Name: Steffen Merkle
Matriculation number: 8174770
Supervising Tutor:
Tutor
Prof. Dipl.-Ing.
Ing. Rolf Richterich
Assignment
T3100
09/20/2010 – 18/12/2009
Application procedure
University of California in Santa Barbara
Baden-Wuerttemberg
Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University
Stuttgart / Campus Horb
Course of studies: Business Administration and Engineering
Year 2008
Declaration of Honours
According to § 5(2) of the „Studien- und Prüfungsordnung DHBW Technik“ from
2009-05-18
„I hereby declare,
1. that I have written the practical experience report by my own hand without
the help of a third party;
2. that I have clearly indicated the thought of other authors and literary quotes
adopted directly or indirectly from other sources at the appropriate places
within the document;
3. that I have not submitted my practical experience report for any other
examinations
I am aware that a false declaration will entail legal consequences.”
__________________________
_____________________
(Place, date of declaration)
Steffen Merkle
(Signature)
II
DHBW
Table of contents
I
Preface… .......................................................................... V
II List of abbreviations ...................................................... VI
III Table of Figures............................................................. VII
1 Introduction ................................................................. - 1 1.1
Santa Barbara and its county............................................................. - 1 -
1.2
University of California in Santa Barbara (UCSB) ............................ - 1 -
1.3
University Immersion Programm (UIP).............................................. - 3 -
1.4
UCSB and DHWB – Educational differences .................................... - 4 -
2 Application procedure for UCSB ............................... - 7 2.1
Preparatory work ................................................................................. - 7 -
2.2
Application at UCSB ........................................................................... - 8 -
2.2.1
Application for Enrollment ............................................................... - 8 -
2.2.2
Certificates ...................................................................................... - 9 -
2.2.3
Learning agreement...................................................................... - 11 -
2.3
Visa application process .................................................................. - 12 -
2.3.1
Application process in Germany ................................................... - 12 -
2.3.2
Arrival in the US: Entry with Visa .................................................. - 14 -
3. Enrollment in courses at UCSB ............................... - 15 3.1
Preparatory work for course enrollment ......................................... - 15 -
3.2
Enrollment in academic courses ..................................................... - 16 -
3.3
Enrollment in extension Courses .................................................... - 18 -
4. Course descriptions.................................................. - 20 4.1
Academic courses............................................................................. - 20 -
4.1.1
Managerial Accounting ................................................................. - 20 -
4.1.2
Entrepreneurship .......................................................................... - 22 -
4.2
Extension courses ............................................................................ - 24 -
4.2.1
Introduction to Project Management ............................................. - 24 -
Steffen Merkle
III
DHBW
4.2.2
Quality and Risk Management for Project Managers.................... - 27 -
4.3 Any other business ............................................................................... - 29 4.3.1
Textbooks ..................................................................................... - 29 -
4.3.2
Additional services on campus ..................................................... - 29 -
5. Living in Santa Barbara ............................................ - 31 5.1
Arrival in Santa Barbara ................................................................... - 31 -
5.2
Accommodation ................................................................................ - 32 -
5.2.1
Home stay .................................................................................... - 32 -
5.2.2
Private Apartments ....................................................................... - 33 -
5.3
Transportation ................................................................................... - 36 -
5.4
Any other business ........................................................................... - 37 -
6 Recreational activities .............................................. - 40 6.1
Sports ................................................................................................. - 40 -
6.2
Nightlife .............................................................................................. - 41 -
6.3
Travelling / Adventures..................................................................... - 42 -
7. Abstract ...................................................................... - 44 7.1
Cost estimation ................................................................................. - 44 -
7.2
Conclusion......................................................................................... - 46 -
7.3
Acknowledgement............................................................................. - 46 -
7.4
Contact details .................................................................................. - 47 -
IV List of sources ........................................................... - 48 V Appendix .................................................................... - 50 -
Steffen Merkle
IV
DHBW
I
Preface…
Congratulations! You might be just a couple of months and a lot of work away from
an amazing time in Santa Barbara. I wanted to realize my dream and study at
UCSB in Santa Barbara which offers suitable courses in its engineering and
economic departments. Consequently there was no obstacle to apply for one
quarter at UCSB.
I encourage every potential student not to give up during the application process
because it sometimes seems to be endless work but at the end it pays you back
and the achievement is something you can be proud of. This report should enable
you to make the decision whether they like to spend a quarter at UCSB or not and
prepare you for the application process. I want to provide you with a mix of a
guideline and roadmap how to apply for this adventure. However regulations can
change, so I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the statements.
I also try to give an insight in the American way of life in general and especially the
students’ everyday life at UCSB. I did this trip together with my fellow student
Stefan Thimm which is definitely an advantage because you can share a room and
support each other concerning the application process and studying for exams at
UCSB.
As the biggest part of the adventure was in English and every potential applicant
should possess sufficient English skills, this exchange report has been written in
English.
Steffen Merkle
V
DHBW
II
List of abbreviations
ATM
Automated teller machine
DKB
Deutsche Kreditbank
ECON
Economics
ECTS
European Credit Transfer System
ENGR
Engineering
GPA
Grade point average
iBT T’OEFL
Internet based training Test of English as a foreign language
LAX
Los Angeles Airport
MTD
Metropolitan Transit District
SEVIS
Student Exchange and Visitor Information System
TMP
Technology Management Program
UCSB
University of California in Santa Barbara
UIP
University Immersion Program
WISE
Worldwide International Student Exchange
Steffen Merkle
VI
DHBW
III Table of Figures
Figure 1 Santa Barbara ...................................................................................... - 1 Figure 2 California and the US ........................................................................... - 1 Figure 3 UCSB – Henley Gate ........................................................................... - 2 Figure 4 Local map – Santa Barbara area ......................................................... - 2 Figure 5 Comparison of program duration: DHBW – UCSB ............................... - 4 Figure 6 Dispersion of quarters around the year ................................................ - 4 Figure 7 Overview – American Grades .............................................................. - 5 Figure 8 Extract – DHBW Application form ........................................................ - 8 Figure 9 Extract – Application for Enrollment Form ............................................ - 9 Figure 10 Sample of translated "Abitur" certification .......................................... - 9 Figure 11 Extract – Transcript of Records ........................................................ - 10 Figure 12 Extract – Learning Agreement .......................................................... - 11 Figure 13 Checklist – Required documents for UCSB application process ...... - 12 Figure 14 Checklist – Required documents for visa application process .......... - 14 Figure 15 Extract – Tentative Course List ........................................................ - 15 Figure 16 Extract – Open University: Students and Economics Courses ......... - 18 Figure 18 Extract – U-Mail website ................................................................... - 30 Figure 19 Isla Vista – Bird's eye view ............................................................... - 33 Figure 20 Surfing in Santa Barbara .................................................................. - 40 Figure 21 Recreation Center – Multi-Activity-Court .......................................... - 40 Figure 22 California’s most important cities ...................................................... - 42 Figure 23 Total cost estimation ........................................................................ - 45 -
Steffen Merkle
VII
DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
1
Introduction
1.1 Santa Barbara and its county
The destination was the beautiful City Santa Barbara, capital of correspondent
Santa Barbara County and located on the Californian West Coast.
The city itself has about 90,000 residents which add
to the total number of residents of about 220,000
residents including amongst others the suburbs
Goleta, Carpinteria and Isla Vista. It lies in terrific
scenery between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa
Ynez mountains. The famous 101 Highway connects
Santa Barbara with other parts of the state such as
Figure 2 California and the US
Los Angeles and San Francisco. The history of the
city begins with the foundation of the Santa Barbara Mission in 1786. Californian
history is strongly related to Mexico, so as many others cities in Middle and
Southern
California,
the
Mexican
influence can be noticed all over the
place, e.g. Spanish sounding cities and
street names, Mexican food and of
course a considerable number of people
with
Mexican
origin.
Santa
Barbara
county is often named as the “American
Riviera” because of its Mediterranean
climate with warm summers and mild
Figure 1 Santa Barbara
winters in combination with hardly any raining days (“Albert Hammond - It never
rains in Southern California”).
1.2 University of California in Santa Barbara (UCSB)
UCSB has been established in 1944 and it is a famous institution of higher
education and globally recognized in matters of research. It has developed five
winners of Nobel Prizes in chemistry, physics and economics and is ranked 44th
Steffen Merkle
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
position on a US national university ranking1. In this context one should consider
that the highly ranked UCSB is a public state university and has to compete against
world-famous private business schools.
Figure 3 UCSB – Henley Gate
UCSB has about 18,000 students on campus and belongs to the approved UCfamily (Federation of several universities in California) with 10 university members
and more than 220,000 students all over California.2 An interesting fact is that the
UCSB is the biggest employer in Santa Barbara County.
Although it is named after the city of Santa Barbara, it rather belongs to the small
suburb Goleta because the distance from Santa Barbara to campus is about 10
miles. The campus is located right near to the beach (compare appendix for map).
Figure 4 Local map – Santa Barbara area
UCSB allows students to choose between a wide range of courses from different
departments e.g.:
•
Economics
•
Computer Science
1
2
http://worldranking.blogspot.com/2009/03/us-national-universities-ranking-2009.html
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/welcome.html
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
•
Electrical & Materials Engineering
•
Geography
•
Global & International Studies
•
History & Political Science
•
Languages & Philosophy
•
Biology
•
many more
Although UCSB offers perfect opportunities for foreign exchange students, the
percentage of non-Americans is pretty low. It can be considered as an advantage
because students are forced to get in contact with Americans and consequently get
to know better the American culture. Most international students are from China,
Germany and Norway (all together > 90% of all exchange students).
1.3 University Immersion Programm (UIP)
The University Immersion Program3 is an academic study program that enables
international exchange students from all over the world to enroll in UCSB and offers
an excellent way to experience college life in the USA. Though spaces are limited in
the program per year (first come, first served), I recommend starting the application
process early enough (about nine months before beginning of the quarter). The UIP
Program is offered through UCSB Extension4 which is a education provider for
UCSB. They usually offer professional development courses but make it also
possible for international students to participate in regular sessions in many different
disciplines at UCSB (compare Open University Program). Their office is located in
Kerr Hall (compare details at contact list) and they support students in matters of
immigration and academic advising.
Open University Program
UCSB Extension office administers the Open University Program that makes it
possible for exchange students to enroll in academic undergraduate as well as
graduate courses without formal admission to the university (compare regular
application process for American student).
3
4
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/uip_brochure_web.pdf
http://extension.ucsb.edu/
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
1.4 UCSB and DHWB – Educational differences
At UCSB there are undergraduate and graduate courses. For the first four years
students usually only enroll in undergraduate courses until they finish their
graduation (corresponds to European Bachelor), then they have the possibility to
continue with graduate courses that lead to a Master at the end. Whereas DHBW
students in Germany only aspire to achieve their Bachelor, at UCSB many students
want to continue their studies to achieve a Master.
University Total number
Duration per quarter
Duration until Graduation/Bachelor
DHBW
6 semester
3 months
3 years
UCSB
12 quarter
3 months
4 years
Figure 5 Comparison of program duration: DHBW – UCSB
An advantage for DHBW students at UCSB is the same duration for one semester
resp. quarter compared to other exchange universities abroad. Anyhow every
student should compare schedules of the German and American quarters on a
individual basis. The three UCSB quarters usually have following starting and
ending dates:
Name of quarter in each year
Period of time
Fall
September – December
Winter
January
– March
Spring
April
– June
Figure 6 Dispersion of quarters around the year
In summer students have the option to extend their studies in case they have failed
some courses during the past year. In the US students from every year have
specific names, so those in the first year at college are called freshman, in the
second year sophomore, then junior and last but not least senior. However the
semester-system is more common in the US than the quarter-system which is
widely used along prestigious universities who want their student to learn more
within the same period of time.
