#SAFONLOCATION
SAF Scholars
  • Welcome
    • Global Citizen of the Year
    • Summer & Fall 2019 Photo Contest
    • Connect
    • Our Staff
    • Contact Us
  • Support
  • Student Blog
    • Become an SAF Correspondent
  • Campus Visits
    • 2019 >
      • University of Wisconsin - Madison
      • UCLA

Preparation for Everyday Requirements in UC Santa Barbara

9/27/2019

0 Comments

 
From Xiamen University, SAF Fall Correspondent Yue Shao is chronicling her experience at UC Santa Barbara.

Be fully aware of what you need in your daily life this will prepare you to get familiar with your new life faster.

When considering what to pack, weather, climate, cost of living and your living habits are all factors.

Santa Barbara, with its Mediterranean climate, is cool and dry in summer and warm and wet in winter, so only a few warm clothes will be enough. You can enjoy sunshine, beaches and Spanish style here. Sometimes, it is a little cold in the evening, so pack a coat. If you don't want to buy 110V appliances here, remember to bring a transformer and a switch plug. Computers and mobile phones that contain 110V can be charged directly. Small items for daily use can be taken with you (like slippers which is more expensive than a quilt), while some bathroom products can be bought in the market there. Most importantly, remember to prepare your phone card in advance for your daily communication and internet. Just bring your necessities and a good mood to enjoy the peace and cozy life in Santa Barbara. You will fall in love with this city.
Picture
Leaves that have fallen to the street in Santa Barbara.
0 Comments

University Visits on the East Coast

9/24/2019

0 Comments

 
From Southeast University, SAF Fall Correspondent Jingzi Zhou is chronicling her experience at Columbia University.

Rhythm of Summer

Unlike most of the other SAF correspondents for Fall 2019, I have been in the United States for nearly two months, long enough for me to embrace the sunshine and ocean breeze in California, ramble around the forests and counties in North Carolina, and gradually tune in to the way of living as a “New Yorker”. I spent the whole summer exploring the country as a student, a tourist and a keen observer, trying to figure out as much as possible about the shared ethos and diversity across America to be better prepared for my upcoming semester at Columbia University.

​University Visits

After the summer session at UC Berkeley ended, I immediately headed toward the eastern coast to wander around the campuses of several renowned higher education institutions in the United States, including Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake forest University, New York University and of course Columbia University in the city of New York. Except for Columbia where I was going to stay until next year, I spent a limited amount of time on each campus, focusing on their distinctive style of architecture and the overall atmosphere of the people within. To be honest, the journey greatly helped me clarify the different vibes for public and private schools, newly built and historic colleges, and urban and rural campuses.
 
The spirit of the whole community’s well-being prevails in flagship public universities, based on what I have experienced at UNC and UCB. The fall semester begins relatively early, and the students scattering everywhere on campus are largely comprised of in-state population, which could be told from their frequent greetings towards others around them, calling out one another’s names or even nicknames without hesitation since they might have been homies for years.
 
At public universities, the sheer volume of students means a comparatively higher student-faculty ratio. Thus, the scale of classes is larger, and the sports facilities are often crowded with enthusiastic players. However, taking into account the public higher education systems they are in, affordability and mobility are viewed as significant characteristics, which could compensate for their shortcomings. In the classroom, you can always hear someone describing himself or herself as having fought a long way through community colleges to the top universities within the states. There are indeed distinctions among students’ academic or socioeconomic backgrounds, but when everyone is in the same classroom, the distinctions are erased. Students could also enroll in the courses taught by other branches in the systems, meeting with new friends or groups.
 
For private colleges, the decency of their architecture and horticulture always fascinates me. For instance, famous Sarah P. Duke Gardens opens up for visitors from dusk until dawn. Indigenous or exotic herbs are either exuberant in the wilderness or attended carefully by assiduous gardeners working in the gardens all day long. The symbolic buildings for Trinity College at Duke combines solemnity with the particular pastoralism native in North Carolina, leaving an extraordinarily great impression on me.
 
Furthermore, students at private colleges enjoy many advantages brought by abundant funding. They enjoy instruction and tutoring with fewer cohorts, having greater space and equipment for recreational purposes, so on and so forth. In addition, they normally share a more exclusive understanding of their identity with honor.
 
