Overall - Reviews of University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) | United States

Useful | 1

Lucia H

University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Anthropology, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Overall

I wish I had known...

I strongly believe that my year abroad will remain one of the highlights of my life. It should be compulsory to everyone studying a degree at every university.

In my opinion:

Everybody loved it, you will too!

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

2

Costs

2

Activities

2

Campus life

4

Party / people

4

Weather / location

3

Personal recommendation

The University of Santa Barbara is a fantastic school, both academically and socially. What's more, most students seemed to balance these two aspects admirably. The fact that it is one of the most stunning parts of the world was a bonus!

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

3

Traveled

3

Improved language skills

3

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

If you are lucky enough to go to this university on exchange, be sure to make the most of all it has to offer- varied courses, a massive social scene,incredible sporting facilities, and a great interaction between international and American students.

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anonymous

University of York, York, United Kingdom
Economics, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Overall

I wish I had known...

It can get cold in California so bring a jacket/coat especially if you intend to go up to San Francisco or over to the East Coast during the breaks!

In my opinion:

I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

3

Culture

4

Costs

3

Activities

3

Campus life

2

Party / people

2

Weather / location

4

Personal recommendation

If you like a laid back but covertly serious academic environment set on the beach and backed by hills, SAnta Barbara is the place for you!

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

3

Improved language skills

3

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

3

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

Buy an International Student identitification card at sta travel. It gets you discounts on greyhound, various accomodation chains, restaurants and clubs. Also it is sometimes more accepted than passports believe it or not! (e.g. my friend had his danish passport rejected at albertson's (supermarket) when he was trying to by wine!)

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“Great atmosphere and early career experience”

Isobel F

United States,
Engineering, Mechanical, 2024

Overall

excellent engineering department, more of a research-oriented university but has great opportunities for professional development. Great location and beautiful campus, lively social scene

Careers

Very good EAP (Education Abroad Program) advertising and plenty of career fairs. Career center is also helpful

Pros

EAP, lots of help along the way and advisors for each field of study and desired host country

Cons

More networking events

Useful | 1

Andri W

Universität Bern, Bern, Switzerland
Business Studies, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Overall

I wish I had known...

No.

In my opinion:

Most people loved it.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

3

Culture

4

Costs

1

Activities

4

Campus life

4

Party / people

4

Weather / location

4

Personal recommendation

Do it!

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

3

Final comments

California is one of the most beautiful places on earth, Santa Barbara is right in the middle of the California Coast line, so the nature is the prettiest. Got mountains in the back, ocean in front. The University itself has three oceansides next to the campus.

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bigpi

Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
Communication and Information Sciences, Undergraduate, University Agreement

Overall

I wish I had known...

American slang!

In my opinion:

Most people loved it.

Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important

Academic reasons

4

Culture

4

Costs

2

Activities

3

Campus life

4

Party / people

4

Weather / location

4

Personal recommendation

I recommend such an experience as it has been the most important in my life so far

During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot

Became familiar with another culture

4

Traveled

4

Improved language skills

4

Met people from other countries

4

Became more independent

4

Partied a lot

4

Experienced a change in life

4

Advanced my studies & career

4

Final comments

I recommend to travel around California which is a very beautiful and diverse state. I recommend to bring both winter and summer clothes as weather is not always warm!

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