In my opinion in the US the prestige of a university is much more important
compared to Germany, so while searching for a job people emphasize the name of
their university instead of their GPA. That is the reason why Americans strongly
identify themselves with their university and why they are prouder of their university
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
than students in Germany, a proof of this matter of fact might be the “American
duties” to wear a UCSB sweatshirt or to support the UCSB soccer or football team.
Since many Americans want to enroll in one of the famous universities, there are
strict registration criteria, e.g. applicants have to have a minimum GPA, write an
essay why they want to go to this specific university and pass a difficult approval
test. Another possibility is to offer specific skills in science or sports in order to gain
a scholarship.
Students can choose between different departments and courses and combine
them to their curriculum. The number of students depends from the type of course
and varies between 50 and 600; in general the rooms’ numbers of seats limit the
maximal possible participants. However in the professional courses (offered through
UCSB Extension – explained later) the number of participants is about 20 to 40,
mostly employed persons and international students.
The grading is different compared to Germany: Students get a letter between A and
E as their grade that has to be transferred to the German grading system. The
letters can be classified e.g. into B minus or B plus and are dependent from the
achieved percentage of points. Following table shows the detailed allocation:
Grade
A
B
C
D
F(failed)
Achieved percentage of points
90-100%
80-89 %
70-79 %
60-69 %
<59 %
Figure 7 Overview – American Grades
Another eminent difference to the DHBW is the lower number of hours of class
which is compensated by a lot of homework, assignments and group projects. The
lessons are usually based on several textbooks that have to be read during the
quarter. Instead of only one final test the grade can be based on attendance,
participation, a number of assignments and results of group projects. Additionally it
is typically American to have several midterms and one final exam at the end of the
quarter. Of course, not all of the mentioned possibilities are applied in one class. In
my opinion the advantage of this system is that the students are forced to study
continuously. Consequently they cannot wait until the end of the course in order to
study for the exam.
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
The teaching atmosphere is different to the status quo in Germany because during
class it is absolutely silent, especially when the instructor explains something.
Due to the mostly high number of students per class and the fact that many
professors resp. instructors have other activities or jobs to do, most of them have
teaching assistants that grade exams or support lessons. The assistants as well as
the instructors usually have office hours so that students are able to be talk to the
professors in case of problems.
The dark side of the American educational system is the amount of money that is
needed to be able to go to college for several years. Only the average tuition fees of
$4,000 per quarter add up to a total sum of almost $ 50,000 exclusive housing and
cost of living.
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
2
Application procedure for UCSB
2.1 Preparatory work
In the following I will provide an overview about necessary application steps for a
quarter at UCSB. I recommend starting the application process about nine months
before the start of the quarter because the preparation inclusive application process
requires a lot of time. The early start avoids stress and so it is improbable to miss
any deadline. I want to emphasize that the contact persons as well as process steps
of the application process may be subject to change:
Information gathering phase
Before applying at UCSB I strongly recommend collecting as many information as
possible about studying abroad and at UCSB (e.g. this report). This process should
start at least one year before the intended period of time in Santa Barbara. Based
on this information everyone can make the decision if he or she is willing to spend
several months abroad and if he has the necessary means to fund it (compare cost
estimates). In this context I also suggest to talk with former exchange students who
have been at UCSB about their experiences.
Application for passport
Everyone who wants to leave the European Union has to apply for a passport at the
registration office of principal residence. This process usually takes several weeks
and costs 37.50€5 (for students under 24 years). The passport should be the first
document to be applied for because it is needed for many issues.
Agreement with university and employer
At the beginning most students don’t really know what to do and where to begin.
Therefore Dorte Suechting is the responsible contact person for foreign affairs such
as exchange programs at the DHBW Stuttgart. She helps in all matters of
application and acts as the connection to the contacts at UCSB (compare appendix
for contact details). I want to emphasize that she is very helpful and answers all
occurring questions. She also provides students with information such as required
documents and also submits templates (all templates compare appendix).
5
http://buergerbuero.freising.de/ausweisrecht/biometrischer%20reisepass.htm
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Students should talk with their study course instructor (e.g. Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Rolf
Richterich in Horb am Neckar) and their training supervisor at their employer. Both
parties have to give their approval by signing a specific form for the DHBW called
“Anmeldung zur Teilnahme an einem internationalen Auslandssemester”.
Figure 8 Extract – DHBW Application form
It contains general information about the applicant and has to be submitted back to
the DHBW archive. If both parties agree (usually they do) the actual application
procedure can start.
2.2 Application at UCSB
2.2.1 Application for Enrollment
The most important document is the form “Application for Enrollment – University
Immersion Program for International Students”6. It has to be submitted to Dorte
Suechting who transmits the form with following data to UCSB:
-
Personal information about the applicant (name, address, contact details)
-
Program information i.e. which courses he wants to take and a proof of sufficient
funds. The latter issue is relevant because the US immigration policy prohibits
students to access the country without adequate funds (that are obviously
needed because of the relatively high tuition fees) Students have to name a
sponsor and declare a proof of sufficient funds provided by a bank.
-
Payment procedure of Application, Program and Student and Service Fee
-
Other information including signature
6
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/uip_application_form_web.pdf
Steffen Merkle
-8-
DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Additionally students have to add a passport copy that proofs a valid passport.
(must not expiry before end of the stay).
Figure 9 Extract – Application for Enrollment Form
2.2.2 Certificates
German university entrance qualification (“Abitur”)
UCSB also requires a copy of the certificate of having passed the “Abitur“ which
proofs the qualification to go to a university. Due to the German language and
grades on the certificate, it has to be translated (informal document is sufficient
based on data in learning agreement). I have listed a draft how this could look like
depending on the format and content of your own certificate:
Subject
Final GPA
Final grade
Translation
e.g. Physics
11
2
B
English
12
2
B
Figure 10 Sample of translated "Abitur" certification
Proof of sufficient language skills (TOEFL or similar evidence)
Every foreign student of a non-English speaking country has to proof that his
English skills are sufficient for studying at an American university. In general this
has to be proved by a certification of the iBT TOEFL test (minimum of 80 points
required). Fortunately there exists a special agreement between the UCSB and the
German DHBW that their students don’t have to do the TOEFL test. This is probably
based on the assumption that the English language level within the DHBW is very
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
good. Therefore students only have to submit an informal statement to Dorte
Suechting with following request:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Concerning my application for enrollment at the University of California in Santa Barbara I kindly ask you to
accept my final German secondary-school examination grade (subject English) as advanced English
knowledge. Further details and the exact listing of grades you find enclosed.
Yours sincerely,
Max Mustermann
I want to add my own experience at this point about the necessary English skills in
order to able to study without major problems. Although it is sometimes a challenge
because there are words or phrases you won’t understand completely, I think that
the different language is not a real problem.
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
UCSB requires a résumé that includes information about the personal background,
professional experience (e.g. internships) and former education.
Transcript of records
Figure 11 Extract – Transcript of Records
In order to prove the ability to study at such a prestige university such as UCSB, the
university requires a translated certification of all grades at DHBW which is called a
transcript of records. It has to be signed by the DHBW official (e.g. Prof. Dipl.-Ing.
Rolf Richterich for students in Horb with the course of studies “business
administration and engineering”). As there was no appropriate template, I created
one on my own that can be used in the future (compare appendix).
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
2.2.3 Learning agreement
It is essential to be able to transfer your American credits into ECTS credits at the
DHBW, so therefore the syllabi of the subjects at the DHBW have to be compared
with the possible courses at UCSB7. In general they cannot coincide a 100%, but
most contents should be the same. I recommend listing several possibilities for
every German subject that should be covered because the schedule of classes is
usually not yet available (Not every course is offered every quarter). Additionally the
translation between the American and the German grades has to be determined
and special terms can be added as well. All this information should be included in a
“Learning Agreement” which has to be signed by the student, the responsible official
at DHBW and the training supervisor.
Figure 12 Extract – Learning Agreement
Most courses are valid between two and four American credits which are to be
doubled when transferred to ECTS credits. Therefore I recommend taking three or
four courses with a total of 12 to 14 American credits. Less than 12 American
credits are not allowed due to immigration issues, more not reasonable because of
the workload and the fact that not all points can be taken into ECTS credits.
If UCSB accepts you as a student, it is time to make the first payment that
completes the enrollment (Program, student and service fee; details compare
chapter cost estimation). Then UCSB extension office will send you a mail
containing a letter of acceptance (it is named “Verification of enrollment” and shows
7
http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/Catalog/Current/Index.aspx
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
the student’s ID / PERM number required for further application processes and
during the quarter as well) and the I-20 form which is the necessary certificate of
eligibility when applying for a F-1 student visa. In the following I have listed all
required documents provided in a checklist (compare appendix for templates):
Checklist – Documents for UCSB application process
•
Passport copy
•
Agreement with university and employer
•
Application for Enrollment
•
German university entrance qualification (“Abitur”)
•
Proof of sufficient language skills (TOEFL or similar evidence)
•
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
•
Transcript of Records
•
Learning Agreement
Figure 13 Checklist – Required documents for UCSB application process
2.3 Visa application process
After enrollment it is time to look after the application for a visa. The predecessor for
this step is the application for a passport (compare previous chapter).
2.3.1 Application process in Germany
Everyone who wants to study in the US has to apply for an F-1 Student Visa8. This
form of visa is a nonimmigrant visa that enables studies at an American university
(general information is provided by the U.S. department of state9). In order to get
the visa, several application steps have to be done (Visa expenses compare cost
estimation):
•
You have to make an appointment10 at the U.S. embassy in Frankfurt, Munich
or Berlin. The arrangement of the appointment can be done online or via phone
which both costs about 10€ (usual waiting time for appointment at least one
month). According to the US immigration law, the visa cannot be issued more
than 90 days before the expected arrival in the US. This fact has to be noticed
8
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/visakategorien/f/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
10
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/schritt4/
9
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
when making the appointment at the embassy, especially when you plan to have
another stay abroad between your application period and your studies in the US
•
For the issue of the F-1 visa there are several documents required:
1. Valid passport with expiry date later than expected departure from the US.
2. Photo with American standards: The embassy does not accept a regular
photo that is used for German passports. The applicant has to get a photo
with US regulations11 (amongst other things format 50x50mm).
3. Form I-20: Issued and mailed to student by the university.
4. Evidence for payment of Visa application fee12: The payment of the
application fee can be done via the company “Roskos & Meier OHG” which
offers the procedure and then sends a proof of payment that has to be
brought to the appointment at the embassy.
5. Online Form I-90113: This form requires the payment of the SEVIS fee. The
fee supports governmental systems keeping track on students and visitors.
6. Online Form DS-16014: This application form has to be filled and printed out
by every applicant for a non-immigrant visa (since March 2010). It may take
several hours and includes the picture with American standards.
7. Financial statement: This proof is recommended so that the officers can be
sure that students have sufficient resources to finance their studies in the US
(usually proved on I-20)
8. Empty stamped mailer for the return consignment of the passport with the
issued visa15.
