Yes, I know why you came here: you want to study in California and you’re an international student. You might wonder where you can get information about universities with high acceptance rates for international students in California. And if they offer scholarships as well.
Have you ever thought of studying in California universities? If yes, then here I am going to share some critical information about universities in California. So if you were thinking about studying abroad, check out these tips to help you make your decision for better!
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California Study Program for International Students
Capital – Sacramento
Largest City – Los Angeles
Population – 37,253,956
Timezone – Pacific Time
So why do so many non-California residents and international students want to study in California? Quite simply, California has it all! California boasts one of the largest economies in the world and is an international epicenter for the entertainment, information, education, and technology industries. Nationally, California is a significant contributor in the agricultural, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors, which is why many universities have created high quality and affordable programs that focus on Engineering and Technology—among other fields as well. Because of its size, California is a large state allowing students to choose just about any field of study.
California Culture & Lifestyle
While California no doubt embodies Western American culture, it is also regarded as a socially more liberal state that boasts a large and culturally diverse population, including a growing Hispanic population. With many students coming from countries like India, Japan, Korea, China, and Canada year after year and choosing to study in California, California remains one of the most active and inviting American states in recruiting international students.
Many foreign students have narrowed California down to their number one pick – in fact, the University of Southern California enrolls more international students each year than any other university in the entire United States! Because of this, living in California means experiencing and embracing new and novel languages, foods, cultures, peoples, ideas, celebrations, and activities on a daily basis! If you choose to study in California, the liberal and culturally diverse nature of this state and its people ensure you will receive so much more education than you pay for, as the potential education available to you just by exploring and experiencing all this international cultural Mecca has to offer will certainly enhance your classroom experience.
California Climate & Geography
What is more, students can expect to find opportunities to enjoy all four seasons in California’s varied, but significantly the Mediterranean, climate. Not to mention, the diversity of California’s landscape makes a wide range of weekend sports and activities possible; this includes surfing along California’s famous shoreline, hiking along its many scenic nature trails, and visiting its many gorgeous forests and state parks. In fact, almost half of California’s total surface area is covered in lush forests! Southern California is home to the Mojave south-central desert and Death Valley, hot spots for some extreme sports and sight-seeing. The California coast is home to some of its most famous major cities including San Francisco Bay, San Diego, and Greater Los Angeles. The further north one travels in California, the cooler and more mountainous scenery one may enjoy, including the awe-inspiring Yosemite Valley (famous for its larger than life glacial domes) and Sequoia National Park (home to the giant sequoia trees). These redwood giants are among the oldest trees in the world, some reaching as high as 94 meters in height and boasting a circumference of 17 meters in diameter! In other words, wherever you study in California, there will be plenty of unique land features nearby ready to take your breath away!
Higher Education in California
Finally, when it comes to higher education, the well-organized California network of colleges and universities carries an excellent reputation for providing quality education. That means students studying in California can look forward to acknowledgment of the quality and prestige of their diplomas upon graduation, both nationally and internationally. California universities that are consistently top-ranking in the United States include Stanford University , University of California-Berkeley , California Institute of Technology, University of California-Los Angeles, Delaware State University, University of California-Davis, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of California-Riverside , University of California-Santa Cruz and University of California-San Francisco.
While tuition and costs of living may be higher when studying in California, it is also worth noting that there are various ways to secure substantive financial aid packages. With the variety of lifestyles and multi-person living situations students studying in California embrace, the costs of living in California can be considerably minimized with proper planning. If you’re thinking about living off-campus, you should explore your housing options on the web. To explore the cost of living arrangements in your cities of interest, it is worthwhile to surf through sites like Apartments.com to find and compare apartment rental rates. Reviewing sites such as this, and those related more specifically to studying in California, are sure to assist you in developing a more accurate sense of associated costs of living in California. In addition, it’s a good idea to join your school’s Facebook group(s). Chances are your graduating class will have a Facebook group to discuss general topics. Here, you will be able to find items for sale such as furniture and you will also see people looking for roommates or subletters (someone who takes over a lease for a tenant). People constantly post in these groups so be sure to check them regularly. With that being said, putting out feelers to people you know is the best option for finding a quality roommate. Be careful about rooming with someone you met through social media or a roommate matching website like Roomsurf. Choosing a roommate is a big decision that will affect your quality of life, so take time to get to know them and be sure it’s a great match before committing. If you are willing to do your research and plan ahead, you are sure to discover many opportunities for assistance and resources available to students while living and studying in this great state!
