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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2023大三出國輔導通報系統 - 留學心得報告[編輯]

英文 410810070 　許嘉明　　留學學校：卡地夫大學(英國)

(一)基本資料

Okay, let's recalibrate and reflect on my exchange year in Cardiff with a bit more grounded perspective. It truly was a pivotal year in my life, a time of significant growth and discovery, though maybe not quite as dramatic as my initial retelling. As a junior in college, I embarked on this adventure, spending the academic year from September 7th, 2023, to July 23rd, 2024, at Cardiff University. It was an opportunity I eagerly anticipated, and it certainly lived up to my expectations, though perhaps in ways I hadn't fully foreseen. Cardiff itself was charming. The city had a unique blend of historic architecture and modern vibrancy, and the people were genuinely warm and welcoming. I found myself quickly feeling at home, which is not something I take for granted when immersing oneself in a new culture. Academically, I focused on expanding my language skills, taking on German, Italian, and, most intriguingly, Welsh. That was a challenge! It's a beautiful, complex language, and while I wouldn't say I mastered it, the experience of learning it was incredibly enriching. I also took some other linguistic courses, which helped me understand the deeper structures and connections between languages. It was definitely enriching to learn so many languages. Beyond the classroom, it was the everyday experiences that truly shaped me. Navigating a new city, making new friends, and adapting to a different educational system all pushed me to grow. I learned to be more resourceful, more independent, and more open to new experiences. There were challenges, of course, but overcoming them instilled in me a newfound confidence. I learned to be more independent, and more reliant on myself. My time in Cardiff wasn't just about academic pursuits, though. It was about personal growth. I formed meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds, learned to appreciate different perspectives, and gained a broader understanding of the world. It was a year of self-discovery, a time when I learned to embrace new challenges and step outside of my comfort zone. I learned to look at the world in a different way. Looking back, my exchange year in Cardiff was a transformative experience. It wasn't always easy, and it wasn't a fairytale, but it was real and meaningful. It was a year of learning, growing, and discovering, both academically and personally. It's an experience I'll always cherish, one that has shaped me into the person I am today, and one that I will carry the lessons from throughout my entire life. It definitely influenced how I see the world now. (421字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：Classes and Presentations】

Okay, so, let's talk about the highlight of my academic life in Cardiff, the class that truly slapped: Italian. And it all comes down to one name: Angelo Silvestri. This prof was an absolute legend, and his teaching style was everything. Seriously, Signor Silvestri's Italian class was not your average, boring lecture. Forget that! His whole approach was immersive, interactive, and deductive, which basically means we were learning by doing, by experiencing the language, instead of just memorizing a bunch of rules. It was high-key the most effective way to learn a language, and I was living for it. From day one, we were speaking Italian. Like, full sentences (or at least trying to!). It was a little intimidating at first, but Signor Silvestri created such a supportive and fun learning environment that we all felt comfortable taking risks and making mistakes, because we all had the same goal, which is to learn. He would have us do role-playing activities, debates, and even mini-presentations, all in Italian. It was like being thrown into the deep end, but with floaties, you know? You're challenged, but you also feel supported and encouraged. The "deductive" part was super cool, too. Instead of just telling us the grammar rules, Signor Silvestri would guide us to figure them out ourselves through examples and exercises. It was like being a language detective, and it made the learning process so much more engaging and memorable. I swear, I learned more Italian in his class than I did in years of studying other languages in a more traditional way. He made us love the language by making us want to learn more, and deduce more. But it wasn't just his teaching methods that made the class so great. Signor Silvestri himself was just an amazing prof. He was so passionate about the Italian language and culture, and that passion was totally infectious. He had this energy that just lit up the room, and he made every class feel like an adventure. He also really cared about his students, and he always took the time to make sure we were all keeping up and understanding the material. It was inspiring to see someone so in love with his job. Honestly, if you ever get the chance to take a class with Angelo Silvestri, do it! It's a no-brainer. You won't just learn Italian, you'll experience it. You'll live it. You'll fall in love with it. It's the kind of class that stays with you long after the semester ends, and it definitely left its mark on me. Signor Silvestri's Italian class wasn't just my favorite class in Cardiff, it was probably one of my favorite classes of all time. Period. (451字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：My favorite part of my every year: Halloween】

