West Coast vibes
From West Coast beaches to friends from all over the world, Holly Pretorius found inspiration and growth at San Diego State University in the USA.
Holly Pretorius
Why I chose my host uni:
I love the West Coast beaches in the States and the cities that are close to San Diego. It’s a very rich city with numerous towns that feel full of life. As it’s close to Mexico, the city incorporates a very Spanish style into its environment and architecture, so it’s very vibrant and full of culture. The San Diego State campus looked awesome online, and it’s even better in person. As I’m studying film, doing an exchange in America was the best option, and the courses in San Diego supported me in the best way possible.
How I found applying to my host uni:
When applying to my host uni, the process was fairly long and tedious, but it paid off as it made me feel secure in my arrival. There was a lot of paperwork for the visa and student application, as well as numerous online accounts/forms for the dormitories, insurance and course requirements.
I got a student visa that allowed me to stay in the country for the duration of my exchange plus a month afterwards. There was a chance to extend it for a further four months if you could score a place in an internship as well.
How I found learning in a different academic system:
Initially, I was worried the academic system would be more complicated than New Zealand’s, however, after a short amount of time, it was easy to adjust to. Consistently going to classes and making friends within them that can support you helps this adjustment, but just making an effort to keep up with the coursework will make the process smoother.
What I gained from this experience:
From this experience, I definitely grew a greater independence and ability to adapt as you’re pushed into a country you get to navigate on your own. I got to learn so much about other cultures and make many new friends, all from different countries. It’s much easier to meet other exchange students as you’re all in the same boat, so you get to meet people from all over the world.
Top tips for other students
- Be open to meeting new personalities and take every opportunity you can to put yourself in social situations. Although it can feel scary, it gets easier as you find people you’re more comfortable with and get to know the city as your home more. The right people will come along if you put yourself out there enough
- Don’t take for granted travelling on your own as well – it doesn’t always have to be with others. When first arriving, I found catching public transport to different parts of the city on my own to be comforting, as you can navigate your whereabouts and not put so much pressure on yourself to find the perfect friends straight away
- Give yourself time and find your own way to settle in. Don’t worry about expectations or what others are doing – just have fun and appreciate the time you have to travel in a new country
- San Diego is particularly expensive, so it’s fairly hard to keep a budget, but making sure not to overspend on unnecessary things can help you stay on track with your funds
About Holly and her student exchange
AUT degree:
Bachelor of Communication Studies in Screen Production
Host uni:
San Diego State University
Host country:
USA
5 favourite things
Favourite place in my host city:
Balboa Park, Pacific Beach and Old Town
Best dish/food I tried:
In N Out and Raising Canes
Most useful thing I packed to take with me:
Digital camera
Favourite thing about my host uni:
The campus had so much beautiful architecture
Best trip I took outside of my host city:
Stayed in San Francisco with friends for Thanksgiving