Things I have discussed above are way beneath exhaustive. Based on my personal observation and superficial interpretation, there is still a long way to go before I could draw up a general map of the higher education in the United States, which could help shed some light on the higher education in China.
0 Comments

Theatre nights in London and Challenges I Met

9/20/2019

1 Comment

 
From Dalian University of Technology, SAF Summer Correspondent Xinrun Li is chronicling her experience at University College London. 

I enjoyed musicals and had fun, but did my research and overcame challenges. 

PictureWe are discussing our research project in class.
It is well-acknowledged that the British generally have shown great interests in going to the theatre on a regular basis. From award-winning musicals, cutting-edge plays to classic productions, West End Shows are famous for their amazing and sensational performances. Therefore, several musicals nearby were included in my list of ‘must-sees’ in London.  

The best choice I’d ever made was to watch a Broadway musical comedy, the Book of Mormon, made from South Park creators, which was the winner of four 2014 Olivier awards including Best New Musicals. The Book of Mormon allowed me to completely immerse myself into it, since the musical had well-organized plots, contained profound meanings, and was performed by brilliant performers having a great sense of humor.  

By being exposed to such an environment with well-developed art and literature, I was somehow inspired and was more willing to learn further expertise of musicals. From my perspective, those meaningful intercultural experiences enabled me to enrich my extra-curricular life to leave more vivid and indelible impressions on myself.  

Moreover, what should be equally worth sharing were my unique academic learning experiences gained in class. In the process of doing research, our group were supposed to accomplish a report consisting of several parts, and an essential section of that report was methodology, which implied that there had to be someone who with critical thinking ability can accurately justify and evaluate our overall approach to the research. Though I normally lacked the practice of thinking critically, I was assigned to embark on the methodology part. And then, as expected, I encountered numerous obstacles due to some obscure definitions that I was not familiar with, which made me upset once. However, I strongly dedicated myself to that process and put much effort into addressing important issues of our report, which finally generated my passion in critical thinking practice.  

In my opinion, that challenge I confronted also functioned as a crucial role in improving my professional skills, such as listening, presenting my ideas, persuasion, self-monitoring and team working. As a result, I was able to absorb a whole lot knowledge from the report we accomplished, and reap the maximum benefits. ​

1 Comment

See you Again My Hometown Cuisine; See you Again My Beloved People

9/20/2019

0 Comments

 
SAF Correspondent Zimo Wang from University of Foreign Studies is chronicling her life at
​the University of Edinburgh. 

The anxiety and fear creeps into my family drop by drop when my departure becomes near. Tough, it is hard, all the happiness and love could be perpetuate through pictures. When we see those pictures, we know that we will never say goodbye. 

Picture
Dad, mom, watermelon juice, and me.
Food connects people; the smell of it, the shape, the taste, the color, and all the ingredients that make up our memory will company us all along no matter where we go. In China there is an old saying, "when you think of a specific food, actually you are thinking of the person you share that food with." The food in Edinburgh will be very different from the food in my hometown. Even though I believe I will love them both, I know that no meal in the world could compare with those I enjoyed with my beloved people: my parents, my granny, and my best friends. ​
0 Comments

Sleepless night, It's time for UC Berkeley!

9/20/2019

0 Comments

 
From Tianjin University, SAF Fall Correspondent Yunjin Jiao is chronicling her experience at University of California, Berkeley.

This Journey is About the Feelings and Expectations on the Night Before I get onto my Flight. y flight.

Picture
Three, two, one, go!!! My name is Yunjin, a junior from Tianjin University, whose next step is having a colorful fall semester in UCB.  

Now it’s just about 11 hours before I get onto my flight and meet my “net friends”. As far as I know, there are other 13 Chinese students heading for the same destination, and at least six of them will get together on the same flight including me. 
 
At first I was a little worried about finding my shuttle bus when arriving at SFO, but now I am quite relaxed for having so many friends around me. I AM NOT ALONE ANY MORE!!!  

