Student Blog
Housing and Transportation

An International Student’s Guide to Learning to Drive in Los Angeles ⟩
March 20, 2026, by Angel

Housing and Transportation International Life Hacks Living in LA

For many international students, relocating to Los Angeles means navigating far more than a new academic environment. It involves adjusting to a vast city shaped by freeways, long distances, and a culture where mobility is closely tied to independence. Among the many transitions we face, learning to drive often becomes one of the most defining milestones because it gradually transforms into a symbol of confidence and belonging.

For many students, the journey toward becoming comfortable behind the wheel reflects a deeper experience. It blends uncertainty, determination, and the satisfaction of mastering something that once felt intimidating, sometimes while gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

The DMV: A Rite of Passage
The first step in this journey is often the most intimidating. The DMV is known for its long lines, complex requirements, and unpredictable outcomes. For international students, the experience can feel even more daunting because it requires navigating documentation, identification rules, and procedures that differ significantly from those in our home countries.

Yet this stage also becomes a point of connection. Standing in line with other students, comparing paperwork, and exchanging stories turns the DMV into a shared rite of passage. It is the one place where everyone silently agrees that we have no idea what is happening, but we are all trying our best.

Luckily, we need all the convenience we can get, and several DMV locations are conveniently close to USC Chan, which means students can get to their appointments and practice sessions without feeling like they are embarking on a cross‑county expedition.

Developing Skill Through Consistent Practice
Driving in Los Angeles presents its own unique challenges. The city’s fast paced freeways, complex intersections, and dense traffic patterns require patience, repetition, and a willingness to learn through trial and error. Many students find themselves practicing in the same neighborhoods repeatedly, gradually becoming more comfortable with the rhythm of the roads, and occasionally discovering a new café purely because they missed a turn.

Working with instructors further strengthens this foundation. Their calm presence and structured guidance help students refine technique, correct unsafe habits, and build confidence. A particularly effective strategy is narrating each action aloud, a method that reinforces awareness and demonstrates intentionality. It may feel awkward at first, but saying “checking mirrors” out loud is surprisingly grounding, even if your instructor already knows you have mirrors.

The Moment of Passing
Receiving a passing score on the driving test is more than an official achievement. It represents resilience, adaptation, and the ability to navigate a system that once felt overwhelming. Whether the test resulted in three errors or ten, the outcome is the same. Students gain a new sense of independence and a tangible reminder that growth often happens in unfamiliar territory.

For many, the celebration is simple. It is a drive thru meal enjoyed alone or shared with friends after the test. Sometimes the victory meal is joyful, sometimes it is reflective, and sometimes it is simply because the adrenaline crash makes you hungry.

Practical Tips for International Students Learning to Drive
Learning to drive comes with plenty of humor and unpredictability, but a few practical strategies can make the process much easier:

1. Practice near your DMV. Test routes are often located within the same neighborhood.
2. Narrate your actions while driving. Statements such as “checking mirrors” or “slowing down” help maintain focus and demonstrate awareness.
3. Review traffic signs thoroughly. Pay attention to uncommon or situational signs that may appear during the test. For example, keep an eye out for the ‘No Left Turn Between 3 and 7 PM Except Sundays’ sign, which feels like it was designed specifically to test your problem‑solving skills.
4. Approach four way stops with confidence. The first vehicle to stop proceeds first, and hesitation can create confusion.
5. Match freeway speeds when merging. This ensures smoother transitions and safer entry onto high speed roads.
6. Bring all required documents and extras. Unexpected requests are common, and additional documentation can prevent delays.
7. Stay calm. The driving test evaluates safety rather than perfection. Even seasoned drivers occasionally forget which way to turn their wheels on a hill.

Why This Milestone Matters
Learning to drive in Los Angeles is not merely about transportation. For international students, it is a testament to adaptability, courage, and the willingness to step into discomfort. It reflects the broader journey of building a life far from home, one filled with challenges, small victories, and moments of unexpected pride.

