Semester abroad at San Jose State University

Studying close to Silicon Valley

My name is Niklas, I’m 25 years old, and I’m currently pursuing a master’s degree in cyber security. I’m in my fifth semester and have already been working in the IT industry for several years. Back during my bachelor’s studies, I had the desire to spend a semester abroad. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that wasn’t possible at the time. That’s why I was even more excited to finally seize the opportunity during my master’s to turn that plan into reality. For me, it wasn’t just an academic decision—I also wanted to gain new perspectives, expand my technical knowledge, and experience the international tech world up close.

For my semester abroad, I chose San Jose State University (SJSU) in California. The university is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the world’s most important tech hubs. SJSU especially benefits from its proximity to major tech giants like Google, Apple, and Facebook, as well as countless start-ups. You could really feel this closeness to the tech scene—whether it was guest lectures, networking events, or the classes themselves, which were often very hands-on. At SJSU, I took various courses in the field of Computer Science. One that really stood out to me was "Data Structures and Algorithms." It was challenging and content-heavy, especially due to the many programming exercises and theoretical concepts. At the same time, the professor had a chill vibe and taught with a good dose of dry humor—which definitely helped lighten the load. Even though the course was demanding, I got a lot out of it—especially when it came to structured problem-solving and efficient coding.

What I really liked about San Jose was the relaxed atmosphere of the city. It’s much quieter than San Francisco, but still lively and culturally diverse. During my stay, I lived in an Airbnb off campus. It meant a bit more commuting, but it was more flexible, cheaper than a student dorm, and—honestly—perfect for the occasional legendary house party. The social life was a real highlight: on weekends, there was almost always a house party, get-together, or BBQ happening somewhere. What was especially cool was how quickly international and American students mixed—it was super easy to strike up conversations and make connections.

One standout experience outside of university was my visit to the AWS AI Startup Loft in San Francisco—a co-working space for AI start-ups. I went there privately with my own start-up, and it was a great chance to network with founders, gain insights into innovative projects, and discuss developments in artificial intelligence. It was an amazing opportunity to connect with the California tech scene outside of the academic setting. In addition to studying and partying, a few of us international students went on some unforgettable road trips. One of them took us to Las Vegas—and yes, Vegas was just as wild, loud, and over-the-top as you'd imagine. Clubs, neon lights, 24/7 action—you’ve got to experience it at least once. Another highlight was driving along Highway 1 to Los Angeles. The route was stunning, with stops at cliffs, beaches, and little coastal towns. In LA, we did the classic sightseeing but also dove into the nightlife in Downtown and Venice Beach. Our third big adventure was a camping trip to Lake Tahoe. Waterfalls, campfires, stargazing—pure nature. The complete opposite of digital life, and that’s what made it so special. No Wi-Fi, just a grill and some beers—that was California at its peaceful, almost magical best.

A few tips for future students: California is amazing, but it’s expensive—especially in the Bay Area. Start looking for accommodation early. Airbnb off-campus can be a great option if you want more freedom. And: take every chance to connect with people—at parties, university events, or through personal projects. People are open and curious, but you’ve got to take the first step. Looking back, my semester abroad in San Jose was the perfect mix of studying, networking, traveling, and partying. I not only grew professionally but also made lasting friendships and gained experiences you just don’t get in a lecture hall. For anyone considering a semester abroad—especially in the tech field—I can wholeheartedly recommend San Jose State University. And don’t forget: life doesn’t just happen in the classroom.