•
Interview at U.S. embassy: Before entering the embassy, the applicant will be
scanned thoroughly. He is also not allowed to bring a phone or any other mobile
device. The applicant has to hand over all required documents and answer a few
questions about his stay in the United States. Whereas the waiting time can take
several hours, the interview itself only takes about five minutes.
11
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/fotos/
https://www.visasystem-roskosmeier.de/index.php?lang=de
13
https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/
14
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
15
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/schritt6/
12
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
•
The embassy will keep the documents and if the visa is issued the passport will
be sent to the determined address.
Checklist – Documents for F-1 Student Visa application process
•
Passport
•
Photo with American standards (50x50mm)
•
Form I-20
•
Evidence for payment of Visa application fee
•
Form SEVIS I-901
•
Form DS-160
•
Evidence of funds
•
Empty stamped mailer
Figure 14 Checklist – Required documents for visa application process
2.3.2 Arrival in the US: Entry with Visa
I-94 Card
When entering the US you will be provided an I-94 Card. It shows the period of time
that someone is allowed to remain in the US and has to be handed over to the
airline prior to departure to Germany at the end of the stay.
Arrival
The visa itself will be checked at the airports prior to departure in Europe and after
arrival in the US. The immigration officer usually asks questions about the stay.
Additional information about F-1 Student visa
In order to maintain the F-1 student status, students have to enroll in courses that
total up to at least 12 American credits (undergraduate academic courses or
professional development courses). Furthermore they are not allowed to work
(besides form UCSB offices).
Students who plan to travel around after finishing the quarter should know that their
visa expiries 60 days after the end of the quarter. I recommend not leaving the US
for travelling during the program because this requires additional application
processes (exception when planning to travel to Canada and Mexico, details under
http://www.embassy.org).
I encourage you to inform yourself about the current regulations because law and
prices change continuously.
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
3. Enrollment in courses at UCSB
3.1 Preparatory work for course enrollment
International students can enroll in academic (also named as regular sessions) and
extension (also named as professional development) courses through the UIP
program. Since each kind of courses has its specific regulations, deadlines and
fees, I will describe them separately.
Furthermore the enrollment process can be put into two chronological phases:
•
Process steps that should be done before arrival.
•
Process steps that can be done after arrival.
After UCSB has accepted you, UCSB Extension office supports all new students by
sending them reminder emails before the start of the quarter so that no one misses
any procedure or deadline. The current schedule of courses is usually available
online one or two months before the start of the quarter, so I recommend checking
availability of all courses online (in case learning agreement has to be changed
because none of the listed courses is offered):
•
Academic Course Schedule (Choose Department / Quarter / Undergraduate)16
•
Extension Course Schedule (Choose applying data)17
Tentative Course List
Figure 15 Extract – Tentative Course List
About two months before the beginning of the quarter you will receive a request for
a tentative course list (not binding because it is used for statistically issues). You
should put all your desired courses in the list and submit it to the Extension office.
16
17
http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/public/curriculum/coursesearch.aspx
http://extension.ucsb.edu/search/publicCourseAdvancedSearch.do?method=load
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
UCSB Course Enrollment Guideline
You will also receive a welcome email that includes a UCSB Extension Course
Enrollment Guideline prior 4 to 6 weeks (then the schedule of classes will be
available).
Orientation day
At the beginning of each quarter there is an Orientation day which shall facilitate
introduction to UCSB and life on campus. It welcomes all international students and
gives information about immigration and insurance issues as well as advices what
to do and what not. Every person in charge of relevant exchange issues gives a
short speech and students are advised how to enroll in their courses.
Private meeting with UIP Director
After the Orientation Day all exchange students can make a group appointment with
five students per group with the UIP director (Lili Byall) and talk about their
academic courses wishes. The UIP director answers questions and provides help if
students have problems with their courses. At the end every student’s schedule
must be approved by the UIP Director.
Every student has to decide how many academic and extension courses he plans to
take. There are big differences in matters of costs for the two kinds of courses
(compare cost estimation). Therefore I suggest a reasonable mix.
There are specific deadlines until which date you are to enroll resp. drop a course
which should definitely followed (otherwise you don’t receive any withdrawal or you
risk getting a failure grade).
Prerequisites fulfillment
Every course requires specific prerequisites, so students have to ensure they meet
the prerequisites (appropriate qualifications might be proved by syllabi of the former
German subjects at DHBW, usually not necessary). Further details concerning
prerequisites will be illustrated further on.
3.2 Enrollment in academic courses
These courses are taken by American UCSB students, too. They are able to enroll
in their classes according to their degrees in advance (so don’t worry if the courses
appear to be full at the online course list). Unfortunately it is not possible for
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
international students to enroll in those courses prior to the beginning of the quarter,
so students have to accept the uncertainty which courses they will be able to take.
Especially since the recession in 2009 all universities in California had to cut costs
which resulted in fewer professors fewer and available rooms. In my case the
relevant departments were the Economic and the Engineering departments which
were unfortunately “bottleneck departments” in matters of space in the classrooms.
In general instructors have final authority in determining enrollment for their
courses, i.e. some prefer international students and some not at all. According to
UCSB regulation internationals students cannot displace UCSB matriculated
students. Unfortunately there is only limited space in the courses (depending on the
number of seats in the class room!). Consequently international students have to
“crash” the course in order to get a place:
1. You have to go to all first class meetings of the courses you might take (this can
be stressful because you have to attend more courses than you will really take)
2. You have to show proof that you have met the prerequisites: Transcript of
Records, Syllabi with content of subjects in Germany (some instructors don’t
really care about the prerequisites).
3. You have to get the signature from the instructor in order to be enrolled in the
course, but he will sign only if there are enough spaces. (form will be provided
by UCSB Extension Office or online18)
4. You have to bring the form with the signature to UCSB Extension office, pay the
course fees and then you are finally enrolled.
Although it might seem at the beginning all courses are already full, don’t be
discouraged because many matriculated students usually drop the class after one
or two lectures. However you probably have to attend several classes (up to two
weeks) and do the homework or assignments until you know whether there is
enough space. I encourage you to get as many signatures as possible, because
you can draw them back at any time (compare deadlines)
18
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/forms/Open_Enrollment_Application.pdf
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Exception: Economic Department19
Due to the high demand for the Economic courses the distribution of places is
organized by the Economic Department office itself. In my case Dina Amodeo
(Undergraduate Manager) collects all signatures and if there are too many
applicants, she does a lottery. Prior to that process, students have to sign the Form
“UIP – Open University: Students and Economics Courses” (will be provided via
email through UCSB extension office).
Figure 16 Extract – Open University: Students and Economics Courses
3.3 Enrollment in extension Courses
Extension courses are more practical oriented and students shall learn skills that
can be applied in workplaces throughout the world. Besides other international
students you will meet many American business professionals and other employed
persons. Therefore most courses are in the evening between 6.00 pm and 10.00
pm. All courses are taught by practicing business professionals who demonstrate
real-world experience to the classroom.
In contrast to academic courses it is possible to enroll after the schedule is
published (enrollment is possible with login data online20). The courses are on a first
come, first served basis, so I recommend registering at least one month before to
guarantee enrollment. Additionally there is an “early bird discount” when registering
upfront (deadline is usually beginning of the quarter).
19
20
http://www.econ.ucsb.edu/
http://extension.ucsb.edu/
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Prerequisites: If you have not taken the prerequisite course, you should contact
your instructor for a prerequisite waiver prior to course start (usually those waivers
will be granted without any problem).
I recommend being careful when choosing extension courses, because compared
to the academic courses not all extension courses are hold on UCSB campus but
some in Ventura. The distance to Ventura is about 40 miles and there is no public
transportation available.
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
4. Course descriptions
This chapter will give an example which courses can be taken by a student with the
course of studies “Business administration and engineering”. However you can
choose between any courses available (change continuously) and compile your
own schedule depending on your preferences and your home university’s
specifications. You should know that final exams at the end of the quarter are
defined by the departments and cannot be changed. You also have to attend
preferably all the classes and necessarily participate in the final exams.
Consequently students should be careful not to create time conflicts between
classes and finals when compiling their course schedules.
A great difference to Germany is that attendance is absolutely mandatory as well as
in-class participation which both considerable influence the student’s grade. In case
students cannot attend a class, they have to talk with the instructor how to handle
this issue. Although my schedule might seem easygoing because there are only few
classes per week, I would like to remind you of the mentioned load of homework
and additional assignments that have to be done.
I considered two courses each per field as a perfect mix of academic and extension
courses because I was able to enroll into the extension courses before arrival. In my
opinion academic courses tend to be more work because there are more classes,
readings and written assignments to be done, but on the other hand you learn more
and they are more interesting.
4.1 Academic courses
4.1.1 Managerial Accounting
Course: 137b
Managerial Accounting (4 units)
This course teaches the theory and application of managerial accounting concepts.
Students investigate the interaction between economic theory, financial accounting
and management decision making for planning and control.
Instructor: Lisa Maass
Class schedule: Tues & Thurs, 2:00 – 3.15 PM
Location: UCSB
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Prerequisites
Economics 1, 2 and 3 (German business students usually meet those prerequisites,
details have to be discussed with instructor on an individual basis)
Required Readings
Managerial Accounting, Garrison / Noreen, 12th edition .
Course syllabus
-
Variable Costing
o Differences between variable and absorption costing, Income
statements in full-absorption costing format and contribution margin
format, Normal costing.
-
Profit Planning / Budgeting
o Creation of sales budget with schedule of expected cash collections,
Production budget, Direct materials budget, Direct labor budget,
Manufacturing overhead budget, Cash budget, Budgeted Income
statement, Budgeted balance sheet.
-
Standard Costs
o Variances: Direct materials variances (Price and quantity variance),
Direct labor variances (Rate end efficiency variance), Total variable
overhead variances (Spending and efficiency variance), Journal
entries to record variances.
-
Flexible Budgets
o Predetermined overhead rates and analysis in a standard costing
system, Fixed overhead budget variance, Fixed overhead volume
variance.
-
Segment Reporting and Decentralization
o Profit
center,
Cost
center:
Segmented
income
statement
in
contribution format / Traceable and common fixed costs, Investment
center: Return on investment / Residual income,
-
Pricing Products and Services
o Transfer pricing
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Project
Students have to solve a complex problem (Topic: standard costs) individually or in
groups and deliver the solutions to a defined date.
Lecture
Every class is hold in form of a ex-cathedra teaching, that means the instructor
gives the theoretical background at the beginning. Secondly, students apply the
knowledge with the help of examples. All explanations and calculations are the
basis for examination.
Grading
Midterm 1
275 points
Midterm 2
275 points
Project
100 points
Final Exam
350 points
Total
1000 points
4.1.2 Entrepreneurship
Course: 185b
Entrepreneurship (4 units)
My second academic course was part of the Technology Management Program21. It
is a unique educational program within UCSB that gives engineering students a
better understanding of business practices and entrepreneurship in technologybased companies. Although it is impossible to get a TMP-Certificate because
students have to take several classes and stay more than one quarter, DHBW
students can take the class just as a normal participant.
Instructor: John Greathouse has founded several successful start-ups in the last
15 years and is now partner of a venture capital company that invests in startups.
Class schedule: Mon. & Wed., 6:00 - 7:50 PM
(Current schedules for all TMP classes are available online22.