At USC Chan, we often talk about growth as something that happens through meaningful engagement, supportive communities, and experiences that stretch us. Learning to drive becomes one of those moments. If we can navigate the DMV, the 405 freeway, and our own nerves, then we can navigate the academic, cultural, and personal challenges that come with studying at USC Chan. This milestone reminds us that independence is built gradually through persistence and community support.

Here is to safe drives, late night snack runs, spontaneous road trips, and the confidence that comes from mastering something new. Here is to every international student learning to thrive in a new city, one skill at a time!

For students who would like additional guidance on obtaining a California driver’s license, USC’s Office of International Services provides a clear overview of requirements and procedures. You can find the full details here.

 

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From USC to Tokyo: My Level IIB Fieldwork Journey in Pediatric OT ⟩
March 11, 2026, by Guest Author

Beginnings and Endings Community Diversity Fieldwork Housing and Transportation International

Hi, my name is Alyssa Prigge, and I am a third-year Entry-Level OTD student at the University of Southern California. I am particularly interested in pediatric rehabilitation, with a focus on motor development and neurorehabilitation approaches such as NDT. Through my international fieldwork experience in Tokyo, I developed an interest in the cognitive rehabilitation approaches used in Japanese pediatric occupational therapy. I am committed to continuing to grow as a clinician and supporting children and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds through culturally responsive care.

As I touched down in Tokyo, I couldn’t help but think about how a moment of curiosity at an international fieldwork info session had turned into a life changing opportunity. My name is Alyssa Prigge and I am an Entry-Level OTD student. For my Level 2B Fieldwork, I was placed at a pediatric day service called Linie Platz Futakotamagawa, where they serve children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The reason why I decided to pursue fieldwork in Japan is due to my personal connection to the country and my interest in learning how occupational therapy (OT) is practiced in a different cultural context. As for my background, I am half Japanese and spent my childhood growing up in Tokyo before moving to the U.S.

Living Logistics

Of course, moving back to Japan for a year of fieldwork also meant figuring out the practical logistics of where I was going to live. Although I had maintained friendships in Japan by visiting every summer, I knew living in a community with others my age would be important for my mental health. I found a company called Social Apartments that offers dorm-like housing for adults seeking social connections and community. This turned out to be the best decision for me, as I have made friends not only from Japan but also from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, and Thailand. Fortunately, there was a Social Apartment location that was 15 minutes by bicycle or bus/short walk from my fieldwork site. This means I can avoid cramming into trains during the morning and evening rush. In terms of other logistics, my Japanese mom helped me navigate language barriers securing health insurance and setting up utilities for my apartment. Since I hold a Japanese passport, I didn’t have to worry about student visas and I was able to register for the National Health Insurance.

Life Experiences

My favorite experiences living here have been the summer firework festivals where people dress up in kimonos, eating takoyaki or okonomiyaki from street vendors, and walking through neighborhoods that each have their own personality and charm. I love exploring new restaurants that serve Japanese-style Italian food, Taiwanese dishes, and cold noodle dishes like soba and udon. As I’ve settled into daily life in Tokyo, living here has brought up a renewed awareness of my identity. Japan is a relatively homogeneous country, and as someone who is half Japanese, I have often stood out. Reconnecting with old friends from international school introduced me to a community of other mixed Japanese people who share similar experiences and have helped me embrace that difference.

Challenges

In terms of challenges I’ve experienced, I am not natively fluent so keeping up in meetings and articulating my thoughts professionally has been a learning curve. In the beginning, getting used to the constant processing and responding in Japanese was mentally taxing, causing my brain to fatigue more quickly than usual. I often rely on technology to look up unfamiliar words, transcribe and translate faster-paced conversations, and help format professional emails using keigo, the polite form of Japanese. These tools help bridge the gap in language skills that developed after living in the U.S. for over a decade. For students considering international fieldwork, I would recommend having a strong level of experience with the language and culture of the country you hope to train in, as not every site may be as accommodating to language differences as mine has been.