Choosing a school can be confusing, especially in such a large state. Let us help you do it right.
With hundreds of schools to pick from, choosing to study in California is both an exciting and potentially overwhelming experience. With so many factors to consider, selecting which school to study at can become a challenging experience. Listed below are some important factors to consider while you search for the right school.
Program of Study
Thinking about what field you want to study should be the first step in your school selection process. Think carefully about your academic goals and then search for a school that accommodates those goals. If you need English language support, consider a school that has ESL support courses.
Location
Do you prefer the city life, with bustling streets and shining skyscrapers? Or do you prefer the charming, peaceful atmosphere found in small towns? Perhaps you prefer a blend of both? Regardless of which location you favor, it is important to choose a school that is situated in an area that you will be comfortable living in. You should also consider whether you need a school with housing on campus or off campus.
Size
Some students thrive in a large school environment. Others prefer the more intimate setting of a small school. Still others prefer to be somewhere in between. California is home to a variety of schools both large and small and everything in between. It’s important to make sure that the school you choose is a size that you are comfortable with.
Cost
We all know that the price of higher education in the United States can be expensive. However, there is a large variation in price between different schools. Before you choose a school, make sure to sit down and review your budget. Also, check with your potential schools to see if they offer financial assistance to international students.
Activities and Campus Life
The amount and type of activities and campus life schools in the United States have can vary greatly. Schools with on campus housing tend to have a wide range of on campus activities including, but not limited to: clubs, social events and sports. Technical and two-year schools also have activities, but because their focus is on technical or vocational curriculums, on campus activities may differ from those found at other schools.
These are just a few things you may want to consider when choosing a school. Many other considerations may come to mind, so choose carefully and be sure to ask any of the admissions counselors if you have questions.
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universities with high acceptance rate for international students in california
School Name | Acceptance Rate |
Academy of Art UniversitySan Francisco, California | 100% |
Bismarck State CollegeBismarck, North Dakota | 100% |
Boston Architectural CollegeBoston, Massachusetts | 100% |
City University of SeattleBellevue, Washington | 100% |
CUNY–College of Staten IslandStaten Island, New York | 100% |
Dixie State UniversitySt. George, Utah | 100% |
Granite State CollegeConcord, New Hampshire | 100% |
Indian River State CollegeFort Pierce, Florida | 100% |
Metropolitan State UniversitySt. Paul, Minnesota | 100% |
Montana State University–NorthernHavre, Montana | 100% |
New Mexico Highlands UniversityLas Vegas, New Mexico | 100% |
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods CollegeSt. Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana | 100% |
Santa Fe University of Art and DesignSanta Fe, New Mexico | 100% |
University of Maryland University CollegeAdelphi, Maryland | 100% |
University of PikevillePikeville, Kentucky | 100% |
Wayne State CollegeWayne, Nebraska | 100% |
Weber State UniversityOgden, Utah | 100% |
Western International UniversityPhoenix, Arizona | 100% |
Utah Valley UniversityOrem, Utah | 99.9% |
Wilmington UniversityNew Castle, Delaware | 99.9% |
Montana State University–BillingsBillings, Montana | 99.7% |
Brigham Young University–IdahoRexburg, Idaho | 99.6% |
Cameron UniversityLawton, Ohio | 99.6% |
Nyack CollegeNyack, New York | 99.4% |
Edinboro University of PennsylvaniaEdinboro, Pennsylvania | 99.3% |
Lyndon State CollegeLyndonville, Vermont | 99.3% |
Harding UniversitySearcy, Arkansas | 99.1% |
Lewis-Clark State CollegeLewiston, Idaho | 99.1% |
Evergreen State CollegeOlympia, Washington | 98.9% |
Grand View UniversityDes Moines, Iowa | 98.7% |
Missouri Western State UniversitySt. Joseph, Missouri | 98.5% |
Shepherd UniversityShepherdstown, West Virginia | 98.3% |