Studying abroad is always my dream, and this time I have the chance to make it true. I have a friend, and last year he went on the same SAF program as me. He told me that UCB left a wonderful impression on him. He loved the restaurants there, and even showed me a list of dishes that he recommends. Thanks to his experience, I think I have the courage to face the coming challenges in the future.  

I have packed many things in my suitcases, although I know a big part of my items can be bought in local shops. Because I am allergic to milk, I put eight packs of biscuits in my bag and even some yeast to steam buns (I really hope there can be some kinds of bread cooked without milk in U.S.). Packing my clothes didn’t become a real problem until I realized I hadn’t put my pillow in my suitcases. As I finally lock my suitcases, my room has become a terrible mess!  
​

All in all, I am really looking forward to having a cool trip in UCB. I swear that I will study very hard, but the new lifestyle is also the most important thing I want to get involved. SEE YOU ON THE CAMPUS! 

0 Comments

Small but Important Things to Do for PreDeparture

9/19/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture

​SAF Correspondent Heeyeon Ryu is reporting from American University

I just arrived at American University, so i listed things to do before leaving. that will be helpful for your study abroad trip. ​

I am Heeyeon RYU, who will study at American University during fall semester. On the one hand, I am excited to study in U.S, which is famous for social science and the end of capitalism. Also, I love traveling and meeting new people. On the other hand, I am little nervous about adjustment to new environment. I have never lived abroad or traveled more than two months.  

I am writing this for memorizing my feeling and experiences and to share useful tips for someone who wants to study abroad. I want to tell you some small but important things before you leave your country. I saw many posts about visa, packaging and expenses, but there’s no post for small things. 
 
First, unlocking overseas logins. Some sites block overseas logins for security. When I traveled to Europe, I didn’t know about it, so I couldn’t use my Facebook and email. It was a really serious problem, so you must check it before leave.  
Second, preparing offline dictionary. In my case, English is not my first language. Sometimes, I need a translator or dictionary, but in some place, LTE or WIFI does not work well. For example, I visited a shop to buy bedding, and I didn’t know what is a sham. I tried to find in online, but my internet didn’t work.  

This is connected with the internet problem, downloading an e-book is a good idea too. The speed of reading your first language is faster, so before class reading e-book written in my first language can help.  

Third, bring more than two cards from different banks. When you arrive, you will buy or pay for something, so most students bring credit or debit card. Sometimes one card doesn’t work; one of my friends experienced yesterday. Also, just in case you lose the card, it’s good to bring two identical cards. 

Lastly, bring scheduler and housekeeping book. I arrived at American University two days ago, there’s so many programs for international students, so to organize your busy schedule bring scheduler. Also, I was surprised at Washington’s prices, even though I had expected it. I bought many things for living like desk lamps, tissues, laundry bags, slippers…etc. I spent a lot of money than I expected. For checking payment, housekeeping book is very useful.
​  
 
I think American University is very good opportunity to meet diverse students and challenging myself! I’m looking forward to a dancing party tomorrow!   ​
0 Comments

Traveling To San Diego to Study Abroad

9/18/2019

0 Comments

 
SAF Correspondent Moonkyu Park from Myongji University is reporting from California State University, San Marcos

Incheon --> Seattle --> San Diego

Picture
A week before I went to America, I packed two 23kg carriers to go to America. I met with a lot of friends, ate delicious food with my family, and after a while, I'm on a plane that's heading to the U.S.A

I had been preparing to go to
 America since January this year. Finally, I came to America. When I said goodbye to my parents and sat down at the airport, I was a little scared, expecting things to unfold in my next six months in America. I wondered what kind of people will be met and what kind of classes will be held. As an Asian, don't you think you'll go through racism? Or will I make mistakes because of cultural differences? I go to America with a lot of worries. But I look forward to the things that will unfold in front of me! What will happen? I will upload more often than not!
0 Comments

PREPARATIONS for Studying in London

9/18/2019

0 Comments

 
SAF Correspondent Jungwon Choi from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies is chronicling her life at
​the University of Westminster. 

Hello! Welcome to my first video! This will be a short guide through my preparation for studying in London for a term.

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my first video! I’m Jungwon, and I’m a student in Korea. You can also call me Maia and I will be studying at the University of Westminster this fall.

