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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2019大三出國輔導通報系統 - 留學心得報告[編輯]

語言 406810266 　顏桂英　　留學學校：維諾納州立大學

(一)基本資料

School: Winona State University, City: Minnesota, Date: Jun.25.2019-May.09.2020. Fall semester course-Beginning Japanese I: To learn hiragana and katakana, and some basic Japanese grammar; Introduction to Music: To learn the history of Musician and admire the different style of music, and learn eight periods of Western music history; Mass Media & Society: To explore the interrelationship of mass media and society in American and worldwide country; Introduction to Global Studies: To explore a variety of contemporary global issues such as environmental, the economic problem and status of women......etc; Introduction to Higher Education: The class only for international students, to teach them how to slove or face the cultural shock. And show their country character to other students by presenting in class; ESL: Academic Reading and Writing II: To improve and enhance English academic writing and reading for non-native speakers. Spring semester: Begining Japanese II: To learn conversation skill and more complex grammar, and some important nouns which used frequently in daily life; Introduction to Japanese Culture: To explore ancient history how to influence modern society in Japan and learn special Japanese culture; World Regional Geography: To explore the cultural and physical aspects of world region, and develop the attitude toward ecology, land, society, and values; Marketing and Society: To learn marketing's role in society and realize the influence of marketing to society.(222字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：Beginning Japanese class】

I didn't have a deep understanding or interest in Japan or Japanese before. However, I chose this class with the active recommendation of my friends and classmates. When I started to learn hiragana and katakana, my passion for Japanese ignited. I think the Japanese word is so cute because writing Japanese characters is like drawing circles on the paper. I also often hear friends talking about some Japanese lines in anime in daily life, which made me feel unimaginable difficulties in learning Japanese. Also, the WSU hired a teacher from Japan, which also enabled me to learn more authentic pronunciation and grammar. The Japanese teacher is very nice and kind. She always teaches us patiently and will help us review one by one in class. Even after class, we can reserve extra time with her to strengthen our Japanese. She also often gives interesting homework (for example: making posters, acting dramas) to let us practice Japanese. But the purpose is not to force us to read Japanese every day, but to hope that we can cultivate enthusiasm for Japanese from these assignments and learn happily. After studying for half a year, I started to watch Japanese anime to strengthen my Japanese listening and conversation skills. Because of this, I can know and understand the questions and contents of the teacher faster than others. Finally, I will recommend everyone to take this class because Japanese is a very interesting and very rewarding class!(242字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：Winona State University Campus】

I rented a five-person house with my classmates who also came from the Lanyang campus. The house is only 3 minutes walk from the school, which is very convenient. There is a pizzeria nearby, as well as a convenience store. It is very convenient if you are hungry at night and want to buy something. If you want to go to a big supermarket like downtown or Walmart, I would recommend renting a bicycle from school. Renting a bicycle from school is not only free, but you can also exercise by the way. My classmates and I often ride bicycles to stroll around our homes. Besides, the weather will start to cool down and become winter around October. By December, the snow on the road would be very high. But don't worry, because someone comes to remove snow every morning. I heard from a friend in the United States that the snow in winter will be as high as the knee. I didn't believe it at first. It wasn't until one day that I went out very early, and the person who hadn’t just removed the snow yet. I saw with my own eyes that the snow would fall as high as my knee (Figure 4). Moreover, the temperature between December and February is basically minus nine degrees, so be sure to keep warm when you go out. Gloves, scarves, down jackets, are all necessities for going out. Also, the school's international student service often organizes events to take us to Wisconsin, MOA (Mall of American) …… etc. So, don’t worry to feel boring at weekends! (265字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：walk around the city with my friend】

I learned a lot of things when I went abroad this year, whether it was learning to cook by myself or overcoming cultural shock. However, the thing that made me feel the most growth is that I learned “how to use time effectively”. In the past, I always started doing homework or studying before or on the same day as the homework deadline. This behavior prevented me from properly organizing the content of my homework, and also gave me insufficient time to do my homework. However, I had to properly arrange my time to study or do homework every day because I took a lot of classes in the first semester. The relatively high pressure of assignment and studying abroad so that I need to review the contents of 3-4 lessons and do additional research papers before the class, which makes me start to allocate time effectively without wasting time. Besides, I also urged myself not to spend too much time on fun, and it was not too late to wait for winter vacation or summer vacation. Also, I have met many friends from different countries because I worked in the school’s restaurant. Even, I could train my English listening and speaking skills through “communication with guests” in the school’s cafeteria. Although there is only a short period of one year, my “English Listening” has been greatly improved and strengthened. (232字)

(五)大三出國建議

In the past, I would think and confirm the accuracy of grammar and vocabulary before speaking a sentence in English. But when I arrived in the United States, I discovered that foreigners don't care “very much” whether you use authentic English or correct verbs or nouns. However, this does not mean that all vocabulary and grammar are misused. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or using wrong words when you are speaking. Because even if vocabulary is wrong, foreigners can still understand what you are talking about. The most important thing is to “speak" rather than focus on the use of words and grammar. Besides, I would suggest taking part in school activities or club activities. This will not only help to build up your network but also to practice English listening and speaking skills! Also, I suggest finding a part-time job in the school restaurant. However, the purpose of a part-time job is not just to “make money”, you can interact and talk with more foreigners through work, which is also a good thing! Although the COVID-19 made me end my life abroad early, I often remembered my life abroad after I returned to Taiwan. Whether it's cooking or lodging, I tried to make it by myself or with someone other than my family. In a year abroad, it may be lonely because there are no best friends and family around. But, I could assure you that this time will be the most precious and memorable moment in your life! So, all you need to do is to go abroad with a feeling of anticipation. I believe that you will definitely have something to gain!(277字)