Washburn UniversityTopeka, Kansas | 98.2% |
East Central UniversityAda, Oklahoma | 98.1% |
Bluefield CollegeBluefield, Virginia | 98% |
Walden UniversityMinneapolis, Minnesota | 98% |
Benedictine CollegeAtchison, Kansas | 97.8% |
Utah State UniversityLogan, Utah | 97.8% |
University of WyomingLaramie, Wyoming | 97.7% |
Berkeley CollegeWoodland Park, New Jersey | 97.5% |
University of Sioux FallsSioux Falls, South Dakota | 97.4% |
Western State Colorado UniversityGunnison, Colorado | 97.4% |
Westminster CollegeSLC, Utah | 97.4% |
Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview, Texas | 97.3% |
Huntington UniversityHuntington, Indiana | 97.1% |
Trinity International UniversityDeerfield, Illinois | 97% |
University of Maine–AugustaAugusta, Maine | 97% |
University of St. FrancisFort Wayne, Indiana | 96.9% |
Wright State UniversityDayton, Ohio | 96.8% |
Covenant CollegeLookout Mountain, Georgia | 100% |
Truett McConnell CollegeCleveland, Georgia | 96.3% |
Martin Luther CollegeNew Ulm, Minnesota | 96.2% |
Saint Ambrose UniversityDavenport, Iowa | 96% |
Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin, Missouri | 96% |
Regis UniversityDenver, Colorado | 96% |
New England CollegeHenniker, New Hampshire | 95.9% |
Indiana Wesleyan UniversityMarion, Indiana | 95.7% |
Trinity Lutheran CollegeEverett, Washington | 95.7% |
University of AkronAkron, Ohio | 95.6% |
Hodges UniversityNaples, Florida | 95.5% |
Wichita State UniversityWichita, Kansas | 95.5% |
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul, Minnesota | 95.3% |
Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityWest Palm Beach, Florida | 95.3% |
Carlow UniversityPittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 95.2% |
Loras CollegeDubuque, Iowas | 95.2% |
San Francisco Art InstituteSan Francisco, California | 95.1% |
Kansas State UniversityManhattan, Kansas | 94.9% |
Goshen CollegeGoshen, Indiana | 94.8% |
Indiana University of PennsylvaniaIndiana, Pennsylvania | 94.7% |
University of ToledoToledo, Ohio | 94.5% |
Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville, Tennessee | 94.4% |
Wiley CollegeMarshall, Texas | 94.4% |
Governors State UniversityUniversity Park, Illinois | 94.3% |
Lubbock Christian UniversityLubbock, Texas | 94.3% |
University of Central ArkansasConway, Arkansas | 94.3% |
University of MontanaMissoula, Montana | 94.2% |
Neumann UniversityAston, Pennsylvania | 94% |
La Roche CollegePittsburgh, Pennsylvania | 94% |
Houghton CollegeHougton, New York | 93.8% |
Linfield CollegeMcMinnville, Oregon | 93.8% |
Marygrove CollegeDetroit, Michigan | 93.7% |
Southern Vermont CollegeBennington, Vermont | 93.7% |
Southern Wesleyan UniversityCentral, South Carolina | 93.7% |
Westminster CollegeNew Wilmington, Pennsylvania | 93.6% |
Mississippi University for WomenColumbus, Mississippi | 93.6% |
Bemidji State UniversityBemidji, Minnesota | 93.4% |
Davenport UniversityGrand Rapids, Michigan | 93.4% |
Fontbonne UniversitySaint Louis, Missouri | 93.4% |
Freed-Hardeman UniversityHenderson, Tennessee | 93.4% |
Lock Haven University of PennsylvaniaLock Haven, Pennsylvania | 93.4% |
Southern Oregon UniversityAshland, Oregon | 93.4% |
St. John’s CollegeSanta Fe, New Mexico | 93.4% |
Sul Ross State UniversityAlpine, TExas | 93.3% |
Northern Kentucky UniversityHighland Heights, Kentucky | 93.3% |
Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green, Kentucky | 93.2% |
Thomas More CollegeCrestview Hills, Kentucky | 93.2% |
University of the District of ColumbiaWashington, DC | 93.2% |
University of the Incarnate WordSan Antonio, Texas | 93% |
Study English as a Second Language in California
As one of the largest states in the US, California is home to many schools that offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The state is regarded as an excellent place to study ESL because of its diverse population of people from various cultural backgrounds. Students will likely be able to connect with people who come from a similar background to them. In addition, in California, there is a state-wide initiative to improve ESL education by giving English language learners (ELL) more options. According to California State University (CSU), ESL was one of the fastest-growing programs for community colleges in California in the year 2018. Some programs will even give credits for transfer to a California university. Whether you’re an English expert or beginner, take the time to research and consider the options available to ESL students in California.