The course entrepreneurship gives students an overview of the venture creation
process and covers following topics. Almost all information provided subsequently is
taken from the online course syllabus23:
21
http://tmp.ucsb.edu/academics/index.html
http://tmp.ucsb.edu/academics/course_schedules.html
23
http://tmp.ucsb.edu/academics/courses_syllabi.html
22
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
•
Analysis of new business opportunities
•
Development of business value propositions
•
Team building
•
Venture financing
•
New venture planning
•
Managing and protection intellectual property
•
Other relevant business information for entrepreneurial process
Location: UCSB
Course objectives
The student shall experience a mix of theory and application and learn the basis for
subsequent coursework with the TMP. The course teaches students how to lead or
participate in an entrepreneurial venture, they get to know tools that facilitates
decision making. It focuses on principles, concepts, skills, practices, information and
choices that are essential for start-ups and early-stage entrepreneurs as well as
their stakeholders. The instructor and the students see themselves in the role of the
founder of a new company.
Lecture
Every lecture will cover another topic and is hold interactively by J. Greathouse. An
advantage is his longtime experience in the field of startups. There are also some
guest speakers who tell their life story and help to understand what’s important
when founding a company.
Assignments
There are many different assignments to be completed during the quarter:
1. Reading assignments: The course requires the students to read several books
that supplement the lectures (approximately 200 pages each) In order to assure
that students read the books there will be some reading pop-quizzes:
o The Art of the Start, Guy Kawasaki
o InfoChachkie Reader (written by the professor)
o The map of innovation, Kevin O’Connor
o The MouseDriver Chronicles: The true-life adventures of two first-time
entrepreneurs
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
2. Venture ideas: Every student has to think of eight possible venture ideas
throughout the quarter and write an executive summary (one page).
3. Weekly assignment: The biggest parts of the weekly assignments are
preparations for the feasibility study that are done as a group project.
4. Feasibility study: Student have to do a feasibility study on one of their venture
ideas in groups of 4-6 people and present them at the end of the quarter in a
final feasibility study presentation (group grading).
5. Optional assignments: There are several optional assignments such as a
personal assessment that helps to evaluate whether someone is born as an
entrepreneur or not.
Grading (there is no final at the end of the class)
• 20% Weekly Venture Ideas
• 20% Assignments (All assignments other than weekly venture ideas)
• 30% In-class participation, exercises and reading quizzes
• 30% Feasibility study (professor and peer grade)
4.2 Extension courses
4.2.1 Introduction to Project Management
Course: ENGR X452.01 Introduction to Project Management (3 units)
This course teaches the basics in project management and introduces students to
issues, concepts, tools and techniques for successful projects:
-
theoretical underpinnings of project management
-
project management in historical background
-
examples of successful and unsuccessful projects
-
working vocabulary of project management terms and acronyms
Instructor: Paul Valenzuela who has nearly 30 years of experience as a project
manager and team leader in both private industry and public service. He is very
competent and knows how to motivate the course’s participants.
Class schedule: Tuesday 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: UCSB
Prerequisites
None (no prior project management experience is required)
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Required textbooks
-
Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) 4th Edition, PMI Standards (2008)
-
Core Concepts – Project Management in Practice, Meredith & Mantel (2005)
Course objectives
Students have a conceptual understanding in order to be able to participate in indepth courses (e.g. prerequisite for “Quality and risk management for projects
manager”). They are able to put previous experiences in project management into a
more conceptual context.
Course syllabus (extracted from course description paper)
•
Introduction to projects and project management
Importance of project management in the past, present and future / Definitions
and characteristics of projects and project management.
•
Project start up and organizational issues
Project processes, knowledge areas, life cycles / Systems approach / Evolution
of project management / Why and how projects get started / How project
management differs from other forms of management / Project organizational
considerations / Organization of the host organization and the project team /
How project organization affects the project manager’s authority.
•
Project scheduling and staffing
Elements of a project plan / Project manager’s preliminary responsibilities / Work
breakdown structures, responsibility matrix, action plan.
•
Budget and risk
Methods of budgeting / Estimating project costs and developing a project budget
/ Budget uncertainty and risk resp. contingency management.
•
Scheduling projects
Determining activity dependencies and creating network diagrams / Pert and
CPM networks / Identifying the critical path and critical time / Creating a project
schedule.
•
Resource management
Expediting a project / Loading and leveling resources / Chains of events /
Communications management
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
•
Monitoring and controlling
Tracking and control / Determining what information to monitor, reporting
methods, the project chart room / Purposes of project control / Quality
management / Scope creep / Earned value
•
Evaluating and terminating projects
Project reports, reviews and audits / Evaluation criteria / Project termination
•
Other
Sources of conflicts in project management / strategies for anticipating and
resolving conflict / Negotiation in project management
Lecture
Every lecture is divided into two parts. The instructor gives the theoretical
background for the covered topics for first half of the class. Therefore he uses the
required textbooks and additionally handouts. Afterwards students have to work in
groups in order to achieve the basics for the final presentation.
Group project
Course participants have to gather in groups and then execute a virtual project
throughout the whole quarter. Consequently the students can apply all techniques
learned during the theoretical part of the lecture. The project’s concrete goal is to
virtually renovate a building complex in any random metropolis in the US and
present the project’s scope, work-break-down structure, schedule and budget at a
final presentation.
Written assignment
The goal of the written assignment is the evaluation of the project management
processes in a random company (usually all participants have an employer). It
should contain information about organizational issues that affect projects, approval
processes, budgeting, controlling and contingency planning as well as project shut
downs. Therefore it is necessary to describe a real project occurred and evaluate
the process. (minimum of three pages required due to last day of class)
Grading
•
• 30% In-class participation
•
• 50% Written assignment
•
• 20% Final exam (open-book exam with 25 multiple choice questions)
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Conclusion
Introduction to Project Management is an interesting class because it covers all
main topics concerning the basics of project management. Especially the group
project helps to put the theoretical knowledge into practice.
4.2.2 Quality and Risk Management for Project Managers
Course: ENGR X452.05 Quality and Risk Management (3 units)
The course presents concepts, tools and techniques to help ensure that projects are
completed on time and on budget. Participants will gain knowledge of the basics of
project quality and risk management and they will be able to apply this knowledge
within the context of projects. The lecture topics include:
•
Evaluating risks at projects in terms of urgency and potential for growth.
•
Embedding quality into a project plan from the beginning.
•
Dealing with quality crises after they occur.
•
Applying various tools in a project management context such as decision
analysis, diagnostics and process control charts.
•
Assessing project risk in terms of probability and consequence of occurrence.
•
Interpreting risk-sensitive analysis.
•
Choosing contingent strategies to avoid / transfer / mitigate risk.
Instructor: Scott D. Freauf who has over 20 years of experience as a project
management practicing consultant and educator. He has delivered project
management training to Fortune 500 companies (e.g. IBM and AT&T)
Class schedule: Thursday 6.00 – 9.30 PM (Sat, 9:00 AM – 4 PM, Oct. 30)
Location: UCSB
Prerequisites ENGR X452.01 Introduction to Project Management, it is no problem
if courses are taken at the same time; I recommend contacting the instructor for a
prerequisites waiver.
Required readings
-
Project Quality Management: Why, what and how, Kenneth H. Rose (2005)
-
Project Manager’s Spotlight on Risk Management, Kim Heldman (2005)
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Lecture
The lecture itself is performed through the instructor’s presentations. Furthermore
there are exercises which help to deepen and apply the acquired knowledge.
Course syllabus (extracted from course description paper)
Project Quality Management
Module 1
o Quality defined
o Cost and benefits of quality
o Wheel of quality model
o Quality pioneers and paradigms
Module 2
o Project quality planning
o Project quality assurance
o Project quality control
o Project quality improvement
Project Risk Management
Module 3
o Identifying risks
o Why projects fail
o Scope & schedule risks
Module 4
o Qualitatively analyzing & prioritizing risk
o Developing responses to identified risk
o Quantitative risk analysis
o Monitoring risk
Grading
•
• 15% Attendance
•
• 35% Participation / Exercises
•
• 50% Final examination (open-book exam with 50 multiple choice questions)
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
4.3 Any other business
4.3.1 Textbooks
As already mentioned nearly all courses require textbooks because of the many
reading assignments. However they are usually not included in the tuition fees.
Students can purchase their books at the bookstore in the University Center
(online24) or use the UCSB Extension online bookstore25. I also recommend using
the Amazon26 because it is usually the cheapest alternative and not all books are
available in the bookstore. As most textbooks are very expensive, I suggest selling
them with a deduction at the end of the quarter e.g. at the bookstore (not possible
for every book, usually only for books from academic courses). I recommend buying
used books at the bookstore because they are much cheaper and appear almost as
new (however some instructors demand a specific version of a book).
Annotation – Academic courses: Although it is recommended to bring the textbooks
to the first lecture, I recommend waiting until you are definitely enrolled in the class.
Otherwise you might have books you don’t need any more in case you could not
enroll in the class.
4.3.2 Additional services on campus
Student identity Card
Every international student can obtain a student ID card at the Access Desk located
on the second floor of the University Center. It costs $3 (replacement $20)27 and
enables you to enjoy a lot of discounts in everyday life (Especially free MTD bus
transportation in Santa Barbara).
UCSB – University Center
The university center offers a wide range of shops (restaurants, FedEx), computer
labs, an information desk and a university owned bookstore28.
24
http://www.ucsbstuff.com/home.aspx
http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/ucsbext.htm
26
http://www.amazon.com/
27
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/L840-uip_fees-deadlines.pdf
28
http://www.bookstore.ucsb.edu/
25
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
UCSB – Davidson Library29
UCSB Davidson Library offers
off
a wide range of 2.7 million of journals and books.
The location is not only a storage place for books, but lots of people study at the
library. There are even rooms for group studies and projects equipped with
computers and whiteboards.
teboards. The university library hours are every day from 8.00
8
pm to midnight (except Sundays) and the quarterly fee for a library card is $1230.
Computer labs and Central Desktop network
Students can use computer labs available in many buildings on campus.
campus The can
access the University Central Desktop network31 and the free Wi--Fi with their
UCSBnetID and their password provided at the beginning of the quarter.
U-Mail
After enrollment in an academic course, every student obtains a proper U-Mail
U
address which
h should be used to contact the university or any instructor32. (I mostly
used my private mail address; however you should forward your U-Mail
U
account in
case there is any important email).
Figure 17 Extract – U-Mail
Mail website
29
http://library.ucsb.edu/
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/L840-uip_fees-deadlines.pdf
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/L840
31
https://ucsb.centraldesktop.com/login
32
http://www.umail.ucsb.edu/
30
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
5. Living in Santa Barbara
5.1 Arrival in Santa Barbara
Flight
The flight from Germany (e.g. Frankfurt) to Los Angeles (LAX) usually takes about
10 hours and costs 650-1000€ (depending on the season). Most flights start in the
early morning and arrive at noon local time in Los Angeles.
Transportation to Santa Barbara
There are two possibilities how to get from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara:
1. Santa Barbara Airbus33 which starts right at the terminals and takes about 2,5
hours to Santa Barbara, Goleta and at the airport (~$45)
2. Flight from LAX to Santa Barbara Airport which takes about 20 minutes
3. Car rental at LAX and drive to Santa Barbara (~2 hours)
I recommend the Santa Barbara airbus because it is convenient and comfortable.