Alright, let's break down the whole Cardiff University experience, beyond the amazing Italian class. Let's talk about the campus, the dorm situation, the city vibes, and all that jazz. So, the campus itself is pretty nice. It's a good mix of older, stately buildings and some newer, more modern facilities. There are plenty of green spaces scattered around, which was great for when you needed a break from studying or just wanted to chill outside with friends when the weather was cooperating. It wasn't super sprawling, so you could pretty easily walk or bike anywhere you needed to go. Overall, it had a good, solid university campus feel. I ended up living in a student residence, which is basically dorm life, but British. It was a decent setup, nothing super fancy, but definitely comfortable enough. I had my own room and bathroom, which was a major plus for a homebody like me, and then shared a kitchen with a few other flatmates. It's a good way to meet people, especially when you're new to the country, though it can definitely be a bit of a lottery who you end up living with. Luckily, I got on pretty well with my flatmates, and we had some good times. Cardiff itself is a cool city. It's the capital of Wales, but it doesn't feel overwhelming or too busy. There's a castle right in the city center, which is pretty unique, and a good amount of shops, restaurants, and pubs to keep you entertained. The city center is pretty compact and walkable, so you can easily explore it on foot. Plus, there's a big park called Bute Park that's right next to the castle, which is a great place to hang out or go for a run. Also, it is close to a river, which makes it very calming. As for the weather, well, it's Wales, so you gotta be prepared for rain. It wasn't, like, constantly pouring, but let's just say a good raincoat is a must-have. It can get a bit gray and gloomy, especially in the winter, but when the sun does come out, it's beautiful. Food-wise, you've got all your typical student options, from quick and easy takeaways to grocery stores where you can cook for yourself. I tried to cook at home most of the time to save money, but I definitely indulged in a few traditional Welsh meals, like Welsh cakes, for example (which are amazing, by the way). There are also a lot of international food options, so you can pretty much find anything you're craving. Getting around was easy enough. Like I said, the city center is walkable, and there's a decent bus system if you need to go further afield. I also got a bike, which was a great way to explore the city and get some exercise. Overall, Cardiff is a great city for students. It's got a good balance of everything you need – a solid university, a lively but manageable city center, and plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding areas. It's not too big, not too small, and it has a friendly, welcoming vibe. It's definitely a place I'd recommend checking out if you're considering studying in the UK. (538字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：Bestie Ellie】

Alright, let's get real about the challenges, because studying abroad isn't always sunshine and rainbows, even with amazing Italian classes and a cool city like Cardiff. There were definitely some hurdles, both in terms of daily life and the academic side of things, and of course, the good old culture shock. One of the biggest adjustments was probably just the sheer independence of it all. Suddenly, I was responsible for everything - cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, navigating a new city, all while keeping up with my studies, and in a different language. It was overwhelming at times, especially in the beginning. There were moments where I just wanted to lay on the ground and wish for everything to be fixed! But I realized that I had to figure things out on my own. I learned to ask for help when I needed it, whether it was from my flatmates, the university support staff, or even just a friendly stranger on the street. I also got a lot better at planning and prioritizing, which are skills I know will serve me well in the long run. Organization is crucial when studying abroad. Academically, the different teaching style took some getting used to. While Signor Silvestri's immersive Italian class was amazing, some of my other courses were more lecture-based, which required a different kind of focus and note-taking strategy. Plus, the grading system was different from what I was used to back home. I had to learn to navigate those differences and figure out how to succeed in this new academic environment. I ended up reaching out to my professors during their office hours to clarify things I didn't understand and get their advice on how to improve. Then there was the culture shock. Even though the UK and Taiwan have some similarities, there were still plenty of differences that took me by surprise. Things like the way people interacted, the humor, the food, even the way they crossed the street—it all added up to a sense of being slightly off-balance, especially at first. I remember feeling really confused by some of the slang, and I definitely had a few embarrassing moments where I said or did the wrong thing. Learning the social cues took time. But I found that the best way to deal with culture shock was to just embrace it. I tried to be open-minded and curious, and I asked a lot of questions. I tried to see the humor in the situations where I felt like a fish out of water, and I learned to laugh at myself a little. I also found that talking to other international students helped a lot, because they were going through the same thing. We could share our experiences, swap stories, and support each other. Overcoming these challenges wasn't always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I learned so much about myself, my resilience, and my ability to adapt to new situations. I came out of it all feeling stronger, more independent, and more confident in my ability to handle whatever life throws at me. And honestly, those challenges made the whole experience even more meaningful. They pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. It made me more confident, and more independent. (550字)

(五)大三出國建議

Okay, future study abroad rockstars, listen up! If you're thinking about taking the plunge and going abroad for your junior year, here's my advice, straight from someone who's been there, done that: Do it! Seriously, it's an amazing experience that you won't regret. It pushes you, it changes you, and it opens your eyes to the world in a way that nothing else can. Be prepared to be independent: You'll be handling a lot on your own, so start practicing those adulting skills now. Learn to cook a few basic meals, do your own laundry, and manage your budget. Embrace the challenges: Things will go wrong, you'll get confused, and you'll probably feel overwhelmed at times. That's okay! It's part of the process. Learn to ask for help, adapt, and keep a sense of humor. Don't let these challenges hold you back. Step outside your comfort zone: Try new things, meet new people, and say "yes" to experiences that scare you a little. This is your chance to grow and discover who you are. Be brave. Be open to the culture: Things will be different, and that's the beauty of it! Be curious, ask questions, and try to understand the local perspective. You will make mistakes, but as long as you learn from them, it is okay. Document your journey: Take photos, write a journal, or make videos. You'll want to remember these experiences, both the good and the challenging. This is something you will cherish forever. Don't be afraid to be yourself: Whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, embrace it. You'll find your people and your place. There is always a place for you. Most importantly: Have fun! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it. Soak it all in, learn as much as you can, and create memories that will last a lifetime. You got this! (315字)

