Written by Aiden Stringfellow, J-1 Exchange Student
Leaving your home country to study abroad is a life changing experience; I had many exchange program options but when I saw San Francisco I jumped at the opportunity! San Francisco is famous for its diversity, innovation, open-mindedness, and the prospect of living there for a few months was so exciting.
In this article I’m going to share with you my experience as an exchange student at SFSU: getting ready to leave, discovering campus, the academic differences, the social and cultural integration and the challenges I faced during my stay.
Getting ready for departure:
Before I even landed in San Francisco, I had to do a few administrative and logical steps.
First, I had to work on my application and admission; I had to prepare a strong application to be accepted into the exchange program, which included transcripts, a motivation letter and a language test (TOEFL).
Then I checked for housing, and I really wanted a dorm on campus to get the full college life experience, but since spots in university are limited, I also checked for some alternatives like shared apartments or private student housing.
After that, I checked the required vaccinations, and bought the school’s health insurance that is mandatory for international students in the US.
The final part was budgeting, because the cost of living in San Francisco is really high, so I had to plan my budget carefully, and look for available scholarships or financial aid.
Then it was time to go!
As soon as I arrived in San Francisco I was struck by the city’s atmosphere. The hilly streets, the iconic cable cars and the overall energy confirmed that I was in a special place. My first shock was the cost of living. Everything was more expensive than I expected, especially the food. But the transportation is free when you’re a student! The SFSU campus is located slightly outside the city center, which is good for a quieter environment, but a bit annoying when you go out at night.
In terms of academic life, the American university system is very different from the French or other European systems. Classes are often discussion-based, with presentations and group projects. Participation is highly encouraged and even affects the final grade. Unlike some countries where grades are based on a final exam, in the US, there are regular assignments, quizzes, and projects throughout the semester. Professors are very approachable and encourage students to ask questions, whether in class or during office hours. I had the opportunity to choose a variety of courses based on my interests, ranging from social sciences, to business or communication.
One of the most interesting aspects of my exchange was meeting new people and experiencing cultural diversity. I met most of my friends on orientation day, so I didn’t feel alone at any time. Also, living with other students allowed me to interact with people from different backgrounds and better understand local culture.
Adapting to American social life takes effort. Americans are generally very open, but friendships can sometimes feel more superficial compared to Europe. It takes time and effort to build deeper relationships.
San Francisco is an amazing city to explore, with of course the Golden Gate Bridge, that looks even prettier in real life. There is also Alcatraz, the famous former prison on an island in the bay, full of history. I also loved Mission and Haight-Ashbury Districts, great for discovering alternative culture
and street art! The Golden Gate Park is also beautiful, a massive green space where you can relax or exercise. Chinatown and Japantown are perfect for experiencing different cultures and trying amazing food.
The city has its own microclimate, so it can be very sunny in one neighborhood, and grey and cold two blocks later. So a little trick is to wear layers that you can add or remove during the day.
Although my exchange is an incredible experience, it isn’t without challenges.
As I mentioned earlier, San Francisco is expensive. Finding ways to save money, like going to the dining hall or cooking at home, and using public transportation, was essential.
The course workload and teaching methods required some adaptation, especially if coming from a more theoretical system. Being far from family and friends can be difficult, but technology makes it easier to stay connected with loved ones. However, these challenges were valuable learning opportunities. I became more independent, learned how to manage my budget and developed a greater open-mindedness. If you’re hesitating about doing an exchange program, my advice is simple: go for it! It’s an experience that will open doors, broaden your horizons, and give you unforgettable memories.