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

:::

2023大三出國輔導通報系統 - 留學心得報告[編輯]

觀光Ｂ 410860612 　曾宇彤　　留學學校：南十字星大學(澳洲)-限觀光系

(一)基本資料

During my junior year abroad, I studied at Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast of Australia from August 17 to July 14. I chose this university for its strong focus on tourism, as Australia is a renowned tourist destination with a booming tourism industry. Additionally, the climate is pleasant, and Southern Cross University is conveniently located near the beach, with numerous shopping centers nearby. The transportation options are excellent, making it an ideal location for studying abroad. (76字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：Group photo on the fifth week of volunteering】

During this academic year, I genuinely enjoyed almost every class I attended. The courses were not only rich in content and highly engaging but also incredibly practical and beneficial. Furthermore, each professor was approachable and kind, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Among all my professors, Rebecca made the deepest impression on me. I particularly enjoyed the two courses she taught: Starting a Business and Event Operations. However, if I had to recommend just one course, it would definitely be Community Engagement. This class was truly unique as it combined in-class learning with practical experience, allowing us to learn through active participation. The course required us to engage in a volunteer activity lasting at least six weeks. We were expected to participate one to two times per week and document our reflections, linking our experiences to the theoretical knowledge taught in class. The professor provided us with several volunteering options to choose from, and most of us, including myself, decided to volunteer at a community garden near the school. Every Saturday morning, we would gather as a group to assist with tasks such as gardening, planting flowers and trees, transplanting pots, and more. Sometimes, we also spent time conversing with the elderly in the community, listening to their stories and building connections with them. This volunteering experience was incredibly meaningful to me. Throughout this process, I significantly improved my spoken English skills and gained greater confidence in communicating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Additionally, I made many friends from various countries, and we collaborated seamlessly to complete our assigned tasks. I also discovered many plants I had never seen before, which broadened my knowledge and perspective. From the initial unfamiliarity to the eventual sense of connection, this journey has provided me with invaluable memories and personal growth. It also helped me appreciate the joy of collaboration and sharing, making it a truly unforgettable experience.(316字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：Photo of my uni】

During my study abroad, I stayed with a host family. Compared to renting an apartment, living with a host family allows for better integration into local life, though it depends on luck. I had to change host families once during the year. My first host family was a couple—the husband was 70 years old, and the wife was a 44-year-old Vietnamese woman. While they were kind to me and often initiated conversations with me and another Japanese student during meals, I felt that their primary motivation for hosting international students was financial. As a result, there was a sense of distance between us. After staying for a month, I requested a transfer through the host family agency and moved to my second host family. My second host family was a couple in their 40s. The husband, Craig, managed a sports club, and the wife was a nurse. They also had a 15-year-old daughter. They treated me like friends, taking me out for meals, celebrating my birthday, and introducing me to their family members. I was deeply grateful to them, and this experience significantly boosted my confidence in interacting with people from different cultures. I studied at the Gold Coast campus of Southern Cross University, the newest of the university's three campuses. The facilities and classrooms were well-equipped, and the library was spacious. The campus had plenty of comfortable sofas for students to relax on. The university frequently organised free activities, including occasional weekend day trips with limited spots for students to sign up. Through these activities, I made friends from many different countries, making my experience fun and fulfilling. In terms of weather, Australian summers are drier and more comfortable compared to the humid heat of Taiwan. On hot days, I would head to the beach to swim, sunbathe, or visit the largest water park on the Gold Coast for some fun and relaxation. As for my hobbies, I enjoy playing the piano. I rented an electronic keyboard from a local music store during my stay. On rainy days or when I had free time, I would practice at home, which felt incredibly peaceful and enjoyable. Overall, this year was a fulfilling one for me. I gained valuable life experiences, made wonderful memories, and grew.(375字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：My daily life】

At Southern Cross University, studying requires high self-discipline, especially in time management. The university rarely has traditional exams, and assessments are primarily based on individual or group reports, emphasising individual work. When I first started classes, I found it challenging to adapt to this system because it was completely different from my previous learning experience. Southern Cross University follows a short-term system, with each term lasting only six weeks. I have to take at least two courses per term, with a weekly schedule of four hours of in-person classes and four hours of online sessions. At first glance, this schedule seemed light and leisurely. However, the academic workload is quite demanding. Each term typically requires the completion of three reports, often involving in-depth analysis and exploration of a specific topic, which must be compiled into research papers. These reports require students to dedicate significant time to reviewing extensive resources, writing, and revising. As a result, managing time effectively becomes a crucial skill. That said, the learning process doesn't feel overly burdensome as long as assignments are submitted on time. I began to appreciate the flexibility and efficiency of this learning model. It provided me with more opportunities for self-directed learning and exploring my interests, which has been incredibly rewarding. In conclusion, studying abroad is far more than an academic pursuit—it’s a life-changing journey that shapes your character and broadens your worldview. By embracing every opportunity, stepping beyond your comfort zone, and approaching challenges with an open mind, this experience has the potential to become one of the most transformative and memorable chapters of your life. (267字)

(五)大三出國建議

Studying in Australia is a journey full of challenges and growth. I think the most important thing is to take the initiative to expand your circle of friends and get to know people from different cultural backgrounds. Interacting with people from different cultures not only improves your language skills but also helps you learn new perspectives, find resonance with cultural differences, and further develop your self-confidence. It is also important to try to break out of your comfort zone while studying abroad. Doing things you wouldn't normally do, such as joining local clubs, trying new activities, or having a small talk with a stranger, are all great ways to do this. By exposing ourselves to new things, we can discover our potential and increase our independence and resilience. Exploring Australia on vacation is an experience that is not to be missed. With convenient transportation and relatively inexpensive airfares, Australia is a great opportunity to travel. Whether it's Sydney's Opera House, Melbourne's fine dining or Tasmania's natural beauty, each city has its own unique charm that is worth savouring. All in all, studying abroad is not only an academic challenge but also a life adventure. By embracing every opportunity with an open mind, I believe this journey will become one of the most memorable parts of our lives. (217字)