Not everyone can leave their country and head out to explore and study in a new country, and for some having never been there before. It takes an adventurous soul to take the risk. Here are some tips on making sure your trip is the best one possible...
Welcome to a new lifestyle... the Santa Barbara beach lifestyle full of adventure, discoveries and a new way of life.
1. Come with an open mind, an open heart and open to a new way of life.
When students arrive to California they notice many new things, things they've seen in the movies, some things they will fall in love with, some things they may not like. It's all good! Come as you are. You'll notice people in Santa Barbara are really chill, we dress comfortably - flip flops and all, almost everywhere we go. We live close to the land, we share in the responsibility of caring for our environment, we love the arts, music, theater and celebrating together at our festivals. People in Santa Barbara spend much time outside. You'll see people running on the beach, kite surfing, surfing, sailing, hiking, biking, meeting in parks, BBQing at the beach. But the best part of Santa Barbara is the people. You'll notice how open and friendly most people are. So be ready for random conversations at the grocery store, waiting for the bus, shopping downtown. A new CA beach lifestyle awaits you!
2. Learn to operate as a team in your independent housing.
Coral Group is all about teamwork. That is how we succeed together. Some students have never lived with other young people so it's not natural for them to think about others. We have noticed a huge difference between apartments where everyone is looking out only for themselves and apartments where everyone is working as team, helping each other out, cleaning up after themselves, respecting the quiet hours, communicating when issues come up. Please come willing to work as a team so the vibe in your house is Good Vibes All Day Every Day!
3. Find balance
Balance is key in life. New international students have a lot to balance when they move to Santa Barbara to study and experience the CA lifestyle. You will be living the American college life which in itself will require you to find balance, you will have homework, exams, projects to complete and responsibilities required for your education, you will also have responsibilities at home with your housemates so everything goes smoothly, you will have new friends and adventures awaiting you, and you will need to take time for yourself to recharge. Find that balance as soon as you can. We have noticed over the years the sooner students find that balance in life, the better.
4. Enjoy every moment
You will hear me talking much about "enjoying the moment". Often in society, we spend too much time worrying about the past, and scared about the future - two realities that either no longer exist or do not exist yet. We forget about the present moment. I like to remind all of us, each moment is to be enjoyed. Your experiences in CA will one day be just memories, so enjoy yourselves to the fullest. Even in challenging moments, there is alway something to learn... so you can get on with life and enjoy the moment.
5. Breathe, expand and get outside your box
Your generation is a very important generation. We are at a turning point in history. Our world and earth will require much of all of us as we move forward together in peace and for the benefit of all human beings. Your job is to find out who you are, what you want to study, what interests you and is your passion. Try new things, give yourself room to make mistakes, take responsibility for your growth, expand your thinking, have fun and explore. We often see students take the opportunity to try things outside of their norm when they arrive to CA. The lifestyle here is very social and full of discoveries - personal as well as educational. Take every opportunity to thrive in Santa Barbara. When you find your passion, it benefits the rest of the world.
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