West Coast Vibes: My semester abroad in San Diego

Our Marketing Assistant Tobi experienced an unforgettable semester abroad at San Diego State University, full of exciting lectures, inspiring encounters and the typical Californian way of life. Between campus life, sunny beaches and exciting road trips along the West Coast, he gained valuable experience that shaped him both personally and professionally. In his report, he shares his insights into student life at SDSU.

My life on Campus

During my stay at San Diego State University, I was able to experience typical American campus life firsthand. I stayed in a classic dorm like the ones you see in the movies. My accommodation was right on campus, so I never had to walk more than five minutes to my lectures. My room was actually a double room, but luckily I had it to myself the whole time. So I had my personal space and at the same time the lively atmosphere of dorm life around me. Each room was very functional yet comfortably furnished with a bed, fridge, wardrobe, shelves, drawers, a private bathroom, desk and even a TV. The kitchen was a common meeting place for all the residents. It was simple but equipped with all the necessities: Hotplates, ovens and several places to sit. There was always someone to talk to here.  The campus itself offered an incredible number of opportunities to spend your free time. As a registered student, you had free access to the modern fitness studio, the swimming pool and the numerous sports grounds. There were also plenty of culinary options: From classic fast food chains to smaller snack bars, there was something for every taste. The trolley and bus stop directly on campus was particularly practical. With the student ticket one is able to travel around San Diego easily.

Studying in California

My lectures were incredibly varied and diverse. I took a total of four courses with a focus on business. There was a wide range of courses to choose from. My courses usually took place in the evening and lasted around 3 hours. Unlike in Germany, there was regular homework here, which was graded, and in some courses there were even several exams spread over the semester. On the one hand, this was very demanding, but on the other hand it ensured that you were always on top of things.  My courses were extremely interesting, especially as you had a lot of contact with your fellow students, e.g. through group work or presentations. In general, my courses were also very international, as not only American students took part in the courses, but students from all over the world. The professors were always helpful and open, and you could also talk to them about private topics. You could tell that the professors were not only trying to convey the content, but also to inspire the students.

Highlights in San Diego    

San Diego offers a great mix of sun, beach and culture. The Mexican culture in particular is very strongly represented there and so you have a very large selection of different Mexican restaurants. When it comes to sightseeing, San Diego fulfills every taste. One of my personal highlights is Balboa Park. Not only does it consist of beautiful gardens and museums, it is also home to the world famous San Diego Zoo. The park is perfect for a walk or just relaxing in the greenery. The Cabrillo National Monument was also an absolute highlight for me. From there you have a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean, Coronado Island, downtown and even as far as Mexico on a clear day. The area also offers beautiful hiking trails along the coast and historical aspects such as the statue of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. Of course, San Diego is also known for its beaches. These include Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and La Jolla. In addition to high waves and beautiful sunsets, you can also watch seals here. Other sights that I would like to recommend are Old Town, the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Traveling safely in the USA

During my stay abroad, I was insured with a comprehensive insurance package from CareMed GmbH, which made my stay abroad much more relaxed and safe. In addition to travel health insurance, the insurance package also includes travel accident insurance, third party liability insurance, return trip emergency insurance and travel luggage insurance. There was also no way around travel cancellation insurance, as I was faced with high travel costs. Most importantly, the insurance cover was officially recognized for the F1 visa which was a relief to me. Even though I never had to make use of the insurance cover, it gave me a very high sense of security, as you have to reckon with high medical and medication costs, especially in America. I was able to concentrate fully on my studies and my time in the USA - without the constant fear of “what if”.

You can find all the information you need about the right insurance for your semester abroad here