​I will be guiding you through my preparations for studying aboard in London for a term, so if you want to know what I bought and what I did before going to England, just keep watching. There are tons of other things I'm taking with me that I couldn't include, but one thing I want to mention is a "giffgaff sim card". I got mine a bit too late to include in the video, but if you are going to England and if you have time, order a giffgaff sim card from their website. They send you one for free wherever you are! It took me about 2 weeks to get it, but it's worth the wait if you do have time. Hope you enjoyed my video and I'll see you in the next one!
0 Comments

Academic Performance at UC Berkeley

9/18/2019

0 Comments

 
From Southeast University, SAF Summer Correspondent Jingzi Zhou is chronicling her experience at University of California, Berkeley..
Picture
​Academic performance is beyond doubt one of the most important issues during college years. Basically, what grade a student can obtain for a course depends on how much efforts he or she has personally spent on it. Hence, it is of crucial importance to find an optimal place for individual reviewing and studying. Unlike in China where most universities have flexible policies which allow students to access empty classrooms or even officially assign several rooms to overnight study purpose, at UC Berkeley these rules are rather uncommon especially during summer. Instead, students resort to other alternative places and resources. Libraries are ideal options, but the open hours are much shortened compared to fall or spring semesters. So where should one go for study during the summer session at Berkeley?

First, your dorm room. One is free from worries such as important documents or notes being left out or electronic devices running out of batteries. One can post whatever gestures or facial expressions while devotedly finishing their work without being afraid of acting weirdly, if only one has reached consensus with his or her considerate and quiet roommate(s). Another downside is that sometimes the temptation of quilts and pillows is too hard to resist.
 
Second, study lounges or residential academic centers. At on-campus housing sites like Unit 2, there are study lounges on almost every floor of Davidson Hall and a joint academic center which stays opens till 12.00 am on weekdays. The public study place shared by residents creates a preferable atmosphere, but meanwhile the competition for electricity outlets aggravates, potentially reducing the efficiency of studying to a certain extent. When one heads for a spot with all their nitty-gritty belongings but finds no power points, it is very frustrating.
 
The same thing could happen in libraries and cafes, but both of them have their respective edges thus being considered as good places to go. In libraries, people not only attempt to find unoccupied desks and chairs, but also busily locate additional services and resources. And for cafes, it is nice to sip a cup of coffee when one is quickly typing or to take a grab-and-go meal five minutes right before the class begins.
 
These are all fantastic choices one could turn to if needed. However, what I want to say that to succeed in getting an A does not necessarily rely on wherever people kill their time dealing with assignments. Rather, it lies in one's understanding of the true focus of a meaningful summer session, i.e. whether it's study-oriented or for entertainment purposes. My summer session at Berkeley in 2019 has now approached to an end, but for those prospective visiting students, adjusting their mentality to the right track matters a lot.
 
Hope everyone gets through their tasks with flying colors! Good luck!
0 Comments

Unique Memories Left in Berkeley

9/17/2019

0 Comments

 
From China University of Mining & Technology, SAF Summer Correspondent Han Li is chronicling his experience at University of California, Berkeley. 

I have to leave. When I look back on the days here, I find that I have many new changes in my life, from social to the perspective of the world.

In a university with a lot of activities, I have many opportunities to meet new students and people from all over the world to exchange culture and hobbies. At a weekend party, I met a passionate Thai friend who was studying here. Surprisingly, we found that we have many common hobbies, so we had dinner together every week to discuss various issues. This is also my first international friend.
​

Sometimes it’s a different experience to go out and hangout with the classmates who drive. It’s a different experience to see California’s coastline and its unique geographical environment. The geographical environment here is very different from my home country. I am very shocked by the diversity of the world. In the end, too many novelties have taught me many new cultures and different university courses. I am very grateful for everything I have experienced here - it makes me better.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    AuthorS

    SAF Scholars and Alumni

    Categories

    All
    Advice
    Profiles
    SAF Correspondents
    Videos

    Archives

    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    February 2019
    November 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    September 2014

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
Photos used under Creative Commons from gliak00, NazarethCollege