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]

資工 410850282 　莊學霖　　留學學校：維諾納州立大學

(一)基本資料

Winona State University is a public university in Winona, Minnesota. It was founded as First State Normal School of Minnesota in 1858 and is the oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It was the first normal school west of the Mississippi River. (45字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：CSS Style sheet teaching】

One of my favorite courses is "CS 116 Web Technology I," which is taught by MM Bari, a highly skilled and dedicated instructor. This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of web development, focusing primarily on HTML and CSS. From the very first class, you dive into the essential building blocks of creating a website, starting with the structure provided by HTML and the styling capabilities of CSS. The curriculum is well-organized, allowing students to gradually build their skills and confidence in web development. One of the standout features of this course is the weekly class exercises. These exercises are incredibly valuable because they are designed to reinforce everything that has been taught during the lectures. By completing these exercises, you not only solidify your understanding of the material but also get hands-on experience in applying what you've learned. This approach means that there's less pressure to study extensively outside of class, as the exercises themselves serve as a comprehensive review and practice of the concepts covered. Mr. Bari’s teaching style is another reason why this course is so enjoyable. He is known for his patience and willingness to ensure that every student grasps the material. Whenever you have questions or find a concept challenging, Mr. Bari is always available to help. He takes the time to explain things clearly and will go over the material as many times as necessary until you fully understand it. His dedication to his students’ learning makes the course not only educational but also enjoyable, as you feel supported and encouraged to succeed. Overall, "CS 116 Web Technology I" with MM Bari is a fantastic course for anyone interested in web development. The combination of practical exercises, thorough teaching, and a supportive instructor makes it an ideal learning experience, especially for beginners looking to gain a solid foundation in creating websites. (307字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：Winter view in Winona】

Winona's living environment is incredibly beautiful, with spacious streets lined by well-kept houses, each featuring its own garage and yard. I live in a rental house with my friends, and the experience here feels more like being on vacation compared to the hustle and bustle of city living. The serene and picturesque surroundings contribute to a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life. One of the most noticeable differences between Winona and Taiwan is the climate. The local weather is much drier, particularly in the winter. In fact, during the colder months, you might even need to use a small humidifier at night to maintain comfortable air moisture levels while you sleep. The temperature also drops significantly lower than what I'm accustomed to in Taiwan, with frequent snowfall and temperatures almost always remaining below 0 degrees Celsius throughout the winter. Despite its smaller size, Winona is equipped with most of the necessities you might need for daily living. The Walmart in town provides a convenient spot to purchase groceries and other essentials. However, getting around in Winona can be a bit more challenging compared to the convenience of public transportation in Taiwan. Here, having a car is almost a necessity, as it greatly enhances your comfort and mobility, making life in this charming town much easier. (224字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：highway in U.S.】

When I encounter difficulties in my courses, I usually discuss them with my friends or directly ask the professor for help. The professors here are very patient and always willing to teach you during their free time. This supportive academic environment has been incredibly beneficial to my learning experience. One of the challenges I've faced in daily life here is managing the quantity of food. When I first arrived in the United States, my friends and I went to Walmart and bought a large amount of food to stock up our refrigerator. However, we ended up buying too much and couldn't finish it all before some of it expired. The second time, we overcompensated and bought too little, which meant we ran out of food much sooner than expected. It took us a few tries to find the right balance. Another challenge has been transportation. The nearest Walmart is at least a 30-40 minute walk from our rental house. This made grocery shopping and getting around quite inconvenient. After some consideration, we decided to purchase a car from a used car dealership. Having a car has significantly improved our mobility and made daily tasks much easier. Our plan is to sell the car back to the dealership before we leave, which seemed like the most practical solution for our situation. These experiences have taught us a lot about adapting to a new environment and the importance of careful planning, whether it’s for academics or daily living.(247字)

(五)大三出國建議

I recommend that after arriving in the United States, you take advantage of long holiday periods to travel to different cities and explore various cultures and beautiful landscapes. Whether you choose to drive, take a train, or fly, each mode of transportation offers a unique and enjoyable experience. For international students, it's worth noting that exchange students in the U.S. can visit Canada without needing a visa, but you should be sure to prepare the necessary documents to clear customs. Canada offers a variety of attractions and cultural experiences that differ from those in the U.S., making it a worthwhile destination to explore. If your budget allows, I highly recommend buying a used car with your friends. Having a car will give you much more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to see more of the local culture and attractions at your own pace. Road trips can be an exciting way to experience the diversity of the U.S., from bustling cities to tranquil natural parks. Before leaving the U.S., you can sell the car back to a used car dealership, which will allow you to recoup some of the money you spent. This approach not only enhances your travel experience but also makes it easier to immerse yourself in the local culture and see everything the country has to offer.(223字)