I'm about to take out some loans and go to a community college. Now while i've been to SF i was wondering what your take on fun stuff to do in the city is. I've seen Alcatraz, the Metreon, Golden Gate park and Chinatown. Also areas surrounding those. Just for kicks I looked up hawaiian schools because I figure they're almost in a different world. Plus since it's closer to Japan I figure it's easier to get to Japan. Side note: apparently some parts accept the yen.:dance: I'm pretty ignorant so I stopped being interested when I realized gamers get screwed out there... shipping and i'm guessing they go surfing more. Gamblings popular though. I want to start out studying the Japanese language and get crappy classes like English and math out of the way. My first choice is the city college of San Francisco, then I want to transfer to a university, and end up studying abroad in Japan. I'll be alone wherever I go so the location and cost don't matter. Thanks
You can start studying in Japan right away. Scholarships from the Ministry of Education are available for full undergraduate studies. Google "Monbukagakusho scholarship".
If you're into Japan, how about Japantown? I lived in the East bay most of my life and that was one of the few reasons I ever went to SF. I think studying in Japan would be more exciting.
San Fran is a pretty amazing place, but I guess I've never thought of it as being "fun." Mostly I think it's an amazing place for culture. It's not like other West Coast cities with the urban sprawl. Since it's surrounded mostly by water is has the density and an East Coast city. You have a lot of different types of people living close together, public transport is quick and easy, etc. My parent moved there a few years ago so I go there once every couple of years and I really enjoy it. Oh, but the weather absolutely fucking sucks. If you're British you might feel right at home but personally I don't care for it since I've lived mostly in warm, dry climates.
WOW everyone here is too awesome! I guess i've got too many questions, concerns, and comparisons... I need a college counselor or something. I graduated high school two years ago without 2 language courses and a 4th math. So I need a community college because they're cheaper and I can study japanese and get the math credit. If I can go to japan now i'll find out. If not i'll go to Cali unless Hawaii offers better immersion... I'll figure it out. You can teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime, right? Does anyone think the city is friendly or welcoming? I imagine i'll get robbed the first day i'm out there... cez: I looked up the scholarship and found out, sure i'm eligible but because I never tried in high school I probably wouldn't be selected because of the fierce competition, since it's basically a full ride in a japanese university. I'll make that leap the next time it's available. Japan-Games.com: you're right about the weather, I only go over the summer and it is friggin cold and rainy.
Compared to more depressed cities/areas, yes! Even if you're homeless in the city, you probably won't go without internet with all the access points. There are few places I'd worry about getting robbed, though I'd make a habit to never carry much cash and always lock your doors (including car door). Just use good judgment. The weather isn't that bad... just don't ever expect the water to be warm.
San Francisco is a very, very community oriented city. I don't think you'll have any trouble making friends or meeting people. It's the opposite of LA where you don't even know your neighbor's name...heh.