Temporary housing
As many students still don’t have a permanent housing, they have to bridge the time
gap until they have found a place to stay. I recommend taking a double room in a
motel in Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara Tourist Hotel34 / Sandpiper Lodge35 / Motel
636. They cost about $80-120 per night ($40-60 per person) and offer Wi-Fi which is
necessary to search for permanent housing.
Car rental
In my opinion it is urgently necessary to rent a car when you are on the search for
housing. In the US distances are long and it is very convenient to drive from the
different locations by car, furthermore gas prices are comparatively low (~$3.20 per
gallon corresponds to 0.60€ per liter). Additionally it is a good way to get to know
the area better. It is trouble-free to reserve the car online (still in Germany possible)
and then pick up it after arrival. Some car rental companies even offer a pickup
33
http://www.sbairbus.com/
http://www.sbhostel.com/
35
http://www.sandpiperlodge.com/
36
http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.aspx?num=0001
34
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
service around Santa Barbara. The most common car rental companies are
Enterprise Car Rental37, Hertz38, U-Save39 and Avis40. The average price per day is
about $60-70 (inclusive obligatory insurance and additional charge for driver under
25 years)
Welcome meeting for DHBW Student
Heike Kemper is the contact person for all DHBW students that study in Santa
Barbara. She arranges a meeting (usually on campus) at the beginning of every
quarter because she wants to prepare the students for potential cultural differences
or surprises. She also gives some advice about how to behave correctly in class
and what shouldn’t be done at all. If students have problems or still haven’t found a
place to stay, she tries to help.
5.2 Accommodation
Unfortunately student housing on campus excludes international students.
Consequently every student has to choose whether he wants to stay with a host
family or life in an own apartment in Isla Vista or Goleta. Both possibilities are
relatively expensive due to high real estate prices in Santa Barbara and have their
own advantages; hence everyone has to decide what to choose.
5.2.1 Home stay
The first option is to stay with an American family which is simultaneously an easy
way to learn more about the American culture. Furthermore you don’t have to worry
about food because it is mostly included in the rent of about $25-30 per day. Those
accommodations are usually situated in Goleta, which is still close to UCSB by bus
or bike. Another advantage is that the host family can give advice and answer
arising questions.
Either you contact former exchange students for contacts to host families or you
address the UCSB Extension which is working together with the Worldwide
International Student Exchange41 (WISE, contact details compare appendix), an
37
http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/wls.do?gpbr=32al
http://www.hertz.com/
39
http://www.usave.com/
40
http://www.avis.com/car-rental/html/landing/california-rental.html?mid=local-lpg
41
http://wise.wisefoundation.com/university-homestay/IndexUCSB.htm
38
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
association that provides students with information and connects them with
American families (additional commission of ~$150). The UCSB Community
Housing Office also provides a wide range of family and places.
In contrast to apartment housing, I recommend to arrange a home stay from
Germany prior to arrival in order to ensure vacancy. Furthermore it is not necessary
to pay for a motel after arrival. All apartments or home stays usually offer included
Wi-Fi which is standard in American everyday life.
5.2.2 Private Apartments
Most student apartments are located in Isla Vista and Goleta and because I have
been living in Isla Vista my report focuses on how to get an apartment there. Isla
Vista is a small student area right next to the campus and some houses are even
located on the beach. In this district live mostly students because of the short
distance to campus (5-10 minutes) and the legendary parties at the weekends
(compare chapter nightlife).
Figure 18 Isla Vista – Bird's eye view
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Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
There are three different kinds of housing in Isla Vista: Some are leased by private
landlords and tend to be closer to the beach. In those houses usually live 4-10
Americans (mostly in shared bedrooms). Consequently this is a good way to have
American roommates in order to be forced to speak English.
Secondly some houses are in possession of different fraternities, so there is hardly
any chance for foreigners to have access to these apartments.
Thirdly, there are property managers who are in charge of bigger complexes with
lots of apartments. Those complexes tend to be quieter (not always) because there
are strict apartment rules that dictate how to behave in a correct and thoughtful
manner. Following list is just a brief extract amongst many others:
•
Conquest Student Housing42
•
Capri Apartments43
•
Kamap Property Management44
•
Wolfe & Associates45
There are some really nice places but it is good to be careful because I have also
visited some houses that appear uninviting. Therefore I recommend visiting the
rooms before signing any contract in advance.
The prices are vary from $550-850 for a shared double room (monthly rent: $11001700) depending on the type of building, size of the apartment and the number of
people sharing the room. Additionally there has to be paid a deposit of the amount
of a monthly rent ($1100-1700) which will be given back in case the apartment is
still clean and without any damage. Any easy way to protect the security deposit is
videotaping the apartment when moving-in.
The rent excludes utilities such as gas, electricity and water, so they usually add on
top of the rent. There is mostly a laundry service for a small amount of money.
Many people forget that 95% of the apartments are unfurnished, so the students
have to get a bed, coach, table, chair and TV. All those things can easily be bought
for a relatively low price with the help of craigslist (compare below, e.g. bed $100,
table or coach or TV for $50 each). All necessary household goods can be bought
42
http://www.conquesthousing.com/website/ucsb/apartments/breakpoint.html
http://www.capriiv.com/
44
http://www.kamap.net/
45
http://rlwa.com/rental_listings/search_results.php?alllisting=alllisting
43
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
at any random store or supermarket, e.g. on Camino Real Marketplace at KMART46.
The easiest way to transport all mentioned things is to rent a small transporter
called U-Haul47. They are pretty convenient and are rented on a distance basis
(~$20 dollar per day plus ~$1 per mile without gas)
The fastest possibility to get an apartment after arrival as well as from Germany in
advance is looking on the leasing companies’ websites. Landlords and most of the
property managers are inclined to use craigslist48 for their offers due to the fact that
there is no easier way to post a vacant apartment. It is an ad-page website on which
everyone can post anything he wants to sell or lease, so there are offers for
housing, jobs, cars, furniture or even relationships. Secondly, at the beginning of
each quarter it is promising to drive or walk through Isla Vista. In general lots of
people are still looking for roommates; hence there are many private offers for
shorter leases. Thirdly, the UCSB Community Housing Service49 support students
who are looking for a place to stay. Last but not least the local newspapers Santa
Barbara Independent50 and the Santa Barbara News-Press51 offer their service for
rental listings.
In general apartments are rented on a monthly base for one year. The property
managers try to lease their apartments for at least 6 months, so it is not easy to find
a place for only three months. Fortunately, there are some places that are available
for a shorter period of time, but sometimes it is necessary to convince the property
manager. Another option is looking for subleases, in case someone has signed a
one-year lease and is still searching for a roommate.
Although most property managers demand all kinds of documents that international
student usually don’t have, it is not a problem because they accept the passport as
identification.
46
http://www.kmart.com/
http://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Rentals-near-Santa-Barbara-CA-93110/711050
48
http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/
49
http://www.housing.ucsb.edu/hchoices/cho-rental-home.htm
50
http://classifieds.independent.com/index.cfm?searchOnlineCategoryID=16&cid=2D3D65CB-D28BD9E2-1AA0491857724BA7
51
http://class.newspress.com/sect/rentals
47
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
5.3 Transportation
There are many ways of transportation such as car, bus, taxi and bikes. Everyone
has to decide which to choose according to preferences and his housing location.
Car
Some people buy a cheap car which is definitely very convenient in matters of
shopping (usually appropriate for students that stay longer than one quarter). You
should not forget that the car has to be sold prior to departure which might end up
with a lower selling price than expected. Although the European Drivers License is
adequate, it is good to have an International Drivers License52 (may cause less
confusion in case of stop-and-search operations). According to American law
students studying for only one quarter don’t have to apply for an Californian driver’s
license, in case they stay longer they may apply for one (further information will be
provided through UCSB). If someone does not live in Isla Vista or near to the
campus and is planning to come to class by car, I have to remind you that there are
only few parking spaces and they are very expensive (up to $8 per day).
Bus
Although the American public transports system usually not exists, Santa Barbara is
a real exception. There is a fully developed bus system that connects Downtown
Santa Barbara, Goleta, UCSB, Isla Vista and other relevant places such as the
Camino Real Market Place53 (several huge supermarkets and grocery stores). The
Santa Barbara MTD54 provides a wide range of different bus lines that operate in
the mentioned areas. Every UCSB student with a valid student ID is able to use the
bus transportation all over Santa Barbara for free. So it is possible to go to
supermarkets or even shopping in Downtown Santa Barbara. The buses run usually
between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm with some exceptions. In Santa Barbara many
people use their bicycle and the bus, so most buses are equipped to carry up to two
bicycles. Detailed schedules are available online as well as on small free leaflets on
the buses.
52
http://www.stuttgart.de/item/show/319536
http://www.caminorealmarketplace.com/htm/retail.htm
54
http://www.sbmtd.gov/about/index.html
53
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Taxi
Especially at night it is sometimes necessary to use the taxi in order to get home
from Downtown Santa Barbara. However I don’t recommend using taxis due to
unreasonable high rates.
Bike
Especially within the campus area and Isla Vista, the fastest way to get around is by
bike. I recommend buying a bike as soon as possible, the older the better because
of the high rate of stolen bikes. Either you can find used bikes on craigslist55 or
cheap ones in several local bike stores such as IV Bikes56 in Isla Vista or Bicycle
Bob57 at Camino Real Market Place. There are even supermarkets that sell cheap
bikes (prices begin at $100 for a beach cruiser, mountain bikes tend to be more
expensive). There are strict regulations on campus concerning where to use and
park bikes. Violation of those regulations can cause impoundment or high fines.
Some students prefer to use a skate resp. long board.
5.4 Any other business
Supermarkets / Shopping
As mentioned above, there are many huge supermarkets and grocery stores that
offer a wide range of goods. An interesting fact is that generally speaking meat is
cheaper compared to Germany whereas dairy products, bread, fruits and
vegetables are sold at higher rates. At the beginning some students are confused
because the announced prices are lower than on the actual bill because sales tax is
still missing. In the US it is common to announce goods without showing taxes.
Almost every bigger supermarket offers discounts for all kinds of goods which could
be gained with the use of membership cards. Surprisingly those membership cards
are usually for free and everyone can get one at any time.
The Camino Real Market Place58 is about a 10 minute bus-ride away from Isla
Vista. There are lots of different grocery stores and supermarkets.
55
http://santabarbara.craigslist.org/
http://ivbikes.com/
57
http://www.bicyclebobs-sb.com/
58
http://www.caminorealmarketplace.com/htm/retail.htm
56
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
I strongly recommend leaving some empty space in the luggage on the way to
California because clothes are very cheap. Especially branded articles such as
sportswear, t-shirts, jeans and shoes are much cheaper than in Germany. Either
you can go shopping e.g. in Downtown Santa Barbara or drive to a Shopping Outlet
as “Camarillo Premium Outlets”59.
Health insurance
For the improbable case of an accident or disease, it is important to be assured
during the trip to the US, as the standard German health insurance usually is not
valid in foreign countries (although most insurance providers include additional
insurance for travelling abroad, they usually are only valid up to six weeks).
As mentioned above every student has to pay the student program and service fee
quarterly, meaning that they are automatically enrolled in the University’s Student
Health insurance plan provided by the UCSB Student Health Service60. So every
student is assured over the university within the so called student health program.
There is a university student health center on campus (between Isla Vista and the
Event Center) where students can go by if they have any sanitary issues. Of course,
in- and outpatient stays are assured as well in case of emergency.