There are many reasons to study in California: world-class universities with a welcoming attitude towards international students, a sun-kissed climate, world-famous beaches, exciting cities, a high standard of living, an assortment of cultural riches and an undisputed position at the cutting edge of modern technology, to name a few.
Home to Los Angeles – the entertainment capital of the world and the US’s second-largest city by population – California is known as the “golden state” due to its history in gold mining and its characteristic golden-brown hills in the summer. Now, this golden nickname also seems an apt reference to the state’s renowned glamour; from 2003 to 2011 it was even run by a movie star – Arnold Schwarzenegger (“the Governator”), famous for his roles in action films such as The Terminator and Predator.
California is also famed for its prestigious universities, which include the world-famous Stanford University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), the University of California, Berkeley, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
If you have your sights set on studying in the golden state, scroll down for more information about top universities in California, student life, and some of our favorite facts about California.
Universities in California
As you might expect, given the fact California is home to Silicon Valley and some of the most innovative companies in the world, universities in California include many of the most prestigious institutions in the US. In the QS World University Rankings® 2019, California’s Stanford University is ranked second in both the world and the US, while the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is ranked fourth in the world.
Stanford is located in the northwest of the Silicon Valley region, while Caltech is in Pasadena, close to Los Angeles. Both are the top private research universities in California – but another two of the top universities in California are part of the state’s public university system. The public University of California system has 10 campuses, and its two main universities, the University of California, Berkeley (known as UCS, UC Berkeley or just Berkeley, and widely known as “Cal”) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) rank at 27th and 32nd in the world respectively.
Other top universities in California include:
- University of California, San Diego (ranked 41st)
- University of California, Davis (joint 100th)
- University of Southern California (115th)
- University of California, Santa Barbara (joint 132nd)
- University of California, Irvine (169th)
- University of California, Santa Cruz (joint 336th)
- University of California, Riverside (joint 384th)
- San Diego State University (801-1000*)
- University of San Diego (801-1000)
- University of San Francisco (801-1000)
- University of the Pacific (801-1000)
Several Californian universities also have the distinction of achieving impressive spots in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019, with three in the global top 10: Stanford and UCLA share second place, while the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) is eighth. All three are ranked particularly highly for the alumni outcomes and employer reputation indicators.
Life in California
As well as the film industry based in Hollywood, California is also a major power when it comes to music, having produced artists including *deep breath*: The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, 2Pac, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Carlos Santana, Frank Zappa, Mötley Crüe, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Iron Butterfly, along with a number of established orchestras.
Alongside its central position in contemporary pop culture, California is also a significant contributor in the agricultural, aerospace, biotechnology and manufacturing sectors, and is famously home to Silicon Valley – one of the world’s leading centers of high-tech innovation.
The state’s diverse spread of talents is matched by the diversity of its cultural and ethnic composition. According to the most recent US Census data (2010), approximately 38 percent of California residents class themselves as Hispanic or Latino and 13 percent as Asian. Just over six percent are black, and almost five percent have two or more races. California is considered one of the most liberal US states, with a tolerant attitude towards LGBT policies, and it was one of the first states to legalize same-sex marriage.
