Motivation
To explore and meet new people, gain educational and cultural knowledge and gain new experiences.
Personal Development
Best 4 months of my life! This experience has changed me in many ways, socially and culturally. I am confident and assured of my abilities and how to take care of myself and adapt to a new environment. I developed many friendships and a relationship overseas from an abundance of different cultures. In my apartment of 8 girls, all of us were from different countries or cultural backgrounds and shared cultural dishes and personal experiences. I explored places I never knew existed by talking to people that lived there which have become my new favorite places.
Academic Development
There were many challenges, particularly the enrollment system which caused me to have to enroll in a class completely unrelated to my degree and skillset. I was forced to adapt and attempt to learn these new concepts. I enjoyed the traditional academic system however (blackboard and handwritten notes)
Professional Development
I was able to manage my online remote employment with travel overseas. I believe culturally my employability has increased incredibly as I have received an education in a different country in addition to my own and have a greater understanding of International and Cultural differences.
Costs 
I spent approximately 8k - I spent around 1-2k on food which I luckily got a meal plan that provided food daily at the dining halls + eating out. I spent around 800 dollars on souvenirs and accommodation was paid for by my parents which was around 8k I believe. I also was lucky to have friends that had cars which assisted with transport +buses.
Accommodation
I was extremely lucky with my living arrangements - I was incredibly worried prior to - but UCLA provided housing it off-campus university apartments with just a 10 minute walk to campus and the apartments were right in town next to shops. I much preferred this to the dorms and there were plenty of options for share houses if you did not get housing. I was in an apartment with 8 girls - the only problem was the kitchen which luckily I avoided as I had a meal plan and didn't have to cook - However, this gave 8 chances to make a great friend and I am friends with all of my roommates.
Highlights
Meeting my current boyfriend.
Top Tips
To put yourself out there immediately. Be super approachable and excited and open to new experiences. Say 'YES' to everything.
