Westcliff University, California
Location: Irvine & Long Beach, CA Period: March – June
1. Westcliff University and the Campus
Westcliff University is located in beautiful Irvine, California. Unlike what you might know from typical Hollywood movies, it is not a huge campus university, but rather a smaller, private university with a strong focus on business. However, this turned out to be a great advantage for me. Because of the smaller classes and groups, it is very easy to settle in, and everything runs smoothly.
Especially as a German student, starting out was very easy: I made connections extremely fast because there are many other Germans at the university, especially in the various sports teams.
2. Course Structure and Studies
The study system at Westcliff University is very well structured. A course lasts for eight weeks, with classes held once a week for three hours. The workload is distributed continuously throughout the term, which aids in better retention of the material.
Courses taken:
•Session 1: Essentials of Entrepreneurship, Exploring Cultural Landscape, Introduction to Technology
• Session 2: Financial Derivatives, Introduction to Business Law
The academic requirements included weekly online “discussions” where we engaged with classmates’ posts, and short weekly essays. This system ensures that you remain active
and involved without the pressure of a single massive final exam at the end of the semester.
3. Life in California: Lifestyle & Travels
I lived in Long Beach, which was the perfect choice. Strategically, it is ideally located between Orange County and Los Angeles, allowing me to reach both areas in about 20 to 30 minutes. The area is exceptionally safe, and the local community is very welcoming.
Since the courses were highly manageable, I had plenty of time for exploration. My highlights included:
• Local Beaches: Frequent visits to Newport Beach, Malibu, and Santa Barbara. • Regional Trips: Road trips to San Diego and San Francisco.
• Domestic Travels: Flights to New York City, Miami, and San Francisco.
4. Conclusion
The semester abroad at Westcliff University was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to grow academically, immerse myself in a new culture, and see some of the most iconic places in the United States. I am incredibly grateful for the scholarship that made this journey possible.
