University: California State University Fullerton
City: Fullerton
Country: United States
Continent: North America
Field of study: business administration
Study type: semester abroad
I attended CSUF in August-December 2009 and I highly recommend the university. MicroEdu helped a lot in advance with organizational questions and contact with the university. The application went quickly and I quickly had the acceptance in the mailbox. Check existingcountries.com to see California State University Los Angeles Review 2.
University
An American university is completely different compared to “normal” German universities. The (high) tuition fees are used visibly and so one finds almost optimal study conditions, which, however, are more likely to correspond to the German universities of applied sciences in terms of the teaching system. Small classes and personal contact with professors make learning very pleasant. The university has modern equipment and the professors have also adapted to modern teaching standards. The only downer was the very tedious choice of course. Due to reduced funding for Californian universities and the additional large number of international students for the first time, the free places on the courses were already taken before we arrived, so there was no more space for us “internationals”. So for the first 2-3 weeks we were allowed to try to “crash into” courses, i.e. beg professors to be admitted to the courses. This led to some uncertainty, but ultimately it has to be said that, to the best of my knowledge, the university was able to eliminate all the problems. Here I expect a clear improvement from the next semesters, which may be clarified in the following field reports of the next semesters.
The “Recreation Center”, the campus’ own gym where you can train for $25/month, should also be highlighted. The equipment and the available options surpass even significantly more expensive studios in Germany in most respects. If you feel like a round of billiards or bowling, you can have a nice evening in the Student Union, sometimes for free, sometimes for $1-2. For bowling, however, I recommend the disco bowling at the AMC.
To be honest, Fullerton is not the center of vibrant life. With almost 130,000 inhabitants, the university with its ~35,000 students is of course a fixed point. I lived in one of the northern apartment complexes (Picadilly Square) and am very satisfied with the choice . However, I’m also a big city dweller and some may see things differently It was very easy to find a suitable apartment. I first checked into the hostel on Harbor Blvd. I rented it for 4 nights and then I just set off when there was time. The apartment managers are set up for such walk-ins. Don’t forget to name an advertiser (also me : P) You don’t have to pay attention to the proximity to public transport, these are simply worthless and cannot be compared in any way with German public transport. Your “Semeserticket” entitles you to travel for free, but the incalculable waiting times are simply not worth it. Shops for all facilities can be found nearby and the university is only a few meters away. However, the campus is already very extensive, which is why a bicycle is worthwhile. Downtown Fullerton, the center of Fullerton life, is less than 3 miles away. You can always stop by here and enjoy American beer or a cocktail or two from large milk cans. Alternatively, the Cantina Lounge is always a nearby alternative. However, we were mostly in the neighboring towns (Anaheim in the “Heat”, in the beach towns or directly in Los Angeles).
Vicinity
Fullerton is really ideally located to explore California and neighboring states from here. Whether Los Angeles, San Diego, Huntington or Newport Beach or Santa Barbara near Malibu. All places can be reached within a very short time (a car is a must. It is best to get together with a few people for this. A little further away but worth a visit is Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and various other national parks and San Francisco. We were here too everywhere and these routes are absolutely to be recommended.In addition, the airport in LA also offers the chance to fly over to Hawaii.
Conclusion:
The university is highly recommended for anyone who is not just looking to study, but also wants to get to know the western American mentality. The apprenticeship is offered under optimal conditions, but seems to me a bit easier than at the WWU Münster. Fullerton offers an optimal basis for spending a really great semester in America and making everyone at home jealous with unique activities : D Don’t be put off by the relatively high costs, but use the opportunity to have an unforgettable time in one of the most beautiful areas in the world.
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