Opportunities

Since beginning my Level 2B fieldwork, I have learned OT practices unique to Japan through conducting small-group interventions. The daily programming blends cognitive and school-based activities (such as hiragana writing, counting, and language comprehension) with movement and balance tasks designed to support body awareness, postural stability, and coordination. Main goals in OT are to address caregiver concerns on their child’s ability to respond appropriately to environmental demands like educational and community contexts where children must function cohesively in groups. Additionally, this experience has also opened the door to opportunities I never expected, such as attending a pediatric OT conference in Yamagata, participate in Linie training conferences, presenting to OT students in Tokyo on differences between OT practice in the United States and Japan, and connecting with numerous OTs and related professionals from Osaka, Tokyo, and Kobe.

One especially meaningful experience was having the opportunity to be introduced to leadership members of the Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists (JAOT) by my supervisor, Saeko Takenaka, the director of Linie. I was able to share about my fieldwork experience in Japan and discuss similarities and differences between OT practices in both countries. Through this connection, I have been invited to observe OT practice in inpatient psychiatry, a setting I haven’t been exposed to in the U.S. Additionally, because Linie is a rehabilitation service provider with multiple locations across Tokyo serving individuals across the lifespan, I had the opportunity during Term 1 to observe a variety of clinical settings, including home rehabilitation, pediatric day services for medically complex children, an inpatient pediatric hospital, and an outpatient orthopedic clinic.

With USC’s unique and extensive global network, I have had the chance to pursue fieldwork in a place that is both personally meaningful and professionally enriching. If you have the opportunity to do international fieldwork in a country you have ties to, I would absolutely take it.

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Bridging Cultures, Building Futures: Our PP-MA Journey ⟩
October 2, 2025, by Global Initiatives Team

Beginnings and Endings Classes Community Diversity Getting Involved Housing and Transportation International Living in LA School/Life Balance What are OS/OT?

Hi everyone! We’re Angel and Haemin, international students in the 2025-2026 Post-Professional Master’s (PP-MA) program at USC. Coming from the Philippines and South Korea, we are starting this new chapter in Los Angeles! We’re excited to meet new people, explore new places, and grow together as OTs.

Angel’s Journey

My name is Angel, a pure-blooded Filipina and current PP-MA student for 2025–2026. I earned my OT degree in the Philippines and worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for three years—a role that brought me so much joy working with children and their families. In 2023, I got married, and by 2024 I had moved to the U.S. to be with my husband, first living in Chicago before deciding to continue my OT journey here in LA.

When I began exploring further studies, USC stood out immediately. Its Post-Professional MA is one of the few programs in the U.S. that can be completed in just one year, allowing internationally trained OTs like me to deepen our skills, discover new ideas, and connect with people from around the world—all while returning to practice sooner. I also heard wonderful feedback from colleagues who studied here, describing supportive faculty, a vibrant community, and an environment that pushes you to grow. Most of all, I was inspired by USC Chan’s mission to optimize people’s engagement in the ordinary and extraordinary activities of life—a statement that perfectly reflects why I chose OT in the first place.

Life in Los Angeles has been a big adjustment after Chicago and the Philippines—new city, new culture, and no familiar faces. At first, it was daunting, but having my husband’s support made the transition easier. Together, we’re slowly building our rhythm, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying small routines that make LA feel like home. Lately, we’ve started visiting local cafés for matcha and coffee, and Little Tokyo has quickly become a go-to spot for food and culture.

So far, the PP-MA program has been both exciting and humbling. One of my favorite courses is Foundations in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, where we explore and challenge diverse perspectives on both OS and OT. Because our cohort includes students from many different countries, I have gained a deeper understanding of how culture and society influence a person’s occupations. I have also come to appreciate the importance of language in our work as occupational therapists when connecting with patients.

What I value most about this program is how it encourages us to think critically about OT while equipping us with practical tools to grow as clinicians and leaders. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about shaping how we want to contribute to the future of the profession.

