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 409810032 　陳宇葳　　留學學校：布蘭登大學(加拿大)

(一)基本資料

Brandon University / Brandon 2023.8.16-2024.4.20 enrolled in non-degree studies, study various topic and department specialties as exchange student.(17字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：The model of Canadian museum of Human Right and surrounding environment.】

To speak of my favorite class, that would be sociology. In the course sociology, I've learned not only the basic structure of how a society formed, but various deeper investigation on some social problems as well. I first learned the basic structure of a society, and which Canada lied in, next I learned the basic history of Canada. When we are mentally ready and mindfully ready, we starting digging deeper meaning of why human formed society.And eventually we investigated and discussed social problems in Canada, and around the world. The professor for this class was Dr. Wong, whom a non-Canadian status made me feel empathy with him from the very beginning.It was a very large class and it was the first class I attended with so many different people from different countries and backgrounds came together to discuss how the world works on securities and it was very inspiring for me. Moving on, I have also participated in many events held by International Student Activity. Being a member of it, I realized how heart warming and welcoming this place is, how eager they are for discussing and showcasing the beauty of Canada and Manitoba. The Picture on the left was taken when I went to the Canadian Museum of Human Right. The model in the picture is how the museum looks and how the surrounding environment looks like. I was listening to the guide explaining the history of how the museum was formed, and why the museum took Human Right as main theme. Inside the museum, the conflict between the indigenous people and Canadian was visualized and surrounded by the audio that I thought I wa s in the middle of the fight. It explained the Canadian history as well, and showcased how Canada became its current form step by step. I was so mindfully expanded and knowledge wise expanded, I would always remember that day.(318字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：The window view from my accommodation.】

In an unfamiliar environment, I took an aggressive approach, finding a renting place by myself. In order to get a more authentic living experience, I lived in a house with 2 roommates, a BU student and a dentist intern. living far away from the university with 20 minutes walk allowed me to adore the beauty and poetic cityscape of Brandon everyday. Brandon is located at the center of Canada, a state named Manitoba. It has extreme weather cycle in winter months, average -15 ~ -35 celsius. Snow and snowstorm are usual weather in this city, but a big challenge for me. I never thought snow would be such a problem for living here, you have to always put a mask on, to not freeze your nose, you need a pair of snow boots, to not freeze your toes, and you need a snow-ready outfit, to not make yourself freeze to death out there. Slippery is a common condition of the road, and walking outside would be a torture even only for couple minutes. For a person from a tropical small island, just weather itself was a big challenge for me. Brandon is not an advanced city or a place well known for tourists, it is an agricultural city with very limited entertainment and a practical-wise structure. Even on the weekend of a warm sunny day, only few people wondering around the street. For me, it is like a double sided sword, the beautiful scenic cityscape always pleasing, and cleansing me from the bottom of me. On the other hand, it is so limited that I couldn't found a place for me to explore, nor having a meaningful adventure. Thus, I took my focus back to myself, trying to be a better me in this city. (292字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：Picture of me when I went trailing at the Devil】

The main challenge for me of this year would be living by myself, literally. No one is going to save you here, no one is going to help you when you make mistake, and you can only rely on your own. Isolation is the first word that comes to my mind. The life of only relying on my own self made my thinking more practically and carefully. I think I have grown from a person needs rely into a fully individual. The policy of Canadian government made Canada full of immigrants,In this city, I see Indians and Nigerians as often as I see locals and natives. I was one of the few asians in the campus, and in the city as well. never seen a Taiwanese during my stay in Canada. Brandon is a Vehicle based transportation city, most of the places are designed for driving Vehicle only, taking bus is relatively hard than having a car. Brandon is not as convenient as Taiwan, most of the stores close at evening, and stores are very far apart from each other. Usually takes up 15~20 minutes walk to a supermarket. However, the diverse immigration background makes Brandon has some authentic store and food choice. My roommates are a Moroccan and a Nigerian, which makes my living place full of diversity. My Moroccan roommate sometimes teach me how to cook authentic middle eastern food as well. I cook my own food a lot and got myself interested in cooking during this year, thanks to the fresh ingredients that Taiwan cannot buy.(259字)

(五)大三出國建議

Dedicated to all who are going Brandon. If you are seeking for a more welcoming, friendly environment, rather than experiencing authentic living environment of the city, please take your accommodation at the school's dormitory. Brandon University has a secure and relatively easy to go procedure when taking accommodation there.There's multiple dormitory meet-your-neighbor events for you to make friends, having fun, or enjoy Canadian college environment. You can also enjoy the friendly atmosphere and convenient food sources, makes your whole year living without worrying your upcoming next meal, or worrying about having trouble getting a room to stay. If you are seeking for challenges, taking everything on your own, experiencing how to survive on your own in Canada, you can give it a try, to organize everything on your own, to take trial of enjoying the bitter sweet life living on your own, I believe you can have some new aspect and new perspective on your later life. It is very cold, I almost couldn't stand it, please be ready to endure an outdoor environment you may not able to go out walking. I had a car during my stay in Canada, sold without cutting price before I left. To enjoying more Canadian scenic view and travel anywhere I want, For me it is worth the work and getting it is not as hard as you may think, but still took some effort to make everything on the spot. I would still pick Brandon if I ever had a chance to pick it again. The life and the experience I had there, is already a part of me now, I have learned so much back there and I would never forget that I lived in a city at the center of the Canada.(293字)