(六)其他

Alright, let's dive deep into the treasure trove of experiences that was my junior year abroad, because honestly, it was a whirlwind of epic proportions. We're talking far beyond the classroom walls, beyond the usual tourist traps, into the realm of memories that are etched into my soul. First off, the music. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and this year was no exception. Seeing Doja Cat and Nicki Minaj live in concert? Iconic. Legendary. The energy at those shows was palpable, a collective roar of the crowd that vibrated through my bones. It was a celebration of music, of female empowerment, and just pure, unadulterated fun. Those nights are filed under “core memories,” for sure. I love these two artists so much. But the adventures were just getting warmed up. My wanderlust took over, and I embarked on a series of journeys that still feel surreal when I look back. The United States was a whirlwind of bright lights and big city energy. It was a sensory overload in the best way possible, a stark contrast to the more laid-back European vibe I'd become accustomed to. It was like stepping onto a movie set, and I soaked up every moment, feeling the pulse of a different culture. I also got to meet some amazing people. Then came Norway. And oh, Norway, you stole a piece of my heart. This wasn't just a trip; it was a pilgrimage into a winter wonderland. The landscapes were breathtaking, all snow-dusted mountains and crystalline fjords. And the Northern Lights? Forget it. Seeing the aurora borealis dance across the sky was a spiritual experience. It's like the universe was putting on a private light show just for me, and I felt this profound connection to something ancient and magical. And as if that wasn't enough, I went reindeer sledding. Seriously, I got to glide through a snowy landscape pulled by reindeer! It was enchanting, a moment straight out of a fairy tale, and a beautiful insight into the traditional Sami way of life. Norway taught me to appreciate the peace of the natural world. But the adventure train kept rolling. France was next, with its effortless chic and romantic atmosphere. I wandered through Parisian streets, saw the Eiffel Tower twinkle at night (yes, it's as magical as they say), and indulged in countless pastries. I explored the charming south, soaking up the Mediterranean sun and the slower pace of life. Furthermore, I visited museums, saw some amazing views, and overall had a great time. Then, Spain! The energy of Barcelona was infectious. I got lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter, marveled at Gaudí's architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, and danced the night away to the rhythm of flamenco. The food, the music, the passion – Spain was a vibrant explosion of culture. I also got to learn more about its culture, which is so rich. Italy followed, a country that felt like coming home, even though I'd never been there before. Maybe it was the warmth of the people, or the delicious food, or the feeling of history seeping from every ancient stone. I walked in the footsteps of emperors in Rome, got lost in the romantic canals of Venice, and savored every bite of pasta and gelato. Florence, with its Renaissance art and stunning Duomo, took my breath away. Each city had their own charm. And then, the grand finale: Greece, specifically the island of Santorini. Imagine whitewashed villages perched on cliffs overlooking a caldera filled with the bluest water imaginable. The sunsets were legendary, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors every single night. I explored ancient ruins, swam in crystal-clear waters, and felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I'd never experienced before. It was the perfect place to reflect on the incredible journey I'd been on. The views were mesmerizing. But my explorations weren't limited to continental Europe. I made it a point to discover the beauty of the UK as well. I ventured beyond Cardiff to other parts of Wales, exploring hidden coastal gems, hiking through rolling hills, and discovering ancient castles steeped in history. Each town had its own unique charm. And of course, England was on the list. I took trips to Bath, marveling at its Roman heritage and elegant Georgian architecture. I explored the mystery of Stonehenge, pondering the secrets of this ancient monument. And London, oh London! I immersed myself in its vibrant energy, its museums, its theaters, its sheer diversity. Each of these places had so much to offer. This year abroad wasn't just about traveling, though. It was about transformation. It was about pushing myself beyond my limits, embracing the unknown, and discovering a resilience and adaptability I never knew I possessed. I learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, communicate across language barriers, and appreciate the beauty in cultural differences. It was definitely a life-changing experience. These experiences, these memories, they're not just souvenirs. They're woven into the fabric of who I am now. They've broadened my perspective, ignited my curiosity, and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the incredible diversity of this world. It was a year of growth, of discovery, of saying “yes” to life, and it's a year I'll carry with me always. It was the best year of my life. (896字)

補充照片

【照片說明：My Siblings and I on top of Eiffel】

【照片說明：Reindeer Feeding in Tromso】

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資料更新時間：03月04日 02:00

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