California attracts over 9 million international visitors each year, offering an abundance of recreational, business and educational opportunities in one of the most magnificent states in the U.S.A.

Its warm weather, stretches of long, sandy beaches along the dazzling Pacific Ocean and its friendly residents make it an ideal destination for travellers and students.

Upon arrival, visitors quickly discover what makes California unique - blue skies, palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze, and miles of wide open freeways that flow through and connect all parts of the state. One is immediately surprised by the diverse landscape and amount of greenery and plant life, abundant even in large cities. Where else but in California can you surf at the beach and two hours later, snow ski or snow board in one of the nearby mountain ranges that line the coast?

While California has a reputation for its pop culture, relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities for sports and recreation year round due to its temperate climate, it is also one of the best destinations for serious students and people seeking business opportunities. With some of the best schools in the nation, one of the largest school systems in the world, and the 7^th largest economy in the world, students can have the best of all worlds - superior quality programs in a virtual paradise and at a reasonable cost.

California History

California, known as the "Golden State", was given its nickname after gold was discovered in 1848. Soon after, the largest migration to California took place as thousands travelled across the U.S. enduring harsh winters, Indian attacks, and near starvation for a chance at a better life. Many people still migrate to California from other states and nations seeking better opportunities for jobs and schools, warm weather, and a more carefree lifestyle. The first California settlers brought a spirit of rugged dynamism that is still present in the people who make California their home today.

California is the third largest state in the U.S. geographically and is home to 32 million residents. It has one of the most diverse environments - from rocky mountains and dense forests to deserts and plains - as well as one of the most diverse populations in the world. It is also one of the most liberal and progressive of the United States enacting environmental, racial, and political reforms that set standards in the U.S. and worldwide.

From the entertainment capital of the world in Hollywood, where myth and reality merge to produce some of the most popular films seen by millions, to the computer industry in Silicon Valley, where cutting edge technology is researched and developed and shapes the world in which we live, California has come to embody America’s pioneer spirit, freedom, and individualism, it is the place people come to make their dreams come true.

Climate and Landscape

California is synonymous with warm, sunny weather. While it enjoys a sub-tropical climate year round, the various landscapes dictate the climate. Temperature ranges in the mountains and along the coast are much cooler than the inland deserts and plains. In addition, temperatures in Northern California are generally cooler and wetter than in Southern California. Average daytime temperatures are approximately 16C in the winter and 27C in the summer.

Northern California

California is often divided regionally into Northern and Southern California. In Northern California, the views of the Pacific Ocean from Pacific Coast Highway will take your breath away. The serenity of the region is echoed in the redwood forests and rolling hills which dominate the landscape, a landscape more mountainous and green from the rainfall that these areas receive. A visit to the Napa Valley and wine regions of Northern California, with their fertile, rich soil, is a must for wine aficionados and connoisseurs. The tranquil, timeless beauty of Yosemite’s monolithic, sculpture-like mountains and domes and the mesmerising aqua blue of Lake Tahoe invite travellers to partake of the North’s natural wonders. Hiking, fishing, biking, white water rafting, skiing, surfing, camping and horseback riding are all some of the activities that await traveller and student alike in this area.

For those who prefer city life, the state capital in Sacramento has an abundance of shopping and sophistication while offering a glimpse of the past. Vintage buildings from the 1850s to the 1870s reveal California’s history. And, of course, there is San Francisco, Americans’ favourite city. Situated on the San Francisco Bay and occasionally clouded in a romantic fog, San Francisco has world-class music, art, theatre and cuisine. In addition, it has an excellent public transport system including buses, subways, and their famous cable cars that climb the many hills the city is built upon. The Golden Gate Bridge invites travellers to enjoy San Francisco’s charm and friendliness. Victorian style houses and distinct neighbourhoods such as Union Square, Telegraph Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Chinatown are what distinguished San Francisco from other cities. Residents and visitors feel part of a close-knit community but with the luxuries only a big city provides. The atmosphere is charming and relaxed, a place where residents appreciate the natural beauty and rhythm of life.

Southern California

Southern California is often prized for its warm, dry weather year round. Summers are warm and dry with temperatures ranging from 20C’s in the evening and averaging in the high 20C’s to low 30C’s during the day. Winter is also ideal for travellers seeking warmth and sunshine. With just 35 days of rain per year, cloudy skies are often followed by a return to glorious blue skies and warm temperatures. Southern California’s warm weather and miles of beaches from San Diego in the south to Malibu just north of Los Angeles is ideal for sunbathing, surfing, rollerblading, biking, windsurfing and many other outdoor sports.

One of the largest cities in the world, Los Angeles is Southern California’s most popular city. A sprawling city that covers 11,726 square kilometres, Los Angeles is the quintessential California spot, big, warm, friendly, and diverse. Arriving in Los Angeles, one finds a city like no other. Downtown Los Angeles beckons like the Emerald City from the Land of Oz seen from afar through the smoggy haze enveloping the city and glistens at night like a jewel in the desert. Television series such as Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Santa Barbara, and Baywatch have created a worldwide community and made famous the cities that make up greater L.A. County. Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Pasadena are just some of the surrounding cities that make up greater L.A. County and provide entertainment, shopping, dining and clubs. Further south, some of the best yet destinations await you in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and San Diego, the 7^th largest city in the U.S.A. and just one hour north of Mexico.

For those visiting Southern California glamour and glitz are not far away. From the glamorous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills to the outlandish and eclectic mix of street performers, tourists and merchants at Venice Beach, Southern California offers a host of recreational and social activities for every price range.

Attractions and Lifestyle

Most Californians enjoy an active lifestyle, appreciating the outdoors as much as possible. If they are not playing sports, they are watching one of the many professional football, baseball or basketball teams play. California has 4 national league baseball teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Oakland A’s and California Angeles; 3 football teams including the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and San Diego Chargers; and the famous L.A. Lakers in basketball. In addition, there are a number of amusement parks and cultural sights throughout the state. Disneyland, the "Happiest Place on Earth", Universal Studios where visitors participate in movie-making, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park where visitors can see animals in their natural habitat, and a number of museums, national parks, and historic sites allow many to partake of the best California has to offer.

Educational Opportunities - More than Just a Beautiful Place to Visit

Yet, the best awaits one who can spend more time in the state. Students choose to study in California for its quality and variety of educational programs. Unsurpassed in quality and quantity, California has one of the largest school systems in the world, 106 community colleges, 22 California State Universities, 9 University of California campuses, as well as private schools and universities offering the best art, business, science and humanity studies. Whether students come from English language studies or to earn their Ph.D’s, they find the field of study of their choice in schools recognised worldwide. With so many choices, students can select a location that suits their lifestyle, from among big cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego to smaller, quieter communities like Santa Cruz, Davis, Irvine and Riverside. Whatever their choice, they will quickly feel part of a community that welcomes people from all nations, and celebrates multiculturalism through festivals and events throughout the state. Students who study in California find their studies here one of the most enjoyable and enriching experiences of their lives.

For fun, adventure, to make dreams come true, and to realise your goals … California is the place to be!

Submitted by: Sandra S. Adams, Statewide Representative for University of California Consortium of English Language Programs

Please visit:http://www.studyusa.com/factshts/uccnsort.htm

This article first appeared in Studying Abroad