For those in the UCSD, how does non-native speaker survive? Are there few non-native speakers in UCSD like in engineering department? I am not just talking about who were born outside but got HS in the US, I am talking about who went to US after the High School age already.
And also, are there few students in UCSD that are more than 30 years old? How do they survive? Do they get along with the younger students? because Computer Science student tend to be more younger than other courses.
To make it worst, I am a non-native who came here at the age of 21, so I started going to CCC not HS, and I am currently 30+ years old. I am on track for UCSD transfer to Computer Science and I wonder if I survive with my status. I’m afraid that I may get out of place socially. Please give me advice, I really like to into UCSD. Are there any students like me?
There are a ton of non-native English speakers on campus, and it seems like the highest concentration of those are in engineering (computer science in particular). You definitely won’t have any issues there. (In fact, if your first language is Mandarin you might never have to speak a word of English lol.)
I haven’t met that many older undergraduates, but as long as you put yourself out there to make friends it shouldn’t be an issue. My first week I met a 23-year-old Israeli freshman, and a 30-something undergraduate joined one student org that I’m part of. There are also tons of grad students who you could easily get to know, as well as a huge community of young professionals in San Diego (many of whom are also non-natives). As long as you’re willing to put in the extra effort to find friends, you’ll be able to. Good luck with your transfer coursework and I hope you make it here next year!
Thank you for the relief.
Hi.
i’m a 26yo transfer from Singapore. I’m comfortable speaking both English and Mandarin.
Like you, I initially struggled a lot with my accent. But I believe my accent improved a lot a week or two before my Cal interview. I think doing tongue twisters and slowing down American dramas help me target flaws in my speech.
Anyways i’m a math-cs major, perhaps we can hang out some time. Even though I have a slight fear of awkwardness too, I can’t wait to meet more people! email me or sth!