Differences between Switzerland and America

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by Domenik, Switzerland

It is my first time in the United States of America. Before, I was in different countries in Europe and Africa. I had a really big culture shock when I arrived in the US because in Switzerland everything is clean and organized, but here it’s relaxed and a little bit dirty. I think, if you’d like to relax, this place would be the best place for you. The people aren’t interested in cleanliness and punctuality. I love this mentality because it isn’t stressed.

It is funny that many Americans have large cars that aren’t eco-friendly, but sometimes the same family will have a Prius, which is eco-friendly. When I see an American house with the garage, there are many times a big car and a Prius. It doesn’t make sense to me. In Europe,  the cars are smaller and more ecological.

 

 

The biggest differences are the prices between these two countries, for example, the bus is much cheaper in the US. It costs 2$ for one ride in the U.S., and in Switzerland for 4 Stations the cost is 4 Francs. The food is also much cheaper here. In McDonalds, one hamburger costs 1$ and in Switzerland a burger costs 3.50 Francs.

It is very difficult to come into the United States because you need a visa and the customs are very strict. On the plane you have to fill a sheet with questions and at customs you have to give your fingerprints, take a photo, and the man at the custom asks you questions about your trip in the States and what are you doing here. Everything is more difficult to visit this country. It’s exciting to have this experience, but I think I won’t do this for some time to come.

Life Starts at the End of Your Comfort Zone

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By Bastien Julien, France

“Life starts at the end of your comfort zone” is something I learned from Neale Donald Walsh’s book. I spent long time thinking about the meaning of this sentence, and I definitely started to take more risks after I determined what my comfort zone was.

People tend to be satisfied with what they have; we all have experienced routine in our lives. Some people get bored from working for the same company for many years; others get bored from studying a lot, and last, but not least, there are those who are unemployed.

Fortunately, there are many ways to end the routine. The goal is to experience new things, doing something you never done before, because the definition of routine is to live every day the same way. By doing new things every week, by planning unusual trips, and by meeting new people, all these things will help you to live an amazing life.

For some people, only little changes will lead to a happier life, but, for other people, they will need to plan a lot of new activity such as a travel, relocation, or changing one’s job.

Finally, one important advice is to find the motivation which will make you ready to change your way of life.Routine

Culture Awareness

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 By Maria Villarejo from Paraguay.

 Being here in Santa Barbara learning a new language, meeting new people, and getting to know different cultures can be a big challenge for some. Coming to an EF institute means leaving behind all our previous thoughts and normal lives at home. It opens our minds to experience new things with new people.

   EF introduces you to a whole new life; by the time you are here you do not realize that you are sharing personality characteristics and values with others. I believe that we, EF students, will go back home different that the way we came.

   People said that when someone travels she/he returns home different than the way she/he left. In my case, I think that phrase will be applied a hundred percent. I am not just learning English, but I am also learning different ways of living from others. When I am talking about “ways of living” I mean not only the different language or culture, but also about the way people behave in variety of situations, what they eat and their characters.

   Something I learned here in Santa Barbara is not to judge from the physical appearance or the home country. Stereotypes should not be applied to everyone. Your opinion should depend on the character of the person. Sometimes the people you least expect become your friends and you end up spending most of your free time here with them.

Why I Chose Santa Barbara

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By Jinhao Shang- China

To begin with, I would like to answer a more important question: why  I chose the USA.

People from all over the world come to the USA to fulfill their dreams. Each person represents his own culture, and each country has its culture, and each culture contains its different spirit to tell people the truth and the wisdom. So the United States of America is a special country mixed with cultures from  around the world and with its own “freedom and liberty” spirit where I am able to not only learn better to embrace different kinds of people, but to experience a whole new lifestyle and to broaden my horizon as well.

As for Santa Barbara,I was impressed by its scenery:the Pacific Ocean and golden beaches with a stunning mountain backdrop makes Santa Barbara a coastal jewel in California .It is a very perfect place for a vacation.

The 10 Things That You Need To Do In SB Before You Die

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By Bastien Julien (France), Aline Helsen (Belgium), Fernanda Pardo Puente (Chile)

Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera, is a great place to spend your holiday with the family. It might not sound as famous as L.A or San Francisco, but this characteristic makes Santa Barbara so special.

It’s a small and quiet city and is perfect for every age. There are a lot of activities to do during the whole year. We’re going to make you a list about how you can spend your days in Santa Barbara. Of course it depends on your age, what you’re able or what you’re unable to do.

For everyone and for free

1) Santa Barbara County Courthouse

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This Spanish-Moorish architectural masterpiece was completed in 1929 and features giant hand painted murals, gorgeous tile work, and rare art. The 80-foot clock tower is free and open to the public and offers a panoramic view of the city, beachfront and mountains. Beautiful gardens surround the property.

 

2) Inspiration Point

Known as one of the most famous hikes in Santa Barbara, Inspiration Point Trail is an activity to share with your whole family. What makes this trail so special is that you will only discover the specular view at the top of the mountain. We not only recommend you do it if you want to enjoy the sunset, but also if you want to start your weekend with a great adventure that will help you to discover Santa Barbara from another perspective. Most people agree that the trail is aptly named. You will not waste your time – just do it.

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3) Enjoy a Moment At The Beach

You will probably find your favorite beach here in California. Why? In fact, all the beaches in Santa Barbara are different.

