diverse subject areas, participate in community activities, live in campus housing, eat meals at the dining halls, and experience life on campus first-hand.
While universities traditionally are not in full session during this season, specialized summer programs provide students with the opportunity to explore their interests, develop career-building skills, and grow their portfolio.
For example, a university summer program may focus on diverse fields including performing arts, STEM, and business with experiential learning opportunities focused on professional development.
Summer Learning Programs at Shorelight
Applied AI in Engineering Summer Institute at the University of California, Berkeley
Ranked #3 in Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report (2025), the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)’s College of Engineering is a world-recognized engineering school offering cutting-edge STEM programs in the high-demand fields of applied artificial intelligence and engineering.
The two-week Applied AI in Engineering Summer Institute is geared toward international undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 with an interest in the future of applied artificial intelligence and innovation in engineering. Activities include lectures and events with industry experts, hands-on workshops, and interactive group projects with like-minded peers. There are also “only in the Bay Area” excursions to top companies; for example, previous Summer Institute students toured the Tesla headquarters.
Hear from international students who attended the 2024 Applied AI in Engineering Summer Institute >
International students enrolled in the program can experience university life at UC Berkeley’s state-of-the-art campus in the Bay Area, while working toward a capstone project and gaining industry exposure. Lectures cover the application of AI in fields such as advanced manufacturing, biomedical engineering, engineering data analysis, renewable energy, and more.
On successfully completing the program, students will receive a certificate of achievement.
Why Study in California?
Hosting more than 138,000 international students between 2022 and 2023, California is one of the most popular study destinations in the US. California is well-known for its mild climate and beautiful natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and beaches. In the Bay Area, students can explore all the cultural attractions of San Francisco, hike among redwood trees and rugged seaside cliffs, and dine on the freshest farm-to-table cuisine in the country.
California is also home to several of the top universities in the US, including Pepperdine University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of the Pacific, and Whittier College, among many others. While pursuing their studies, students can benefit from learning and networking opportunities with leading US technology companies in nearby Silicon Valley, including Apple and Google.
Who Should Pursue a Summer Learning Program?
Summer learning programs help high school students prepare for college during the summer, and also enable undergraduate students to pick up new skills and build their professional portfolio during their summer break. Summer learning programs are ideal for international students who are looking to:
Make industry connections — If you are looking to grow your professional and academic network, summer learning programs provide great connections. Through collaborative projects and networking events, you’ll establish relationships with faculty, connect with peers and mentors, gain industry exposure, and build beneficial relationships for your future career.
Experience campus life — Many summer learning programs offer residential options where students stay on campus in dormitories. If you’re a high school student, this experience helps you to adapt to campus living. If you’re an undergraduate, you’ll get a totally new on-campus experience in terms of surroundings, friends, extracurriculars, dining, and more.
Strengthen your portfolio — If you want to enhance your college application or personal portfolio, a summer program can help you learn new skills and earn qualifications. According to a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, students who participated in STEM summer programs had a higher chance of being accepted at their host university. The same study shows that these students had gone on to graduate from their university.
Shorelight universities offer engaging on-campus summer learning programs in the US, where students can learn new courses, take part in exciting activities, and establish a strong foundation for their future degree studies and careers. Come join us in California this summer!
Register for the Applied AI in Engineering summer program at UC Berkeley >
