Hailing from a small town like Solapur has its own disadvantages. Neither do you have many people to look forward to about helping you in matters of foreign education nor many stories of success on foreign land to inspire you.
Of course, lack of precise information according to the needs and strengths is another drawback compared to students of metros.
Despite these hurdles, I could get into the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of California. Life at UCLA has been extremely rewarding and satisfying so far. UCLA is a world renowned university with more than 60,000 students on campus.
The student body is highly diverse and it is exciting to be a part of the social, cultural and intellectual life on the campus. Biomedical Engineering is an interdepartmental programme and hence offers a myriad of research opportunities in various engineering and medicine schools on campus.
UCLA is a highly research oriented school with a large number of faculty working in interdisciplinary areas. The coursework at UCLA is thorough and teaching is made interesting. Though the academic quarter system makes life really hectic, leaving no time to focus on extracurricular activities during the quarter, one can enjoy the best of both these aspects.
UCLA has a vibrant student culture. The campus is always bustling with activities, concerts, student organisation programmes, sports and athletic activities. The international students are treated with respect and warmth. UCLA campus has one of the best hospitals in the country. Campus also offers a lot of other facilities for entertainment, health and commuting.
The facilities cater to a large group of people with varied interests. There are highly equipped gyms, tennis courts, football courts, basketball courts and swimming pools on the campus. The campus also houses a sculpture garden and an art museum.
Royce Hall hosts a lot of public performances and art festivals on campus.
The career opportunities are aplenty in future. Students are prepared for the industry and academia through a variety of seminars, workshops, mock interviews and career fairs. Los Angeles is a very happening city and has lovely weather conditions. Los Angeles being the hub of music, art and performances - I get equally busy on weekends in exploring the city. Los Angeles, however, does not have a very good public transport system.
I won the TOEFL Scholarship which was issued for the first time this year.
The TOEFL scholarship has given me enough confidence to be able to interact with American students with ease.
My experience in UCLA, thus, has been very rewarding so far and l look forward to a fulfilling school life here.
Abha Jeurkar,
The Department of Biomedical Engineering
University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America
