Studying Medicine in Southern California

Satoshi Asai, a 36 year-old father and doctor from Osaka, Japan, decided to travel to Southern California to study medical procedures at UCI. During his time there, he was able to experience the beaches of California, American sports, and local food while making friends with the locals.


Tell us about your homestay experience.

I stayed in Irvine, California for more than a month. It was precious for me that someone kind was waiting at home. Although I was apart from my family in Japan, I didn't feel any loneliness thanks to my host family Csilla and Ildi. The merit of staying in a homestay is definitely that you can learn and live about the location you are staying in from your host family and the local people living there in great detail.

Observing medical procedures at UCI

What did you do in Irvine?

I visited UCI (University of California, Irvine) medical center to observe medical procedures. I also went to San Clemente, San Onofre, Santa Monica, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles), and the Staples Center.

Playing soccer with locals

I played soccer and badminton and I enjoyed some BBQ with friends. Irvine is a beautiful place to visit or live and it's one of the safest city in the US. There are a lot of beautiful parks, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, etc. People from all over the world are living there, which makes it a good place to meet various people from different backgrounds. There are also beautiful beaches with perfect surfing conditions.

Enjoying California's surfing conditions

Any tips or advice for other travellers?

For surfers, Huntington is must! Even if not surfer, every beach in Southern California has a beautiful view with good restaurants or cafes, which means great places to hang out. Getting to watch the NBA at the Staples Center in LA was an amazing experience. Universal Studio, Disney Land, and Hollywood are typical famous spots to go.

Watching basketball at the Staples Center

How was your experience with your host?

I learned a lot about current situation of the US including politics, schools, guns, medical systems, etc. which I could hear only from local people. Enjoying hobbies with my host family was enjoyable, too. By staying in a homestay, I was able to learn the life styles of the local people by living there for more than a month, something you would not be able to experience by staying in hotels.

Me and my host family

Hoping to experience Southern California?

Homestays are waiting for you.

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