In addition to the vibrant metropolises of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco (all three of which rank among the world’s top 100 cities for students), California also has some of the US’s most stunning and diverse natural scenery, ranging from blissful beaches to snow-capped mountains. It’s no wonder, then, that California also has a reputation for its environmentalism and conservation efforts, and some of the strongest environmental laws in the US.
Indeed, California’s numerous national parks, including Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park (the native home of the giant sequoia trees – the largest living organisms on Earth), would be reason enough to visit by themselves. The state’s stunning natural attractions include imposing cliffs, clear streams and waterfalls, groves of giant redwood (sequoia) trees, an inland salt lake, two large lakes (Lake Tahoe and Clear Lake) and a diverse range of habitats and wildlife.
In short, whatever your passion – be it technology, music, world cultures, conservation, acting, photography or computer programming – if you study in California you’ll find an environment conducive to all forms of discovery, exploration, adventure and entrepreneurship.
Facts about California
- Located on the west coast of the US; borders with Oregon to the north, Nevada and Arizona to the east, Mexico to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west
- State capital is Sacramento and largest city is Los Angeles
- Total population is around 39.5 million, the largest population of any single US state and approximately 12 percent of all US residents
- State motto is Eureka!
- You will likely spend between $9,800 – 11,100 on room and board per academic year while you study in California.
- About 45 percent of California’s total surface area is covered by forests
- Of the thousands of companies headquartered in Silicon Valley, those in the Fortune 1000 include Apple Inc., Adobe, eBay, Google, Facebook, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Netflix and Yahoo!
- California cultivates at least half of the fresh fruit produced in the US
- It has the largest trees (giant sequoia), the tallest trees (coast or California redwood) and the oldest trees (bristlecone pine) in the world
- Per capita energy use is one of the lowest of any US state
- Fastest growing solar energy market in the US – with several solar power plants and the capacity for 1.2 gigawatts, the equivalent of two large conventional power plants
- Several dams across the state provide hydro-electric power
- Contains both the highest and lowest points in the contiguous United States
- Known for its car culture, California’s well-known Golden Gate Bridge was once the longest suspension bridge main span in the world
- Famous actors and actresses born in California include Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks, Clint Eastwood and Gwyneth Paltrow
Choose to study in California and you really will be spoilt for choice in all kinds of way – from great universities, to activity-packed cities, and diverse post-graduation employment prospects.
Studying A Postgraduate Program In California
If you are considering studying your postgrad program in California, it’s a good idea to gen up on the area first. There are 482 cities in California, and the population is estimated to be around 39,000,000 people. Located on the western coast of America, the state is third to Alaska and Texas in terms of geographical size. California’s terrain includes cliff-lined beaches, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mojave Desert, and redwood forest. The city of LA is home to the Hollywood entertainment industry, whilst hilly San Francisco is famed for Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and cable cars. California’s climate varies from subarctic to hot desert and Mediterranean depending on the elevation, latitude and proximity to the coast. For instance, the coastal regions, much of the Central Valley, and the Sierra Nevada foothills have Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild wet winters.
Where Can You Study A Postgrad Program In California?
Studying should not only be about attending classes, it should be an experience to remember. California universities offer one of the best learning environments not only in the US but also in the world. California universities offer one of the best learning environments not only in the US but also in the world. In addition, the highly qualified teachers ensure that you get the best possible knowledge and skills for your career development and success. The hardest part would only be making a single choice out of the many top universities. Here is an overview of some of the great universities in California for you to study your postgrad program at:
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Having been around for almost a century, UCLA is one of the oldest and popular universities in the US. It offers more than 300 degree programs, both undergraduate and graduate. Its approximate enrollment is more than 40,000 with 119,000 people applying to be considered for various degree programs.
University of the Pacific (UOP) This private institution is located in Stockton. It is the first medical school and music conservatory as well as the oldest chartered university. Its professional graduate schools include School of Law in Sacramento, the School of Dentistry in San Francisco and School of Pharmacy at Health Sciences in Stockton.
University of San Diego (USD) Located in San Diego, this private Roman Catholic university offers over 40 baccalaureate degrees. In addition, it offers masters PhD and DNP degrees in law and nursing in its several colleges.
