University of California Riverside Review (21)

University of California Riverside Review (21)

North America

University: University of California Riverside

City: Riverside

Country: United States

Continent: North America

Field of study: business administration

Study type: semester abroad

When I was looking for a way to spend a semester abroad, I came across MicroEdu. Thanks to the friendly and competent advice, I finally decided to spend a semester abroad at the University of California Riverside (UCR). Visit jibin123.com to get information about Semester Abroad In Universitat Autonoma De Barcelona.

With the help of Aline Meyer from MicroEdu, the application went smoothly and I was finally accepted by the UCR. After I applied for my visa and made all the preparations for going abroad, I went to Riverside in September.

Flights:

I myself have booked my flights online through STA Travel and can only recommend this. My four Lufthansa flights (Münster/Osnabrück-Munich, Munich-LAX and back again) together didn’t cost €600.

I had pre-booked the Extension Center pick-up service. However, it costs $100. An equally good alternative is the $77 Super Shuttle. This can, but does not have to be reserved in advance.

Health insurance:

International health insurance is essential. Although everyone must take out health insurance through the UCR, additional insurance is advisable.

Reside:

I lived in the International Village for three months because I didn’t want to look for an apartment on the spot and a host family was out of the question for me. At $900 a month for a double room, this option is certainly overpriced and you run the risk of having to live with someone you don’t get along with. Luckily I had a super nice Brazilian roommate with whom I got along so well that we are still in contact and I will visit her in Brazil next year. : ) I definitely don’t regret staying at the International Village. However, you have to make a few compromises: the rooms are very small, you still have to buy all the equipment for the kitchen (pots, crockery, cutlery, etc.), you have no place to retreat and you have to be considerate.
If you are not willing to make these compromises or do not want to spend so much money on rent, you should look for an apartment on site or opt for a host family. I’ve heard from other German students that it’s possible to get an apartment there for three months at “reasonable” prices, which are usually better equipped than the rooms in the International Village. Apparently some have had good experiences with host families, but then you usually live further out and are dependent on being driven everywhere if you don’t have your own car.

Course choice:

As some have already written before me, choosing a course is often difficult. Eventually I did the courses Ethics and Law in Business and Society (a lot of work but interesting and you get good grades) and Economic Development (very micro-heavy) at UCR and Financial Statement Analysis at the UCR Extension Center proven. In general, it is best to choose campus courses if possible, since the extension courses are often not recognized by German universities. It is quite easy to get good grades and the level is well below the level at German universities.

Automobile:

I didn’t buy a car, but hired a rental car if needed. If I could decide again, I would always buy a car, because without it it is very difficult to get anywhere and you need it (almost) every day.

Sports:

I can recommend a membership in the UCR Recreation Center. You can train there for three months for 70 US dollars. The usual cardio equipment (treadmill, cross trainer, bike, stepper) and equipment for strength training are available. You can also attend fitness classes and play squash or racquetball.

Riverside:

There is almost nothing going on in Riverside itself. Apart from countless fast-food restaurants, two malls and a pub, the city doesn’t have much to offer.

Trips:

Riverside’s location allows for many excursions: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Las Vegas,… are definitely worth a trip.

Credit card:

A credit card is essential. However, an American account is not required. Bank of America is the best place to withdraw money.

Shopping:

Be sure to drive to Ontario Mills Mall and Desert Hills Premium Outlet Cabazon.

Total cost:

You should expect a few thousand euros for a quarter. Of course, it always depends on the respective lifestyle, but in total you can quickly reach around €10,000.

Time planning:

So that everything can be done without time pressure, I would start planning about 8 to 9 months before the planned stay abroad.

MicroEdu Services:

I can unreservedly recommend MicroEdu. The team is always friendly and helpful and the service is free. All of my e-mails were answered quickly and any problems were remedied immediately. Thanks again especially to Aline!

Conclusion:

My advice to everyone is to study abroad for a while. I definitely don’t regret the time in Riverside, but I’m happy to be back in Germany. : )

University of California Riverside Review (21)