I also recommend a second insurance concluded from Germany because the
student health insurance does not help while travelling before or after the quarter.
Hereby I would recommend one of the following possibilities:
Firstly, some employers consider the studies at UCSB as a business trip, so you
might be covered by the company’s insurances.
Otherwise I suggest e.g. the “Auslandsversicherung“ of the DKV61 which costs
about 150€ for about 3 months (I would have taken it if my company would not have
offered an employer insurance).
Banking
It is possible to receive cash at every ATM; however this mostly costs high fees.
Therefore I recommend opening up an account with the German bank DKB62. It
offers a credit card that allows cheap or even free withdrawals worldwide, so it is
59
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=20
http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu/
61
http://www.dkv.com/index.html
62
http://www.dkb.de/privatkunden/dkb_cash/produktinfo/zieltraffic_5/
60
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
worth to have a second bank account. In my opinion it is not necessary to open an
American bank account.
Communication
I recommend buying a prepaid card for your mobile phone. The mobile phone has
to be able to use the standard Triband which is necessary in the US. The prepaid
cards are offered by several providers such as AT&T or Verizon; most students
either buy a prepaid card which costs fees per minute ($0.10-$0.25) or a monthly
flat rate (currently ~$60).
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
6
Recreational activities
6.1 Sports
In contrast to Germany, sport plays a very important role at American universities.
There is a wide range of possibilities which sport to choose according to the
students’ preferences. Many students go surfing on the beach (although the water is
pretty cold), go jogging or just work out at the recreation center:
Figure 19 Surfing in Santa Barbara
Recreation department
The recreation department belongs to UCSB and its task is to help students to
spend a great time outside of class while doing all kind of sports and other activities:
Recreation center: Right near to the campus is a big recreation center63with an
incredible number of sports activities (established in 1995).
Figure 20 Recreation Center – Multi-Activity-Court
63
http://www.recreation.ucsb.edu/
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Its area has two outdoor swimming pools, two gymnasia, two weight rooms, two
squash courts and five racquetball courts (comparable to squash). Outside the
center itself there are tennis and sand volleyball courts. Furthermore there are
several sports fields and sports halls for hockey and basketball as well as a climbing
wall. A membership for one quarter costs only $6064.
Other activities
The recreation department also offers camping and adventure trips to various
national parks, scuba diving in the ocean as well as kayaking, rock-climbing or
hiking in the mountains near Santa Barbara.
UCSB Intramural
This popular program offers 17 sports and has thousands of participants each year.
There are teams for each skill level, from beginners to professional teams that
compete against other colleges. As any other American college UCSB has different
professional teams (e.g. soccer team) that represent the college outwards. In
America college teams compete in a national college league that is almost as good
as the national professional league (compare German “Bundesliga”). Therefore the
college has a proper stadium for soccer matches and the best players even gain a
scholarship for their studies at UCSB.
Leisure Review65
This program offers all kinds of courses for recreational purposes in fields of sport,
music, arts etc.
6.2 Nightlife
In my opinion American nightlife is different to what Germans are used to. Many
American students tend to stay at home and party with their friends because the
required drinking age for alcohol is a minimum of 21 years. That’s the reason why
America is famous for its house parties. In Isla Vista and there especially on the
popular Del Playa Drive (road close to the beach whose houses are build upon the
cliffs) are countless parties every weekend. During the Halloween thousands of
disguised people come to Isla Vista in the hope for an unforgettable party event.
64
65
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/L840-uip_fees-deadlines.pdf
http://www.recreation.ucsb.edu/leisurereview/default.aspx
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
However it is possible to go to clubs and bars in Downtown Santa Barbara,
therefore a special bus starts every Thursday night at 9.00 pm in Isla Vista and
goes back at 2am. The most famous locations are the Sandbar66 and Tonic67 which
offer student discounts on Thursday.
Hereby I want to remark the different role of the police which implements the strict
laws existing in the US, so e.g. displaying open containers of alcohol or
consumption of alcohol in public is strictly forbidden. In case of infringement of
these laws, the fines usually cost several hundred dollars. Especially in Isla Vista
there are many police officers that take care of the laws’ compliance.
6.3 Travelling / Adventures
Santa Barbara is surrounded by a terrific environment, so I think it is important not
to forget travelling around the country. Santa Barbara is located between all
important cities and sights on the
West Coast. Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Las Vegas and San
Diego are all accessible by car
within one day, so it is a perfect
starting point for travelling along the
West coast. As already mentioned
the car is the most convenient and
most
comfortable
transportation
due
way
of
low
gas
to
prices, which can be split up when
travelling
with
some
Figure 21 California’s most important cities
friends.
Following sightseeing places are situated within a reasonable travel range, of
course not all of them can be visited (distances are considered to be shorter in the
US, i.e. a one-day road trip with about 500 miles68 is not unusual):
66
http://sandbarsb.com/
http://www.tonicsb.com/blog/
68
1 mile = 1,610 km
67
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Southern California
-
Los Angeles (~90 miles): Beverly Hills, Walk of fame, beaches in Santa Monica,
Venice Beach, Newport Beach, Malibu, Basketball match of Los Angeles Lakers
-
San Diego (~215 miles): Seaworld69, Downtown San Diego, Mexican border is
very close
Northern California
-
San Francisco (~340 miles) with drive over famous Highway 1
-
Yosemite National Park (~350 miles)
-
Sequoia National Park
Nevada
-
Las Vegas (~340 miles)
-
Grand Canyon (less than 600 miles)– combination with Las Vegas suggested
Hereby I recommend the weekends that are sometimes extended for one day due
to American Holidays.
69
http://www.seaworld.com/sandiego/default.aspx
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
7. Abstract
7.1 Cost estimation
Most expenses for this travel have to be paid in US-dollars, so the actual costs are
dependent from the current exchange rate70. In the following I want to give an
overview about the total estimated costs of my studies at UCSB (while this
document has been written, my stay was not over yet). Therefore I will provide a list
with all expenses incurred, the remainders are estimated figures based on my
experiences:
Expenses (on a monthly bases)
Housing
in Dollar ($)
Rent including Wi-fi
(average per person in shared doubleroom)
Utilities (Gas, electricty)
Other costs
Cost of living (varies a lot depending on preferences)
Laundry service
Bus transportation (free transport with ID-card)
Mobile phone flatrate
Non-recurring costs
Tuition fees
Application, program and student service fee
Academic courses
Extension courses
Textbooks (might be sold at the end of the quarter)
Transportation
Air fare from Germany to LAX (seasonal)
Airbus (Transportation LAX to Santa Barbara and vice versa)
Visa
Arrangement of visa appointment
Visa application fee
Sevis fee
Recreation center
Bike or long board
in Euro (€)
$550-850
$30
$300-450
$5
$0
$60
$1335
$800-900
$400-500
$50-150
650-1000€
$90
~ 10€
~105€
~150€
$60
$100
Furniture for double bedroom (might be sold at the end of the
quarter: bed, couch, TV, table, chairs total up to $300-400)
$150-200
70
http://www.x-rates.com/
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Other houshold goods
$100
Estimated total for 3 month stay per person
(exclusive optional travel expenses)
Optional travel expenses (computed on daily basis)
Car rental
Motel (double bedroom)
Weekend Trips
Shopping (clothing & souvenirs)
Admission fee for national parks, theme parks etc.
7.500 €
$50-70
$80-120
?
?
?
Figure 22 Total cost estimation
Besides the mentioned costs there are additional fees for special circumstances
such as lab fees ($20-150), late application ($100), late arrival ($100) and late
payment ($100)71. Last but not least I want to give some short useful advices:
-
While the US have a different current standard, it is necessary to bring a power
adapter for electronic devices.
-
I recommend bringing some copies of relevant documents such as passport,
visa etc. Firstly, you often have to show copies of your most important
documents and in case of losing the original documents copies help to apply for
new ones.
71
http://extension.ucsb.edu/static/international/internationalStudies.jsp
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
7.2 Conclusion
In my opinion Santa Barbara is unique because it offers a perfect mix of
opportunities that combine study and free time activities, so I think that everyone
can have such great experience like I did. Due to the lack of a cooperation
agreement between DHBW and the UCSB, this adventure demanded some
preparation concerning application, visa and housing but on the whole it was
definitely worth it because the new experiences outweigh the efforts undertaken.
I hope you enjoyed my report about UCSB and living in Santa Barbara, finally I want
to encourage everyone to come to Santa Barbara and to write a report about his
experiences in California afterwards as I did. These contributions help younger
students to facilitate the decision whether to go abroad for their studies.
7.3 Acknowledgement
Finally I want to thank everyone who enabled me to spend this semester in
California, especially my professor Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Rolf Richterich and my training
supervisor Mr. Bahlinger at Daimler AG. Furthermore I want to emphasize that the
responsible contacts for the DHBW (Dorte Suechting in Stuttgart and Heike Kemper
on site in Santa Barbara) have helped a lot of make the application easier. Last but
not least I also want to thank the innumerable unknown Americans that answered
my questions about UCSB and American way of life in general.
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
7.4 Contact details
Steffen Merkle
Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University
Course of studies: Business Administration and Engineering
Specialization Production and Logistics
Year 2008
Mail: steffenmerkle@googlemail.com
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
IV List of sources
Internet sources
Economic Department (2010)
USCB Economics, http://www.econ.ucsb.edu/
Recreation Center (2010)
Homepage, http://www.recreation.ucsb.edu/
Santa Barbara Airbus (2010)
Homepage, http://www.sbairbus.com/
UC - University of California (2010)
Homepage UC System, http://www.university
ofcalifornia.edu/ campuses/welcome.html
UCSB (2010)
Homepage, http://www.ucsb.edu/
UCSB Bookstore (2010)
Homepage, http://www.bookstore.ucsb.edu/
UCSB Extension (2010)
Homepage, http://extension.ucsb.edu/
UCSB Library (2010)
Homepage, http://library.ucsb.edu/
UCSB TMP Program (2010)
Homepage, http://tmp.ucsb.edu/index.html
US Department of State (2010)
Student visas, http://travel.state.gov/visa/
temp/types/types_1268.html
World Ranking Guide
US
national
universities
ranking
2009,
http://worldranking.blogspot.com/2009/03/usnational-universities-ranking-2009.html
U.S. Embassy in Germany
Homepage, http://german.germany.
usembassy.gov/index.html
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
U.S. Immigration
Student
and
SEVIS
I-901
Exchange
Fee,
Visitor
Program:
https://www.fmjfee.
