University: San Diego State University
City: San Diego
Country: United States
Continent: North America
Field of study: business administration
Study type: semester abroad
I spent five months at San Diego State University taking business classes and it was an unforgettable time ! I recommend everyone to have this experience as well and also take advantage of the great support from MicroEdu ! See jibin123 for economics and education in Singapore.
organization
I certainly wouldn’t have been able to start the semester in San Diego without MicroEdu. MicroEdu supported me from the beginning to the last step of my preparations. The testimonials of other students at different universities around the world helped me to decide which university to study in and when I made the decision to study at SDSU, MicroEdu sent me all the documents I needed for the application process were necessary. MicroEdu staff were always available to help me with any questions. Whether by phone or email, you got an answer within a few hours. I would like to thank the MicroEdu team very much!
Courses
You have to choose your courses before you begin your semester abroad . Basically, a distinction is made between general and business courses. Here, too, MicroEdu will help you with the selection with plenty of information. Since I’m studying business administration in Germany, the business courses came into question for me. In the bachelor’s degree you have to collect twelve credit points (this usually corresponds to four courses) and in the master’s nine credit points (three courses) per semester. I had the following four courses: Human Resource Management, Organizational and Business Behavior, Accounting andMultinational and Corporate Management. Basically, I can say that the courses in the United States are easier in terms of difficulty, but a lot more complex than in the German education system. In the United States, unlike in Germany, it is often the case at universities that you have to submit so-called essays, attendance is sometimes compulsory and so-called “in-class activities” because not only exams but also oral grades and homework are included in the enter endnotes. In addition, the educational system in the United States differs from that in Germany in that in the USA you also write two exams (so-called midterms) during the semester and one exam (final) at the end of the semester.
Leisure
If you study at SDSU, you have enough free time to discover the beautiful area and American culture while studying. You can often plan your timetable so that you only have to go to the university three to four times a week. This leaves you free to travel or enjoy San Diego on the remaining days. There are a lot of things to do in San Diego and the surrounding area. You will definitely never get bored. In your free time you can bowl, swim, go to the gym or simply study in the library. Here, too, the university offers a lot. Of course you will also find many restaurantslike Subway, Panda Express, Dominos and much more for the hunger.
Sightseeing features
Which cities you absolutely have to see in the USA : San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Monterey, LA, Las Vegas, Malibu and all the national parks like Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Monument Valley, Antelope… Also Universal Studios in Los Angeles is highly recommended.
Costs
If you want to do a semester abroad in the States, you have to expect to spend a large amount of money. In addition to the high tuition fees (compared to Germany), the cost of living is also a lot higher than in Germany. Food, rent for a room and a car and other expenses should be calculated generously before the semester abroad in order to be able to get an idea of the necessary financial means in advance. Here, too, MicroEdu advises on financial support that could be offered. In addition to the foreign BAföG, there are also various organizations that could offer you a scholarship.
Housing
I would advise everyone to take care of a room before arrival, because on the one hand you can arrive with a safe feeling and on the other hand it saves you the stress on site. There are ample options for housing in San Diego. Whether on campus, in a student residence or simply on the beach. I myself lived right on Mission Beach (i.e. on the beach) and I would choose the beach again at any time. When will you have the opportunity to live directly on the beach again ? Although you have to drive about 20 minutes to get to the university, you can arrange your timetable so that you only have to drive to the university three to four days a week. But you can always lie on the beach in your free time, sunbathe or justwatch the sunset in the evening.
Conclusion
Even though the semester abroad cost me a lot, I can say with confidence that every single dollar I invested in my semester abroad was worth it. I advise everyone who is offered this opportunity to take this unique opportunity and do a semester abroad at SDSU. You will experience moments in San Diego that you will never forget. So apply now !