University of San Francisco (USF) Located in San Francisco between Golden Gate Park and Golden Gate Bridge, the university’s main campus is also known as The Hilltop. Additionally, the Jesuit Catholic institution has four campuses in northern California. They are found in San Hose, Sacramento, Pleasanton and Santa Rosa.
What Postgraduate Programs Can You Study In California
Apart from the large economy and ranking as one of the highest populated states in America, California is popular for its large system of universities. There is a long list of postgraduate programs offered in these universities. They include Law and Regulations, Arts, Business Studies, Management, Sport, Biological and Life Sciences, Engineering and Technology and Natural Sciences.
Earning a masters degree allows you to develop both your professional and personal skills, thereby advancing your career. In addition, it enables you to stand out of the large pack of undergraduates and give you better bargaining power when it comes to the job market. To graduate with a masters degree in the United States, you are required to go through two years of training.
Tuition Fees and Living Costs in California
Your budget will entail the estimations of the average cost of completing one academic year. While tuition fees and costs of living vary from university to university, a relative estimation is possible. Tuition fees averages at $13,500 per year, while accommodation is a little more than $13,000. The amount you are likely to pay for food is $7,000 while transportation should cost you $3,100, books and supplies $802 and personal effects $3,000. Therefore the total cost for a year studying a postgraduate program in California is approximately $39,000.
International Students Admission and Application in California
Every year, thousands of students from all over the world submit their applications to Californian universities. However, they are requirements to be satisfied before admission. They include submission of all official records from academic institutions they have attended. In addition, you must satisfy the English language requirements. This means that you must have sat for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and made the required scores. For some universities, including UCLA, the required minimum score for TOEFL is 560 and 87 if you have taken it on the internet.
Interesting California Alumni
California universities have produced a number of famous people. They include UCLA’s School of Law graduate Henry Waxman, a US Representative. Kelley Perdew winner of TV series The Apprentice 2, is also a graduate of the school. The University of Southern California counts several celebrities as its alumni. Among them is celebrated film producer and director Ron Howard who has been nominated for a total of 33 awards, taking home 11 of them.
Student Testimonial
According to a student pursuing a postgraduate program in University of California (USC), the institution has some of the best teachers in the nation. In addition, academic projects and research funding could never have been better. The sports enthusiast will find a home in the institution, which usually gets to the top five in various sports activities. For the party animal, there is always the weeknight and house parties with invited local bands.
What Can You Do In California When You’re Not Studying?
All studying and no play would be a pretty dull life. California is a lively state with experiences that are sure to remain with you even after completion of your studies. For instance, if you are creative student who’s in love with art, music, film, or drama, California is the ideal destination to explore your talents. The state is home to Walt Disney’s CalArts along with numerous artistic communities such as Orange County, San Francisco, and of course Hollywood. If you want to go into the technological innovation sphere, studying in California is definitely a great place to start. Some of the world’s greatest technological companies are headquartered here, including Facebook, Netflix, Adobe, Google, and Apple. And if you are hoping to secure a sport scholarship or just to get involved in college/university sports, you are also looking in the right place. A number of universities in California are also Division 1 schools, which simply means they have more sport scholarships funding and prestigious college sports teams to join.
California is also endowed with numerous restaurants and shops as well as places to go that suits all budgets. Restaurants offer a wide range of beers and wines, with California wines being the most popular choices. When it comes to outdoor activities, Californians are particularly into coastal sports such as surfing, beach volleyball, and windsurfing. Skating, cycling, and jogging are other key elements to understanding the California lifestyle.
Reasons Why You Should Study In California
When you think of California, you automatically imagine sun-soaked beaches, beautiful landscapes and the sound of the ocean. But there’s so much more to this incredible state. Not the least of which is the public university system, which is one of the best in the world! So, if you’re considering studying abroad, California is a great option. Still not convinced? Here’s 7 good reasons why you should consider it.
- Top quality public schools
If you’re looking for a top-quality education without the ivy league price tag, then California has some incredible public school options within their university system, making it a popular choice for international students looking to Study abroad. With 10 different campuses to choose from, there are also plenty of options available!