com/i901fee/
X-Rates
Steffen Merkle
Exchange rates, http://www.x-rates.com/
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
V
Appendix
Summary – Useful internet links
UCSB Application / University Immersion Program (UIP)
UCSB Homepage
http://www.ucsb.edu/
UCSB Extension Homepage
http://extension.ucsb.edu/
UCSB Extension – UIP Introduction Homepage
http://extension.ucsb.edu/static/international/internationalStudies.jsp
UCSB Course Search / Enrollment
UCSB General Course Catalog
http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/Catalog/Current/Index.aspx
UCSB Schedule of Classes – Class search (Academic courses)
http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/public/curriculum/coursesearch.aspx
UCSB Extension Course Search (Extension courses)
http://extension.ucsb.edu/search/publicCourseAdvancedSearch.do?method=load
PDF Documents
UIP Brochure
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/uip_brochure_web.pdf
UCSB Extension Fees and Deadlines
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/L840-uip_fees-deadlines.pdf
UIP Application for Enrollment form
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/international/uip_application_form_web.pdf
UCSB Open University Application Forms (Form with instructor’s signature necessary
for academic courses)
http://extension.ucsb.edu/pdfs/forms/Open_Enrollment_Application.pdf
UCSB Services
UCSB Bookstore
http://www.ucsbstuff.com/home.aspx
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
UCSB Extension Bookstore
http://bookstore.mbsdirect.net/ucsbext.htm
UCSB U-Mail access
http://www.umail.ucsb.edu/
Visa
Information about German passport photos
http://buergerbuero.freising.de/ausweisrecht/biometrischer%20reisepass.htm
Information about F-1 student visa
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/visakategorien/f/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
How to make an appointment at U.S. embassy
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/schritt4/
Passport photo regulations for US visa
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/fotos/
Visa application fee payment (Roskos & Meier OHG)
https://www.visasystem-roskosmeier.de/index.php?lang=de
Information about SEVIS I-901 fee
https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee
DS-160 application website
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Summary about documents that are required for visa interview at the U.S embassy
http://german.germany.usembassy.gov/visa/niv/schritt6/
Arrival in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Airbus
http://www.sbairbus.com/
Selection of motels in Santa Barbara
http://www.sbhostel.com/
http://www.sandpiperlodge.com/
http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.aspx?num=0001
Selection of car rental services
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
http://www.enterprise.com/car_rental/wls.do?gpbr=32al
http://www.hertz.com/
http://www.usave.com/
http://www.avis.com/car-rental/html/landing/california-rental.html?mid=local-lpg
Housing
Selection of potential apartment providers
http://www.conquesthousing.com/website/ucsb/apartments/breakpoint.html
http://www.capriiv.com/
http://www.kamap.net/
http://rlwa.com/rental_listings/search_results.php?alllisting=alllisting
UCSB Community Housing Service
http://www.housing.ucsb.edu/hchoices/cho-rental-home.htm
Living in Santa Barbara
Transportation service
http://www.uhaul.com/Locations/Rentals-near-Santa-Barbara-CA-93110/711050
UCSB Recreation Center homepage
http://www.recreation.ucsb.edu/
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Overview – List of most relevant contact persons
Stuttgart Germany
Dorte Suechting
Head of International Office (Auslandsbeauftragte)
DHBW Stuttgart
Jägerstraße 56, D-70174 Stuttgart
Phone: + 49 (0) 711 1849-862
Email: suechting@dhbw-stuttgart.de
Santa Barbara - California
Heike Kemper
Contact person for DHBW students in Santa Barbara
Phone: (805) 895-5042
Email: hkci@att.net
Lili Byall
Director University Immersion Programm
UCSB Extension
UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-1110
Phone: (805) 893 4162
Email: uip@els.ucsb.edu
Student services (Extension Office)
Registrars
1110 Kerr Hall, UCSB
Phone: (805) 893 4200
Email: studentservices@els.ucsb.edu
Nancy Jo Zinner
Immigration Advisor
Phone: (805) 893 3816
Email: nancy.zinner@els.ucsb.edu
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Dina Amodeo
Economic Department – Undergraduate Manager
Phone: (805) 893 2981
Email: dina@econ.ucsb.edu
WISE University of Santa Barbara
P.O. Box 1628
CA 93116
Tel: 805 965 8072
Fax: 805 965 8017
ucsbhomestay@wisefoundation.com
Steffen Merkle
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DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Transcript of Records
Name:
Max Mustermann
Date and Place of Birth:
xx.xx.xxxx, xxxxxx (Germany)
Full-time student at the University of cooperated Education Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart Campus Horb completing a three
year Business Administration and Engineering programme
Start Date:
xx.xx.xxxx
Completion Date: xx.xx.xxxx
Major:
Business Administration and Engineering
Degree to be obtained:
Bachelor of Engineering, Business Administration and Engineering
Exams:
Written Examination (2008/2009/2010): Average
consisting of:
Term I
TWIW1001.1
Mathematics and statistics I
TWIW1001.2
Computer science I
TWIW1001.3
Physics I
TWIW1002.1
Engineering mechanics and material strength I
TWIW1002.3
Material science
TWIW1003.1
Business management I
TWIW1004.1
English I
TWIW1004.3
Personal skills I
TWIW1004.4
Personal skills II
TWIW1012.1
Engineering mechanics and material strength II
Term II
TWIW1002.2
Construction design I
TWIW1004.2
English II
TWIW1011.1
Mathematics an statistics II
TWIW1011.2
Computer science II
TWIW1011.3
Physics II
TWIW1012.2
Construction design II
TWIW1012.2.1
Construction design (project)
TWIW1012.3
Material science
TWIW1013.1
Business management II
TWIW1020.1
Logistics I
Term III
TWIW2001.1
Mathematics and statistics III
TWIW2001.2
Computer Science III
TWIW2003.1
Business Management III
TWIW2003.2
Accounting and finance I
TWIW2004.1
English III
TWIW2012.1
Economics (Micro / Macro)
Steffen Merkle
- 55 -
DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
TWIW2012.2
Law
TWIW2020.1
Production management
TWIW9080
Base course of vehicle mechanics
TWIW9075
Base course of electrical engineering I
Term IV
TWIW2001.1
Mathematics and statistics IV
TWIW2001.3
Computer Science IV
TWIW2011.1
Accounting and finance II
TWIW2004.2
English IV
TWIW2004.4
Personal Skills IV
TWIW2011.2
Sales and Marketing
TWIW2020.2
Logistics II
TWIW9077
Base course of digital technology
Scale of grades used by Berufsakademie:
1.0 - 1.5 = excellent; 1.6 - 2.5 = good; 2.6 - 3.5 = satisfactory;
3.6 - 4.0 = adequate; 4.1 - 5.0 = deficient
Date, signed by School Official
Official School Stamp
Department of
Business Engineering
Prof. Rolf Richterich
Mail: r.richterich@hb.dhbw-stuttgart.de
Steffen Merkle
- 56 -
DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Learning Agreement
Für das Auslandssemester an der UCSB (University of California / Santa Barbara) wird gemäß
folgender Tabelle festgelegt, welche Auswahlmöglichkeiten die Studierenden bei der Fächerwahl
haben:
Studierender:
Max Mustermann
Matrikelnummer:
1234567
Studiengang:
Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen
Jahrgang
2008
Mail
maxmustermann@googlemail.com
Code
Courses
DHBW
Amerikan Anerkannte
Credits
ECTS
Studienarbeit (falls möglich)
n.n.
185 B
Project Work
Studienarbeit
Modul TWIW 3011.2 (Strategische und operative
Unternehmensführung)
The Art of Business CEO: Business skills for
future leaders
New Venture Creation: Entrepreneurship
BST3011
Marketing Management
185 C
Business Planning for new Technology Ventures
137 A-B
Modul TWIW3021 (Unternehmensübergreifende
Logistik)
Managerial Accounting
174
Negotiations
106
Managerial Economics
185 A
ENGR
X452.01
BUSAD
X450.1
ENGR
X452.05
5
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
4
8
8
3
6
3
6
Modul TWIW 3001 (Managementmethoden)
Introduction to Project Management
Foundation of Human Resource Management
Quality and Risk Management for Project
Managers
Erläuterung: Die hervorgehobenen Kurse sind die favorisierte Wahl. Für den Fall, dass diese im
entsprechenden Semester nicht angeboten werden, stehen die anderen Kurse des Moduls als Ersatz
zur Verfügung (Kurspläne werden in Amerika kurzfristig bekanntgegeben).
Somit ist gewährleistet, dass der Student am Ende des Semesters die geforderte Anzahl ECTS
Credits in Deutschland erreicht.
Die anzuerkennenden ECTS Credits entsprechen jeweils dem doppelten der Amerikanischen Credits.
Allerdings können für das Studienhalbjahr insgesamt nicht mehr als 25 ECTS (ohne Studienarbeit 20
ECTS) Credits anerkannt werden.
Steffen Merkle
- 57 -
DHBW
Application procedure – University of California in Santa Barbara
Werden mehr anrechenbare ECTS erworben werden dies anteilig gekürzt, wobei pro Modul nur
ganze Credits angerechnet werden. Sollte deshalb eine ungleiche Verteilung nötig sein wird das
Modul mit der besten Benotung am höchsten bewertet.
Ein Nachholen / eine Nachprüfung von weiteren Fächern des 5. Sem. ist nicht erforderlich sofern
mindestens 25 ECTS (ohne Studienarbeit 20 ECTS) anerkennungsfähig sind.
Die Notenumrechnung erfolgt gemäß nachfolgender Tabelle:
Note UCSB
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
D-
Note DHBW
1,0
1,3
1,5
1,8
2,1
2,4
2,7
3,0
3,3
3,6
3,9
Für die Anerkennung müssen zusätzlich folgende Bedingungen berücksichtigt werden:
Die endgültige Festlegung der Kurse an der ausländischen Hochschule kann teilweise
erst vor Ort erfolgen. Sollten ein Fach nicht belegt werden können, wird mit dem
Studiengangleiter ein Ersatzkurs vereinbart.
Horb am Neckar, den__________________________________________________
Max Mustermann (Studierender)
Horb am Neckar, den__________________________________________________
Rolf Richterich (Studiengangleiter WIW)
Horb am Neckar, den__________________________________________________
(Verantwortlicher des dualen Partners)
Steffen Merkle
- 58 -
DHBW
Anmeldung
zur Teilnahme an einem internationalen Auslandssemester
Gasthochschule
Zeitraum
Studiengang …………………………………………….. Kurs/Semester...…………………………
Name, Vorname ………………………………………………………………………………………..
Adresse Theoriephase
………………………………………………………………………….
Straße
………………………………………………………………………….
PLZ, Ort
Adresse Praxisphase
………………………………………………………………………….
Straße
………………………………………………………………………….
PLZ, Ort
Telefonnummer:
………………………………………
……………………………………….
Theorie
Praxis
Mobilnummer: ………………………………………………
Email: ………………………………………………………..
Ausbildungsbetrieb: ……………………………………………………………………………………
Ansprechpartner im Ausbildungsbetrieb: ……………………………………………………………
Telefon: ………………………………………..
Fax: …………………………………
Email: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Sprachkenntnisse:
……………………………………..
Sprache
sehr gut
gut
mittelmäßig
schlecht
……………………………………..
Sprache
sehr gut
gut
mittelmäßig
schlecht
Fremdsprachenunterricht an der DHBW:
ja
Sprache/n: ……………………………………
nein
letzte Note/n:……………….
Bisheriger Notenschnitt an der DHBW: ……………………………………
Ich melde mich hiermit verbindlich für die Teilnahme an dem o.g. internationalen
Auslandssemester an und erkläre mich bereit, innerhalb von 4 Wochen nach meiner
Rückkehr einen Erfahrungsbericht über meinen Auslandsaufenthalt zu verfassen und der
Dualen Hochschule Baden-Württemberg Stuttgart zur Verfügung zu stellen.
1. Ich stimme der Veröffentlichung meines Erfahrungsberichts auf der Webseite der DHBW
Stuttgart zu.
…………………………………............
Ort, Datum
………………………………………………………...
