02 Oct First Weeks of the Academic Year Abroad in San Francisco

Written By: Mariola Menénedez

Dear readers,

My name is Mariola Menénedez, I am majoring in International Relations and Law at Carlos III University in Madrid, Spain. I embarked on a life-changing adventure to study abroad at San Francisco State University. In this blog, I’ll take you through my first journey.

Cultural Shock:

As I stepped onto the San Francisco State University campus, I was struck by the wealth of services offered to students. Academic advisors, library services, counseling and psychological help, the health center, the banking office, dining facilities, and even a wellness center left me in awe. Coming from a university with fewer student support services, this was a pleasant surprise. It made adapting to a new country much easier.

What truly amazed me was the student activism and volunteering spirit here. The wide array of student clubs and organizations covering various interests, including multicultural and diversity, academic, and recreational, provide ample opportunities for students to get involved in causes they are passionate about. It’s heartwarming to witness students coming together to make a difference in their community.

Academic Journey:

The academic environment at San Francisco State University is dynamic and engaging. Classes are filled with visual content to make learning more interactive and comprehensive. The professors in charge of my International Relations courses are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their subjects.

I also attend some cinema lessons since the department here is well known. The way the subject is taught and the film screenings have deepened my appreciation for the art of filmmaking. A thing to highlight is exploring the world of cinema through the lens of American culture.

More Personal Experiences:

Living on campus has been a comfortable and enriching experience for me. My roommates have been kind, providing insights into American campus life and helping me navigate the intricacies of daily life in the US. Being on campus means I don’t have to worry about finding an apartment in a new city, a process that I’ve heard can be quite challenging due to potential scams.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time here has been the opportunity to live with people from different nationalities. Sharing a living space with individuals from diverse backgrounds has allowed me to learn about cultures that are vastly different from my own. These friendships have broadened my horizons and enriched my global perspective.

San Francisco Beyond the Campus:

Exploring the city of San Francisco has been an absolute delight. From iconic landmarks like the Painted Ladies and Embarcadero to the bustling Union Square and the vibrant Chinatown or Little Italy, every corner of this city tells a story. The city’s iconic Victorian and Edwardian houses, with their vibrant colors and intricate detailing, have transmitted to me a timeless elegance that never fails to enchant.

Concretely, one street that has captured my heart is Haight Street. Its bohemian spirit, lined with quirky shops and colorful murals, epitomizes the city’s counterculture history. Walking down Haight Street feels like stepping back in time, and it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring San Francisco.

Beyond the city, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the natural wonders of the surrounding areas. One place I highly recommend for a weekend getaway is Yosemite National Park. Located a few hours from San Francisco, Yosemite offers a serene escape into nature. The towering waterfalls, majestic cliffs, and lush forests provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the natural world, especially when city life can become overwhelming.

In conclusion, the first weeks in San Francisco have been exciting. I’ve encountered cultural diversity and the beauty of this vibrant city. I hope this blog has provided you with a glimpse of my first impressions.