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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2022大三出國輔導通報系統 - 留學心得報告[編輯]

英文 409810024 　江品儀　　留學學校：聖路易斯大學(比利時)

(一)基本資料

School: UCLouvain Saint-Louis University City: Brussels, Belgium Exchange period: 2022-2023 Most of the courses I took were associated with English literature. I also selected a French language learning course.(29字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：My last french class in Belgium】

Throughout this year, my absolute favorite class has been French. Despite the initial shock of the teacher's lightning-fast pace during lectures and occasional frustration when grappling with explanations of French grammar in French, I found myself deeply immersed in the language and its intricacies. What truly made the difference was the teacher's exceptional kindness and patience. At the outset, I must confess that I was taken aback by the sheer velocity at which our teacher delivered the lessons. It seemed as though every word uttered was a whirlwind of syllables, leaving me struggling to keep pace. Additionally, there were moments of discouragement when the teacher delved into grammatical nuances using nothing but French, a language I was still grappling to comprehend fully. However, despite these initial challenges, the teacher's unwavering support and encouragement propelled me forward. What stood out most was the teacher's remarkable kindness and patience. Whenever any of us voiced confusion or raised questions, the teacher responded with genuine enthusiasm, taking the time to provide thorough explanations and clarifications. This patient guidance fostered an environment where every question was welcomed, and no obstacle was insurmountable. Thanks to this nurturing environment and the teacher's dedication, my proficiency in French has flourished beyond expectation. What once felt daunting and inaccessible has now become a source of joy and accomplishment. This class has not only expanded my linguistic horizons but also taught me the value of perseverance and the rewards of embracing challenges head-on.(243字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：Attending my friend's birthday party】

Since Brussels is the capital of Belgium, prices here tend to be slightly higher compared to other cities. Dining out at regular restaurants typically starts at around 15 euros per meal. Of course, there are more affordable options like kebab, fried chicken (BFC, Belchicken), or fast-food chains like Quick and Burger King. However, I mostly opted to shop for groceries at the nearby Colruyt supermarket, known for its affordability and resembling a smaller version of Costco. Cooking meals at home not only saved me money but also significantly improved my culinary skills. There are also supermarkets like Carrefour and Lidl near the school. For Asian groceries, there are options within a 10 to 15-minute walk from the city center where the school is located. While the selection may not be extensive, it's sufficient for most needs. If you're considering applying for school dormitories, I recommend doing so as early as possible as they tend to fill up quickly due to limited availability. Since I didn't secure a spot in the school dorms, I searched online for housing options. Fortunately, I found my current apartment through a Facebook group (Taiwanese in Belgium) where someone was looking for new roommates. The rent is 435 euros per month, including utilities, and the apartment is well-equipped. It's much cheaper than the school dorms, and my two roommates are Taiwanese while the landlord is Belgian, who is very helpful and always ready to assist with any issues. Additionally, we have a Wi-Fi router at home, so internet access is reliable without having to worry about data caps. Internet costs in Belgium can be high, but free Wi-Fi is commonly available almost everywhere. Therefore, purchasing unlimited data plans isn't recommended. Living in dormitories provides more opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds, and occasional parties are hosted there, each option has its advantages. However, if like me, you don't secure a dorm spot, making friends isn't a concern. Schools typically organize a Welcome Week before classes start, providing plenty of opportunities to interact with others and participate in activities organized by ESN. Through these events, I've made many friends, including those living in dorms. Personally, I find transportation in Belgium quite convenient. The metro system here is extensive, with trains running every 5 to 10 minutes, and it's a 15 to 20-minute journey from my apartment to the school. Additionally, students can apply for a student transportation card (17 euros/year) valid for all STIB-MIVB public transportation, which is very cost-effective. If you plan to visit other cities, consider purchasing the SNCB's 10-trip ticket package, which is cheaper than individual tickets and valid for a year. Furthermore, traveling to other European cities during holidays is very convenient.(444字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：First class in Belgium】

Throughout this year, my academic journey has been a process of self-discovery, revealing areas where I need to grow and learn from my peers. One significant aspect I've noticed is the need to bolster my confidence, particularly when it comes to answering questions in class. I've learned the importance of not letting the fear of being wrong hold me back and instead, I aim to become more assertive in participating and responding to professors' inquiries. Additionally, living in a non-English-speaking country has presented its own set of challenges, especially with language barriers. However, rather than seeing this as a setback, I've been inspired to turn it into an opportunity. This environment has ignited a newfound motivation within me to improve my French proficiency, recognizing it as a valuable skill that will not only enhance my daily life but also my academic pursuits. In essence, this past year has been about acknowledging my strengths and areas for improvement. Through active engagement with both academic and linguistic challenges, I am committed to cultivating a more confident and proficient self. By embracing these growth opportunities, I am confident that I will emerge from this experience as a more well-rounded individual, ready to tackle future endeavors with resilience and determination.(206字)

(五)大三出國建議

If the exchange program is planned for the latter half of the year, you can consider buying thick coats or snow boots locally (depending on individual needs) because it's difficult to find suitable outerwear in Taiwan, and they usually are more expensive. Moreover, they take up a lot of luggage space! Also, I would suggest not keeping your phone in the outer coat pocket when you go out. If possible, keep it inside your bag because it's quite easy to get stolen, and usually, it's hard to find it back. If feasible, it's advisable to prepare a spare phone just in case.(102字)