Unterschrift der/des Studierenden
2. Ich stimme der Veröffentlichung meines Erfahrungsberichts auf der Webseite der DHBW
Stuttgart nur ohne Nennung meines Namens zu:
…………………………………............
Ort, Datum
………………………………………………………...
Unterschrift der/des Studierenden
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mein Name und meine Emailadresse an Studierende
weitergegeben werden, die an derselben Gasthochschule ein Auslandssemester verbringen
möchten.
…………………………………............
Ort, Datum
………………………………………………………...
Unterschrift der/des Studierenden
Zustimmung der Studiengangsleitung:
Ausgehend von den bisherigen Studienleistungen und der Motivation der/des Studierenden
stimme ich der Teilnahme an dem o.g. internationalen Auslandssemester zu.
……………………………
………………………………………………………….
Ort, Datum
Unterschrift der Studiengangsleiterin/des Studiengangsleiters
Zustimmung des Ausbildungsbetriebs:
Ausgehend von den bisherigen Studienleistungen und der Motivation der/des Studierenden
stimmen wir der Teilnahme an dem o.g. internationalen Auslandssemester zu.
……………………………
………………………………………………………….
Ort, Datum
Unterschrift der Ausbildungsleiterin/des Ausbildungsleiters
U n i v e r sit y
o f
C a l if o r n ia ,
S a n ta
B a r ba r a
University Immersion Program for International Students
2010 Application for Enrollment
How to Apply
1
2
❏ Complete the Personal Information section
1Personal Information
❏ Complete the Program Information section
3
Only fully completed, legible applications are processed. All documents must be in English.
Submit:
❏ Area of Study
❏ English language proficiency proof
❏ Transcript from your home university (in English)
❏ Submit completed I-20 Application
❏ Complete Source of Funds section
❏ Complete Sponsor Statement section
❏ Submit a readable copy of your passport page
that shows your name, date of birth, and
photograph.
❏ Submit a readable copy of your spouse/
dependents’ passport page(s) if they are traveling
with you on a non-student F-2 Visa.
4
5
❏ Complete the Payment Procedure section
❏ Submit the Application Fee (nonrefundable)
❏ Submit the Program and Student Service Fee
Section 6.
❏ If you are an F-1 Transfer Student, complete the
Transfer Students section. Submit:
❏ A copy of your current I-20 with port of entry date stamp,
and a copy of your most recent I-20 from your current
school
❏ Copies of your F-1 Visa and any F-1 or F-2 Visas for your
6
7
❏ Female
Family Name (as it appears in your passport)
First Name (as it appears in your passport)
Country of Birth
Country of Citizenship
Date of Birth (month/day/year) e.g. JAN 01, 1979
Age
First Language
E-mail Address (please print clearly)
Permanent address in home country (required): Do not list a post office box.
❏ If you are not an F-1 Transfer Student, proceed to
❏ Male
(Please print or type)
Address / Street / Apartment Number
Address (continued)
City / Postal Code / Country
Telephone (Country Code / City Code / Number)
spouse or dependents
❏ Fill out the survey
❏ Sign and date the Application for Enrollment Form
How long will it take to receive
my acceptance information?
We will mail your acceptance information as soon as possible
(usually within 72 hours) after we receive your completed application
with all required documents and fees. Acceptance information is sent via
express mail. As express mail will not deliver to Post Office boxes, please
include your complete street address on your application.
Fax (Country Code / City Code / Number)
Address to which Acceptance Package with I-20 Form
should be mailed (if different from permanent address):
Name
Address / Street / Apartment Number
City / Postal Code / Country
Telephone (Country Code / City Code / Number)
Fax (Country Code / City Code / Number)
University of California, Santa Barbara • University Immersion Program
•
2009-2010 Application for Enrollment (Page A)
2Program Information
(Please print or type)
❏
❏
I am applying to the following study options (please indicate
the quarter for each):
I am a new student.
I am a continuing UIP student.
Name of Account Holder
Name of Bank
Bank Location (city and country)
❏ Academic Studies ❏Fall 2009 ❏Winter 2010 ❏Spring 2010 ❏Summer 2010
Amount of Available Funds
Date (within the last 90 days)
Intended Area of Academic Study (required—i.e. Economics, Computer Science)
Required: Proof of English language proficiency and a copy
of your official university transcript (in English)
❏
❏Fall 2009 ❏Winter 2010 ❏Spring 2010 ❏Summer 2010
Required: Proof of English language proficiency
❏
Teaching English to Speakers
of Other Languages—TESOL
❏Fall 2009 ❏Winter 2010 ❏Spring 2010 ❏Summer 2010
Required: Proof of English language proficiency
and proof of bachelors degree
Do you need an I-20?
Signature of Bank Official
O fficial B an k
S eal / S tamp
Professional Studies 3I-20 Application
Name and Title of Bank Official
Sponsor Statement (required)
The person who is financially responsible for the applicant must read
and sign the statement below. If you are responsible for yourself,
you must sign the statement yourself. “I have read the information
regarding the cost of fees and living expenses for the period of study
at University of California, Santa Barbara. Extension. I certify
that these funds are available and I accept full responsibility for
these expenses.”
(Please print or type)
Name of Person Financially Responsible
❏ Yes (complete the section below)
❏No
If not, what will your Visa status be at the time you intend to study?
❏ Personal/Own
❏ Family or Other Individual
❏ Other (specify)
Source of Funds
Please check source
of your funds:
A bank statement indicating the amount of funds available to you in
equivalent U.S. dollars must be submitted with your application or
you may ask your bank to complete the section below. If you are
sponsored by a company or agency, you must submit a letter of
sponsorship on the company’s letterhead.
Signature
Date
Dependents
If you plan to bring your spouse and/or children on F-2 Visas, you
must list them here. Attach additional sheet if more space is needed.
Family Name
First Name
Date of Birth (e.g., JAN 01, 1997)
Country of Birth
Relationship to You
Family Name
First Name
Date of Birth (e.g., JAN 01, 1997)
Country of Birth
Relationship to You
(Page B) 2009-2010 Application for Enrollment
•
University of California, Santa Barbara • University Immersion Program
4Payment Procedure
(Please print or type)
Application Fee $170/quarter
Save $170 each quarter if applying and
paying for Application and Program Fees
for two or more quarters at the same time.
Program Fee ___ # quarters x $965/quarter $
Enclosed payment is for the following quarters:
$170
Every quarter of your study you must submit by the deadline:
■ Application Fee
■ Program Fee
■ Student Service Fee
In addition, every quarter you must submit:
❏ Fall 2009 ❏ Winter 2010 ❏Spring 2010 ❏ Summer 2010
■ Course Fees
Additional fees may be required; please see the
Fees and Deadlines Chart on page 18 in this brochure.
Student Service Fee___ # quarters x $465/quarter $
Enclosed payment is for the following quarters:
❏ Fall 2009 ❏ Winter 2010 ❏Spring 2010 ❏ Summer 2010
TESOL Professional Sequence Award $2,170
$
TESOL Professional Certificate $3,295 $
Additional Fees*
Late Application $ 100
$
Late Payment $ 100
$
Late Arrival $ 100
$
Wire Transfer Processing $ 35
$
Grand Total
$
Note:
• Application for one or more quarters does not guarantee a space in
the program. Only students who enroll (pay Program and Student
Service Fees) are guaranteed a space in the program. Students who
apply for three quarters and only enroll (pay) for one quarter are not
guaranteed a space in the program for the second or subsequent
quarter(s) unless they enroll in the second or subsequent quarters
at the same time.
• Some quarters fill three months in advance and space in the program
is not available after that time.
When students initially pay the Application Fee and pay Program and
Student Service Fees at the same time for the total number of quarters
they wish to enroll, there is only a one-time Application Fee.
Examples:
1. Initial Payment of:
$170 Application Fee
$965 Program Fee
$465 Student Service Fee = guaranteed space for 1 quarter
2. Initial Payment of:
Save $170
$170 Application Fee
$1,930 Program Fee
$930 Student Service Fee = guaranteed space for 2 quarters
3. Continuation of study for an additional quarter:
Payment of:
$170 Application Fee
$965 Program Fee
$465 Student Service Fee = guaranteed space for 1 quarter
4. Initial Payment of:
Save $340
$170 Application Fee
$2,895 Program Fee
$1,395 Student Service Fee = guaranteed space for 3 quarters
Note:Fees are subject to change without notice.
*For additional fees see the Fees and Deadlines chart
on page 18 in this brochure.
Payment Options (U.S. dollars only. Do not mail cash.)
❏ Credit Card Payment­—Visa or MasterCard
To pay online, please visit our secure online payment link:
https://secure.xlrn.ucsb.edu/secureline.php
To pay by mail: Mail Code 1110, University of California,
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-1110
Questions: Phone: (805) 893-5854
E-mail: apply@els.ucsb.edu
❏
Pay by Bank Draft, Money Order, or Check in U.S. Dollars
Total Amount Enclosed:
$ _________________
Enclose payment payable to UC Regents. The money must be drawn
on an account held at a U.S. bank or a U.S. branch of your bank.
❏
Wire Transfer of Funds Banking Information:
— VERY IMPORTANT —
BE SURE TO INCLUDE ON THE WIRE TRANSFER:
1. UCSB/UNEX (This identifies UCSB Extension as the recipient.)
2. INVOICE # (This is the number located at the top of your bill.)
3. STUDENT NAME(S)
4. COMPANY/AGENT/UNIVERSITY NAME
IF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS MISSING, IT WILL DELAY
THE CREDITING OF YOUR ACCOUNT
Bank: Bank of America NA, 100 West 33rd Street,
New York, New York 10001
ROUTING/TRANSIT (ABA) Number: 026009593
SWIFT ADDRESS: BOFAUS3N
PAYEE: Regents of the University of California (UCSB/UNEX)
ACCOUNT #: 0780500030
Please fax your confirmation of Wire Transfer to:
(805) 893-4943, UCSB Extension, Attention: Cindy Odegard-Cicileo
Please add an additional $35.00 to invoice total if you are paying via wire
transfer. Your bank may assess service charges in addition to our $35.00
service charge.
University of California, Santa Barbara • University Immersion Program
•
2009-2010 Application for Enrollment (Page C)
5Transfer Students
(Please print or type)
Are you currently attending another school in the USA?
❏ Yes (complete the section below)
7Signature
❏No
Signature of Applicant
Name of School you are currently attending
Name of International Student Advisor
Your SEVIS ID Number
Address of School
City
I certify that all application information is true.
State/Zip Code
Date
Application cannot be processed without a signature. Please mail/e-mail completed application:
UCSB Extension
University of California, Santa Barbara,
Mail Code 1110
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-1110 USA
E-MAIL: apply@els.ucsb.edu
Advisor’s Telephone Number
Advisor’s Fax Number
Thank you for your application!
Advisor’s E-mail Address
Last Date of Attendance
Will you be leaving and reentering the U.S. after completing your
current program and beginning UCSB Extension?
❏ Yes ❏ No
Approximate reentry date in the U.S.
6Survey
How did you learn about
our program? (Please print or type)
❏ Counselor/Advisor/Representative
(Complete Representative Information section below)
❏ Friend/Family
❏ Internet
❏ Guidebook/Magazine (name) ____________________________________
❏ Other _____________________________________________________________
Representative Information
Agency/Institution Name
Contact Name
Fax
E-mail
(L552W 11/09)
(Page D) 2009-2010 Application for Enrollment
•
University of California, Santa Barbara • University Immersion Program