As I’m not a ‘real’ student I wasn’t eligible for student housing, so I now live with a professor and his wife. It’s a great way to experience American culture, including Thanksgiving, Superbowl Sunday, book clubs, and delicious American cakes.

However, on campus American culture isn’t as prominent. The majority of students is from Asia, and some lectures are even in Chinese. So I meet people from all over the globe, and I have come into contact with many more cultures than I thought I would.

One story I won’t forget is that of an Indian student studying Computer Science at UCI. It’s the program with the best chances of getting a well-paid job. After graduating, he’ll have to work in the US for about nine years to pay off his student debt, and provide for his entire family in India. Only after that, he’ll be able to do what he loves: return to India and do something economical. He’s not too big on computers.

The people and all my experiences have made this semester abroad truly special for me. The stark contrast between all those cultures made me think. In the US, there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, each with a menu the size of a phone book. You can order whatever you feel like having.

For many people, this freedom of choice isn’t a given, so I’m grateful to be able to study what I want, and have the opportunity to spend time abroad.