43 reviews
4.04 / 5 based on 43 reviews
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Michel H
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Personal savings
Other sources of funding:
Family<br>
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
Consumer goods are not more expensive than if you'd buy them in the Netherlands. What was expensive was the rent and also mobile telephone costs, as one also pays for incoming phonecalls.
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Housing, Overall, Telephone:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Travel:
was the same price as at home.
Nightlife:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
If you know someone that has a card for Costco, use it as it is a wholesaler where you can buy big quantities for less price than if you'd buy it in smaller items. Going out to dinner isn't that expensive at all, some food products that is normal to buy in the Netherlands are quite expensive over here e.g. cheese and milk.
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Michel H
Academic
Course recommendations
There are many courses to chose from. It's also worthwile to attend courses that are not applicable to your study but can be seen as interesting to follow on the side. Some courses were to easy for me. Overall the teachers are very helpful and kind. Also the American students like to talk to Europeans, at least from my experience. Then again, I am also a social person that walked up to Americans myself, as most of the time they walk out of classes in a rush.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Don't be late, teachers are strict on arriving on time. Also be active in class, as the teachers appreciate input from their students. Coming from the EU and having economic classes is nice as you can have other views on matters and the Americans were really interested in my opinions and experiences with the Eu/Euro. Also get involved in clubs so you can have more contact with the locals.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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Michel H
Overall
I wish I had known...
SFSU is not seen as a top notch university. It is not ranked that high at all supposably. The quality of the subject-matters could have been deeper explained. Sometimes I felt as if I wasn't learning THAT much but perhaps I chose some wrong classes.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I had the best time of my life there! Not only cause of the beautiful city that San Francisco is, but also due to all the great friends4life that I have met during my stay. If you want to get to know the Americans well, you'd have to take the initiative! Another option which I'd highly recommend is to join the IEEC (International Education Exchange Council) to meet more international/local students and to be more involved, for instance in the social activities.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
As I said before (in case you read it), travel Travel TRAVEL! There is soooo much to see and to do in and around California! And one last website that you will/have to use: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/
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Michel H
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my English
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: At ease in most situations
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Coming from the Netherlands, I was already familiar with the English language due to non dubbed tv shows/movies, so overall I had no problems with the language what so ever.
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Michel H
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Independently - My choice
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I chose to live off-campus instead of on- campus as I wanted to experience the city life more and the travel to the uni. The housing market in San Francisco is one of the most expensive ones in the USA. Living Downtown or at Northbeach will be more of a financial burden compared to living in the Richmond or Sunset district (where I was situated). Housing can be found through www.craigslist.org
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Personal comments
Not applicable as I didn't choose to live on campus.
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Michel H
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Travel, Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
I really liked Suite181, Ruby Skye and more clubs to be found around North Beach, Mission District and in and around the Marina. For events, check sfgate.com. So much to do! It also depends on what semester you'll be there, in case it would be 'just' for one semester. And travel through California, roadtrip down the PCH (aka Highway 101) all the way to San Diego and back through Nevada, Arizona so you can be witness of all the beautiful nature and national parks that are present.
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