大三出國、全英語課程 - 國際視野 : 淡江大學大三出國通報及學分採認系統

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2018大三出國輔導通報系統 - 留學心得報告[編輯]

語言 405817023 　杜亭萱　　留學學校：紐約州立大學科特蘭分校

(一)基本資料

University: State University of New York at Cortland Location: Cortland, New York Duration: Fall 2018, Spring 2019(15字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：Bio Lab Field Trip_Plant Identification】

I took six courses in fall and seven courses in the spring semester. Last fall, I had principles of biology I, lab class for bio, beginning French I, academic English and politics and multiculturalism and scuba. In spring, I took principles of biology II, lab class for bio, general chemistry I, lab class for chem, beginning French II, human communication and special study in physical education. My favorite classes are principles of biology I and II. The reason I took those classes is that I’ve always been really interested in biology and I would like to pursue a science-related career or become a science major, however, there are no such courses in Lanyang campus. I took the class for two semesters with doctor Elizabeth McCarthy and Laura Eierman. They are both really nice and professional. The courses include three lectures and a two-hour lab class a week. The class in first semester covers origin, evolution, and diversity of life; molecular, cellular, and genetic basis of life, with emphasis on scientific method. The second part covers physiology and ecological concepts of biology as related to higher animals and plants. What I like the most about the course is laboratory class. During the class, we study the structure and anatomy of plants and animals. We learned about the digestive system, heart and circulatory system, reproductive system, urogenital system, immune system and nervous system. The most unforgettable part of the class for me is dissecting. We not only dissected plants also a fetal pig and organs of calf and sheep. It was a rare experience. There were field trips included in lab class as well. In the first semester, we went to Hoxie Gorge forest, and visited the green houses on campus. The places we visited in the second semesters were Cortland wastewater treatment plant and lime hollow. Through the lab class and field trips, I have learned a lot and had a clearer understanding of what we talked about in lectures.(330字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：West Campus Apartment in Winter】

Cortland is a small town located in central New York. It is about 4 to 5 hours driving from New York city. There are some bigger cities around Cortland, like Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton. In Cortland, it rains a lot and snows from late October until late April. The town is mostly composed of students of SUNY Cortland. SUNY Cortland was established in 1868. It is a public university and a member of the State University of New York. Dr. Erik J. Bitterbaum has been the president since 2003. There are 27 departments and 67 majors for undergraduate and 39 graduate programs. It is mostly famous for sport management, exercise science and education department. There are a lot of buildings and resident halls on campus. Because most parts of the campus are built on hills, many students take school buses to get around. The dorm most international students live in is called West Campus Apartment. It is about 5-minute drive from the main campus. There are school buses running between on school days. There are fifteen buildings in here and four apartments in each building. Usually there are 4 people living inside one apartment. In each apartment, there are four rooms, one to two restrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with sink, stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave oven and dishwasher, and living room with dining table, sofa and coffee table. The pros of living here such as having your own room, privacy and it is closer from grocery stores. Aldi, a chain grocery store, is just 5-minute walk away and Walmart is about 20-minute walk. Besides, there are shopping buses on Wednesday nights and weekends that run to Walmart and some stores in between like Marshall and Price chopper.(279字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：Christmas decoration in my apartment】

Studying abroad can be challenging for some people. For me, it is pretty similar to the life back in Lanyang campus. The classes are a lot more inspiring and stimulating here indeed. The professors I met were all very helpful. They encouraged us to ask questions in class and go to office hours after. The most challenging part to me is taking chemistry and biology at the same time. Both courses demanded a lot of time and effort, so time management is really crucial. Besides regular lectures, I also attended supplemental instruction sessions and peer-led team learning workshop that are both provided by academic support and achievement program (ASAP). It provides tutoring and other academic support programs to undergraduate and graduate students and it will help you discover your learning preferences and build successful academic behaviors. Making friends could be hard at first. Attending more activities would always help. There are always lots of things going on at international program office and other student associations. They are either free or cost very little. It is a good way to meet new people. Bonding with roommates is important as well. For example, I have two roommates. They are both American and they are juniors here. They know a lot about the school and this area like restaurants and bars because they’ve already spent a few years here and they have access to vehicles too. They would invite their friends over or bring me to their friends’ place. We’ve had such a great time together. I really enjoyed the two semesters in SUNY Cortland.(264字)

(五)大三出國建議

First, get a driver’s license if possible. It is hard to get around without a car here. There is one school bus running to campus every 30 minutes on average. In addition, there is little entertainment in Cortland on weekends besides bars. There are a lot more going on in Ithaca or Syracuse. Second, check your Cortland email regularly. There is a lot of information on the email like guest speakers, out-of-class activities, trips, and so on. Professors would make important announcements through email as well. Third, there are many resources on campus. Make the best use of it. For example, like International program office. You can either email them or stop by the office if you ever have any questions. The people who work there are very friendly and they would try their best to assist. They also hold many events for international students. The learning center (ASAP) provide lots of academic resource, such as professional tutoring, supplemental instruction, peer-led team learning, and peer tutoring. They offer tutoring in a variety of courses. The services are totally free. Last but not least, study hard and play hard. Most of my 3-credit courses have 4 exams in one semester not including final and quizzes. Hypothetically you have 12 credits, which means you would have 4 exams every two to three weeks. There are also assignments like online homework, papers, and group projects. Balancing between school and personal life, dealing with stress and maintaining mental and physical health are essential under the circumstances. (249字)

(六)其他

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資料更新時間：04月20日 22:17

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