Looking ahead, I see this year at USC as a stepping stone. My immediate goal is to gain licensure in the U.S. so I can continue serving people in healthcare. Beyond that, I hope to bridge what I learn here with my roots in the Philippines, finding ways to give back and strengthen OT globally.

Haemin’s Journey

My name is Haemin, and, like Angel, I’m a PP-MA student, class of 2026. I graduated from my home university in South Korea this year and moved to LA to attend USC Chan’s Master’s program. Being a PP-MA OT student at USC has been one of the most exciting chapters in my life. When I arrived in LA to start my journey, I had mixed feelings of both excitement and being overwhelmed. I moved into a new apartment, met new people and classmates, and tried to make a new daily routine. Even though there were a lot of things to take in on my own, I found myself becoming more independent and confident.

Back in 2022, I joined the Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion (SOTI) program as an exchange student. It was such a memorable time to interact with people from all over the world with warm and supportive instructors. I loved exploring various OT fields through guest lectures and field trips, and it made me want to reflect more on the kind of OT I’d like to become. These experiences inspired me to deepen and broaden my own view of occupational therapy and to find the areas of practice that truly align with my interests and passions. Finding that USC provides strong support and resources to help international students achieve these goals gave me the confidence to come here for my master’s program.

Even though I have experience of living in the US before, moving to LA for graduate school was still a new adventure. I set up a new apartment and established daily routines like meal prep, errands, and transportation to balance my work and studies. It took time to adapt to a new environment, but I was able to figure it out thanks to so much support from my family, friends, and professors at USC Chan. As I figure out step by step, I find myself having done so many things, which makes me feel confident and mature 😊

One of the best parts of the PP-MA program is having classmates from all over the world. We share our OT experiences and cultures from our home countries, which makes every discussion richer and exciting. The atmosphere is so friendly and supportive, and the Global Initiatives team always makes me and other international students feel welcomed and connected. Working as a GI team member, I’m supporting students who want to celebrate their meaningful holidays, which is especially valuable in that I can learn about important cultural meanings from my classmates.

As for classes, Foundations of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy has been my favorite! At first, OS felt a bit philosophical and abstract, but it helped me see what occupation truly means and what the OT’s role is from a global perspective. Having discussions with international classmates adds so much fun and depth 😊

Even though we may have grown up in different countries and started OT in different ways, the PP-MA program at USC has brought us together. We’re learning, growing, and cheering each other on as we chase our own unique dreams as future OTs.

Outside the classroom, I love spending time at Hoose Library, which has a Harry Potter vibe. It’s so aesthetic and makes me focus on studying better.

Preparing for what’s next, one of my biggest goals during this program is earning the Sensory Integration (SI) certificate, which will be valuable for working with children. After graduation, I hope to continue working in pediatrics, especially with children and adults with ASD, and to expand into community-based practice. I’m excited to face my future clients with a richer perspective on occupation by everything I learned and grew from my time at USC.

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These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things ⟩
January 21, 2023, by Mika

Housing and Transportation International Life Hacks Living in LA School/Life Balance

Hello again and Happy New Year, my friends!

I wanted to start off the year with a blogpost about one my favorite childhood songs from the movie, The Sound of Music. If you have watched the movie, you might have remembered the scene where Fräulein Maria comforts the children amidst a storm. She tells them (or rather, sings to them) that whenever she feels scared or sad, she remembers her favorite things to help herself cheer up. Now, as a material girl, I kind of used this coping strategy as well to help me adapt to life here in Los Angeles. With that, I present to you some of my favorite things or must-have’s that helped me the past months.

1. Water Filter Pitcher
Moving to a new country requires you to find ways on how locals get their basics, like food or water. Based on the suggestions of some friends and family living in the States, they recommended me to get the Brita water filter pitcher. So far, I don’t have any problems with this brand that I bought; however, you can also opt to buy cheaper brands. These water filters also come in different sizes (even in a dispenser) and are available in local supermarkets like Target and Walmart.