2. Multi-cultural experience
With a wonderfully diverse cultural heritage and history, California is one of the most exciting states in America, making it a great place for international students to explore and experience! Plus, there are loads of interesting and tasty foods to try!
3. Technology leaders
California is home to the infamous Silicon Valley, which serves as a base for some of the world’s most pioneering technology and innovation companies. If you’re interested in these fields, you’ll be in good company with HQ’s of the likes of Google, Apple, Facebook, Adobe and Netflix. This also means there are plenty of valuable networking opportunities, where you can rub shoulders with some of the greatest tech minds on the planet!
4. Study sustainability
Interested in renewable energy or environmental science? Then studying in California is a great place to start! The state is one of the most forward thinking and progressive when it comes to green initiatives and sustainable practises, which is mirrored in the great courses on offer in this field.
5. Sunny days to explore
Escape the winter and study somewhere that has a summer vacation feeling all year round! This means you’ll have more freedom to explore your surroundings and make the most of your time abroad. Studying in California also means that you’ll have an array of incredible sights and natural wonders on your doorstep, such as the beautiful Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, the Mojave Desert and iconic architecture such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a road trip on the famous Pacific Coast highway through Big Sur, or jump onto route 66 for the experience of a lifetime.
6. Get creative
Whether your preferred medium is art, drama, music or film, California is an ideal destination for international students focused on the creatives arts. Known as the world capital for the entertainment and film industry, where better to get a head start in this exclusive industry? With the headquarters of Disney, Warner Brothers, Columbia Pictures, MGM Studios, you’ll be in great company!
- Sports
Perhaps it’s due to all the sunshine, but many California schools have excellent college sports teams and great opportunities for sporting scholarships. So, if sports are high on your list of priorities, then California should be high on your list of destinations to consider. For those who prefer to watch from the sidelines, the state also has more professional sports franchises than any other, making it a great place to catch a few games!
Where To Study In California
So now that you’re itching to put in your applications to some California schools, we’ve put together a few great options to help you on your way:
- San Jose State University – This public university is nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley and has an excellent reputation. So, if you fancy being neighbours with tech powerhouses like Facebook and Google, this is the school for you!
- California Baptist University – With fantastic facilities and endless options for recreational activity, this university is a firm favourite for students who want to be close to Los Angeles, but in a quieter neighbourhood. If you’re looking to study in the medical field, this university also has a great reputation for health-related majors.
- University of La Verne – This private and nationally recognised liberal arts university is very engaged in the local community, allowing students the opportunity to experience personal growth in the classroom as well as out of it.
- Westcliff University – Situated in Irvine, only a short distance from Downtown LA, this great university is a popular option for international students, as its tuition fees are very competitive.
- Mills College – This college is just a few miles from the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, and offers top-quality education for women. If you’re interested in a single-sex undergraduate experience, this one’s for you!
Reasons You’ll Love Being an International Student in California
California, also known as the Golden State, is a great location for international students to study in. Its incredible nature, diverse city life, and blissful beaches between the coasts of San Francisco and San Diego are only a few of the reasons why you’ll love it. Whether you choose to study in Los Angeles, San Francisco or San Jose, each city is sure to “wow” you with its unique characteristics and charm.
Adventure
First and foremost, California is labelled as an adventurer’s paradise. No matter what school you study at, as long as you’re in the state, your options to explore are endless. You’ll find many national parks in California. Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park (which hosts some of the largest trees on Earth) are the most popular ones. Hike, camp, ski, snowboard – there are plenty of outdoor activities. Perhaps nature isn’t your sweet spot. California also boasts itself for its incredible coastline made perfect for road trips. A fun activity for a group of friends with a desire for a quick getaway.
Creative Cities
Nature isn’t the only thing you’ll come by in California. San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County – there are so many incredible and creative cities. Some of which rank in the top 100 list of cities for international studies to study in. You may even be familiar with a number of them thanks to popular Hollywood films! California caters to many students due to its large creative industry. From movie and television productions in L.A. to cutting edge technology in Silicon Valley, the opportunities are infinite.
