Dear Future Bruin…
Hi, Bruins!
My name is Eddie (Eduarda), and I am a first-year chemistry major. I am also from Brazil and would love to tell you about my experience as an international student at UCLA. But, first, let’s talk about how I got here…
I remember being a kid and watching a bunch of American movies about the lives of
college students in the United States. I remember seeing those classic auditorium-like classrooms and hearing about esteemed university professors who formulated all sorts of groundbreaking theories and participated in state-of-the-art inventions. I remember dreaming of being in those classrooms and being taught by such amazing professors as a 9-year-old girl in a South American country.
As a teenager, I worked towards that dream by understanding the American high school system and college application requirements, as well as doing everything in my power to make myself a competitive candidate—as I am sure you, as a prospective or new Bruin, also have. I learned how to read, write, think, and speak in English, which was a very enriching experience (if you bump into me on campus, feel free to chat with me and test how well I did, because I’m a show off and would also enjoy talking to you). Finally, I applied and crossed my fingers to increase my chances of getting in, which is scientifically proven to work (Eddie et al., 2026). And by “et al.”, I mean my inner monologue… I got into UCLA!
A few months have passed and I am happy to say that UCLA is undeniably a great
environment for international students. The university is full of resources—including our dear friend, the Dashew Center—as well as multicultural events that I found very enriching. UCLA also strives for and achieves culinary excellence and diversity, which may give you a little taste of home, whether you are in-state, out-of-state, or even international. I personally love being immersed in the atmosphere fostered by UCLA, which is largely built on respect and multiculturalism.
The Dashew Center is a home away from home for international students at UCLA. It is incredibly helpful for dealing with visas, your I-20, and other forms of documentation you may need while at UCLA. It also advises on necessary procedures for employment and further studies, providing letters to aid in acquiring documentation from the United States Government and helping with applications. Additionally, the Dashew Center frequently hosts cultural events, such as mixers, language nights, and even International Prom Nights, which are always fun and engaging, helping students make connections. Moving far from home can be a scary journey, but the Dashew Center makes it much more comfortable by supporting its community and fostering a sense of belonging.
I was very young when I first dreamt of coming to the United States for higher education. And I can confidently say UCLA is all I dreamed of and more.
*The Dashew Center is a great resource for students on campus, especially international students. They are located in 106 Bradley International Hall and students can get help from the center via in-person, Zoom (Drop-in or Appointment), or email! You can find more information about the Dashew Center at https://internationalcenter.ucla.edu/.*