If you want to spend a few moments at the beach after eating at a restaurant, you can go to West Beach, enjoy a moment on the pier, or on the harbor.

If you like to play volleyball, you should go to East Beach where you will find more than ten courts to play with your friends or with American people who really like this place.

Finally, if you want to spend a day at the beach away from the downtown area, you might go to Butterfly Beach (Montecito) or Isla Vista Beach (Goleta). Those two places are relaxing and beautiful.

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4) Skater’s Point

Santa Barbara’s popular skateboard park called Skaters Point is located at the beach, just east of Stearns Wharf. Its location makes the place very popular in Santa Barbara. This is a really good attraction, both if you would like to improve your skateboarding skills, or just watching some talented kids.

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For everyone but not for free

5) Sunset Cruise with Santa Barbara Sailing Center

This is an opportunity to see beautiful sea life and enjoy Santa Barbara’s breathtaking sunset. I would recommend doing this during the summer or taking a warm sweater with you in the winter, because when the sun goes down it can get cold.

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6) Santa Barbara Zoo

If you like animals, this is an awesome excursion for the family. It’s really easy to find. You can go by car, bike, or a shuttle.

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7) Whale Watching With Santa Barbara Sailing Center

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This is an amazing opportunity to see blue whales, gray whales, humpback whales, orcas, and dolphins up close! It’s one of the most spectacular things to do here in Santa Barbara. Prices can vary between $50 and $99, depending on the season and your age.

 

 

 

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8) Restaurants and Nightlife

Santa Barbara is also known for its Mexican cuisine. Therefore, you can find a lot of Mexican restaurants here like Sandbar, Carlitos, and Baja Sharkeez. Sandbar is located close to Santa Barbara’s nightlife so you will find a lot of young people there having a drink. Baja Sharkeez is a place where you can find Mexican food and watch sports at the same time, every corner of the restaurant has a television in order to not miss a single match, of course there are also other good restaurants like Aldo’s, and Arnoldi’s.

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9) Nightclub

Tonic Nightclub, EOS Lounge, Wildcat Lounge, Velvet Jones, Blind Tiger, … Santa Barbara counts many places to party with your friends. Going to one of those places can be a nice occasion for you to meet American people and discover how they have a good time.

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10) Wine Tasting

With over 15 years of local wine industry experience, Wine Canyon Tours gives you an informative exploration of the gorgeous Santa Barbara backcountry. You’ll get the opportunity to taste California’s best wines while enjoying breathtaking views.

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Top 5 Restaurants in Santa Barbara

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by Jennifer Spielmann, Switzerland

  1. South Coast Deli
  2. California Pasta
  3. Eureka!
  4. Sandbar
  5. California Pizza Kitchen

South Coast Delisouth-coast-deli-chapala-1 (1)

South Coast Deli is our number 1 because it is right on the other side of the school. The food is really delicious and worth the prices they charge. If you are in a rush, you can call them to pre-order your food. Also all the employees are very kind and friendly. Worth trying it.

Calilsfornia Pasta

You will find California Pasta right on the left side when you are entering Paseo Nuevo on State Street. The cool part at CP is that you get a 10% discount as an EF student. California Pasta has some of the best pasta in Santa Barbara. If you are a pasta lover, you definitely have to check this place out!

Eureka!eureka

The location of Eureka is easy to find. Just walk down Chapala Street and there it is on the left side. This restaurant also has a bar, which is awesome for those who like to drink and watch a game on the screen. Eureka has different kinds of food, which should definitely match your taste.


sandbarSandbar

As the name itself says, it is a bar, but also a restaurant. They do offer special deals at different times of the day. If you are sitting outside they have heaters, which are shaped like a pyramid with flames in the center. Sandbar is a nice place with an amazing atmosphere. This place is on the left side on State Street, toward the beach.

California Pizza KitchenCPK

California Pizza Kitchen is right next to Eureka in the Paseo Nuevo Mall. This place is awesome if you really like pizza. Sometimes you have to wait to get seated, but the restaurant has a waiting area with benches in front of it. You also can order something for take out. Even when you are eating in there you can ask to take the leftovers with you. You should definitely check it out.

Top 5 Coffee Shops in Santa Barbara

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Top 5 Coffee Shops in Santa Barbarahandlebar-coffee-roasters

By Sandra Schoeni, Switzerland

Handlebar – It’s always crowded but it’s very nice there and the coffee is good. You’ll get a real cup not just these usual take-away cups. Handlebar is off of State Street, on 128 E Canon Perdido Street.

Peet’s – It’s similar to Starbucks. The coffee is good but not something special. You can find a Peet’s store on upper State Street 3905 or Downtown, 1131 State Street.

French Press – For coffee with no additional flavors French Press is simply the best. They take their time to decorate your coffee with hearts. The stamp on their take-away cups makes them unique. The French Press is located at 1101 State Street.

Coffee Cat – For take-away Coffee the coffee cat is good. The coffee shop itself is not nicely decorated so it’s not a place to stay for a long time, but the coffee is delicious J you can find the coffee cat next to the court house on 1201 Anacapa Street.

Santa Barbara Roasting Company – The shop isn’t that big but the coffee is really good. There you can find flavors you‘ll never find anywheree else. The cups have the logo of the company, which is very nice. They look lovely J the Santa Barbara Roasting company is at 321 Motor Way.coffecat