World-Class Universities
California is known for, amongst many other incredible things, its prestigious universities. Home to some of the largest, most innovative technology companies in the world, institutions breed top talent. But it doesn’t stop there. California is also a major contributor to the music industry having produced some of the most popular artists in the world. Not all students have creative bones in their bodies, and so California contributes to various other industries such as aerospace, agriculture and biotechnology. The state offers a diverse spread of programs accommodating many students’ interests, whether you have a passion for music, technology, acting or the environment.
Diverse Weather
Sunny weather is typical in parts of California. This makes it a common vacation spot, in addition to its many world famous beaches. That’s not to say California can’t get a little damp and chilly. In fact, cities in the north such as Sacramento and San Francisco can truly contrast the warm temperatures in southern California. In these places, it’s common to experience gloomy weather however, the sun does make its appearance from time to time.
Unique Cuisine
If you enjoy food, the many dishes available will be a pleasant surprise to you. California likes to push boundaries in culinary arts, fusing unique ingredients to create diverse dishes. The state takes pride in its healthy and fresh meals with the use of local organic ingredients. For those looking for a quick fix, fast food hotspots like In-and-Out Burger are also features of the great cuisine in California.
If you decide to study in California, you will be exposed to some of the most incredible experiences from popular beaches and tasty foods, to world-class education. Perhaps this will lead to an opportunity in one of the top companies in the state!
5 Reasons to Study Abroad in California
California isn’t merely a single state within the U.S. – it’s practically a country in itself! In addition to having the world’s sixth-largest economy, California offers a spectacular assortment of universities (four of the world’s top 10 universities are located in California). With its fantastic activities, climates and cultures, California offers abundant opportunities to international students. Here are a few reasons why you should study abroad in California.
1. California has some of the best colleges in the U.S.
Not only does California have some of the world’s best private universities, its public universities often outrank the Ivy Leagues in terms of academic excellence and overall reputation.
The California State University system is world-renowned for being the largest, most affordable and most successful university system in the world – its 23 campuses across the state enroll nearly a half-million students and graduate approximately 100,000 every year. California State University San Marcos is one of the finest institutions in the California State system, boasting one of the strongest literature and writing departments of any university, a robust athletics program and a world-famous school of the arts. Its notable alumni include Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor and director Steven Spielberg.
2. California offers abundant opportunities for employment
From the tech industry in Silicon Valley to creative arts/entertainment in Hollywood, California provides countless options for students seeking careers in a wide variety of sectors.
3. California cuisine is world famous
While the phrase “California cuisine” might conjure up images of fussy plates of beautifully designed yet unrecognizable morsels, food in California is actually a blend of cultural influences from not only all over the U.S., but all over the world. (It has been argued that Chinese and Mexican food in California is the best in any region outside of China and Mexico.)
Because of the incredible climate diversity in California, there are hundreds of local farms that specialize in every imaginable type of produce. There is a year-round availability of wonderful organic (and affordable) fruits, vegetables and meats that can be sourced at dozens of weekly farmers markets across the state. No matter what your dietary preferences, they can be accommodated easily and deliciously anywhere in California.
4. California is the most diverse state in the U.S.
California has an incredibly diverse population of citizens. With people representing every nation, ethnicity, race, religion and culture, there is a richness and complexity to the culture of California that will significantly add to your academic experience. When you interact with new people with different philosophies, perspectives and customs, you gain a comprehensive understanding of basic human viewpoints and are better equipped to function successfully post-graduation in a variety of environments.
5. California is an adventurer’s paradise
There is no limit to things you can to do in California! If you love the outdoors, you’re never more than a few minutes away from fantastic hiking, climbing or camping, no matter where you are in the state. There are also numerous national parks, 840 miles of gorgeous coastline and nearly year-round skiing and snowboarding.
One of the wonderful things about California is the fact that nearly every kind of natural environment is well represented. Northern California has dense, beautiful redwood forests; Southern California has breathtaking desert landscapes; both Northern and Southern California have stunning beaches and mountain ranges.