University: California State University Long Beach
City: Long Beach
Country: United States
Continent: North America
Field of study: English / American Studies, Romance Studies
Study type: semester abroad
Field report on the semester abroad in California
If you are planning a semester abroad, it is highly advisable to make all the preparations early enough, i.e. at least 6 months in advance. This saves unnecessary stress. Check topschoolsoflaw to learn information about Metropolitan University Venezuela.
After choosing California State University Long Beach (CSULB for short), I contacted the staff at MicroEdu. MicroEdu is in contact with many universities around the world and mediates the applications of German students to foreign universities, which is very difficult without organizations like these. There you will receive very active and competent support in putting together the application for the host university.
Thanks again to the MicroEdu staff, who have always helped me with any question, no matter how stupid.
After about a week, I received confirmation of acceptance from the CSULB, after which I booked the flights.
Then I took care of the visa that has to be applied for at the American consulate. The processing time of the authorities can be very long, which is why you should have all the documents together early enough. For the semester abroad you get the F1 student visa.
The next step was the foreign student loan. All students who want to go abroad are recommended to submit an application here, even if they do not receive domestic BaföG.
The funding amount is calculated differently for other countries and it is therefore possible that someone who is not entitled to domestic BaföG may well receive foreign BaföG. It is important to keep all receipts of all fees you have paid, because the BaföG clerks want a receipt for every refund application. Tuition fees of 4600 € will be paid.
Then I took out international health insurance that was tailored to my host university. The conditions of each university for foreign students are different, which is why it is advisable to have the conditions available when you take out international health insurance. The insurance that meets all the conditions of this university is Hanse Merkur, with whom I also took out my insurance. (Note from MicroEdu: CSULB health insurance is now mandatory for all international students and cannot be replaced by Germany’s own health insurance.)
The search for accommodation was simplified by offers from the CSULB. You have the option to live in an apartment complex, which is the safest. Oakwood is recommended. MicroEdu will provide you with further information on prices etc. upon request. Otherwise, it’s a good idea to ask around among the other internationals during the first week of university to see if anyone is still looking for roommates, or you can look at the various bulletin boards, there are often inquiries posted there. The last possibility is the website www.craigslist.org. You can click through and you will definitely find what you are looking for. The site is also useful for car searches.
That would be the next point. A car is definitely recommended! Firstly it saves on public transport costs and secondly it saves on renting a car costs. You won’t be able to avoid renting one if you don’t buy one. Whether for shopping or touring, a car is a must in California.
From the first day of the introductory week, you were looked after very well at the CSULB by 3 supervisors who are responsible for the international students. They were always approachable and provided very competent support with individual advice.
The university itself is beautiful. The campus is huge and offers many opportunities to pass the time in the free hours. There is a fitness studio and instead of a canteen, various fast food chains are represented. For example, Subway, Panda Express, Karls Junior, etc.
The library is huge and is open almost continuously during the exam phase.
The blue pyramid becomes interesting when a match is pending again. The games are really recommendable and it is a lot of fun to watch. GO BEACH!!!
The range of courses is very comprehensive. The lecturers take their time with their students and are very helpful.
The tuition fees are 12 units, which is approximately 4 to 6 courses. For example, I only had university 2 days a week, but the amount of work should not be underestimated. You have to regularly submit essays or homework from multiple sites, and there are still midterms and finals.
The few courses leave plenty of time for excursions. If you already have a car available, you should have visited all nearby destinations, such as the Gran Canyon, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, etc. Places like Hawaii or New York can also be visited for a few days without getting into trouble with the visa.
I can only recommend everyone to do the semester abroad and have the best time of your life! Have fun!!! go to the beach!!!!!