2. Tide Pods
This has been a game changer for me doing laundry since it makes everything more efficient and quicker. This was not a common product back at home so when I discovered this, I really felt like a caveman discovering new technology.

3. Sink Garbage Disposal Unit
Okay, this device got me shouting U.S.A., U.S.A.! to my friends back at home LOL. Again, we don’t have this technology so I was happy to discover this in most American households since it made washing the dishes more convenient.

4. Air Fryer
This is not new technology for me but it definitely helped me save time in cooking meals in between studying. Shoutout to my lovely roommate for sharing this with all of us in the apartment!

5. Tabo (Dipper)
The Filipino in me is definitely showing with this one. I definitely cannot do my self-care occupations or other household chores without my beloved tabo or dipper. Although you can purchase these through Amazon or in Filipino supermarkets, I was able to buy a portable one (it was made of a rubber-like material so I could fold it to fit in my luggage) back home in the Philippines.

6. Dustpan
From what I understand, most locals use vacuum cleaners to clean their floors. However, I like to go Filipino old school and use a broom and a dustpan to clean some of my floors. For those who prefer cleaning this way like me, I wanted to share that I bought a detachable dustpan back at home and brought it here since most of the dustpans here were hand-held and quite-small, which often triggered my back pain when cleaning.

7. Mobile Applications
I found several mobile applications that had made my stay here in LA more convenient. Here are a few I found helpful:

• Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft
• Public transportation apps like Transit and Tap
• Online shopping apps like Amazon (As a student, you can get Amazon Prime for free for 6 months!)
• Food and grocery delivery apps like Door Dash, Uber Eats, Amazon Fresh and Wee! (an Asian grocery delivery application)
• Yelp to find recommendations of places to eat around the area
• USC Gateway mobile app to help you know everything that’s happening in campus and to navigate your university life

8. Gifts (and snacks!) from home
Moving out of your comfort zone to a new country will bring about bouts of homesickness and loneliness from time to time. That is normal — it’s okay not to feel okay sometimes! To help me get through those moments, I’m blessed to have a good set of family and friends who sent some gifts and snacks to help me remember home. It definitely also helped that social media made keeping in touch with them possible!

And that’s the end of my list! What about you, what are your favorite things that get you by?

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Finding Housing in LA When Moving from Out of State! ⟩
January 9, 2023, by Leah

Community Housing and Transportation Life Hacks Living in LA

While from Northern California, I had been living in Seattle, WA for a few years before moving to LA for USC.

Things I considered when looking for housing in LA

Cost
While there are plenty of benefits to living in Currie Hall (convenience / community aspect of living around a lot of other OT students) I thought it was too expensive for my budget. I wanted to find something more affordable in the East LA area. I paid $860/month the first year and now $950/month (boo inflation) but I still found this more affordable than a lot of other options I was seeing.

Some neighborhoods I checked out
Alhambra, Pasadena, Highland Park, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Arcadia, Los Feliz, and Silverlake.

Who to live with
I was interested in living with other graduate students since we would be understanding of each other’s schedules and interests. I moved in with 2 second year physical therapy students. I loved that we were in fields similar enough to be excited about what the other person was studying, but I felt like it relieved me from pressure of always having to talk about school with roommates. It was also super helpful that the apartment was already mostly furnished since I did not have furniture from when I lived in Washington.

My interests / hobbies
While living in Seattle, some of my favorite occupations included being outdoors hiking or camping. I decided to live in the Alhambra area due to its easy access to the Los Angeles National Forest. I love seeing mountains from my window and being only 20 minutes away from several trailheads. If you are really interested in the beach / surfing / etc. then West LA might be a better fit!

Helpful Facebook pages I joined

• USC Graduate Student Housing
  facebook.com/groups/344453725628321
• Young Females: LA — Los Angeles Housing, Rentals, Rooms and Sublets
  facebook.com/groups/375969193143590
• House Apts Room for rent in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Alhambra, Arcadia
  facebook.com/groups/GlendaleRoomForRent

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