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]

觀光Ａ 410860026 　黃郅晴　　留學學校：雪梨國際管理學院(澳洲)-限觀光系海外實習組

(一)基本資料

I determined ICMS in Sydney as my study abroad destination, embarking on a year-long experience that was divided into three months of academic study followed by nine months of industry internship. During my time on campus, I enrolled in four courses: Food and Beverage Service, Bar & Mixology, Gastronomy, and Revenue Optimisation. The internship spanned two semesters, with a total of 600 hours of practical work experience.(65字)

(二)課程學習

【照片說明：learning how to set the tableware correctly】

Among all the courses I have taken, the one that benefited me the most was the Food and Beverage Service taught by Professor Fifita. Unlike the traditional classroom-based teaching methods in Taiwan, this course at ICMS offered a practical learning experience in a real banquet hall. This feasible approach allowed us to practice tableside service, the sequence of service, and other essential skills. The training I received in this course greatly enhanced my performance during my subsequent internship. We started with the basics—folding napkins, setting tables, and carrying plates. Beyond practicing fundamental dining etiquette, Fifita also taught us how to make a variety of coffees and even guided us through some basic latte art techniques. This was where I had my first encounter with Australia's iconic flat white coffee. Given that we only had three short hours of class each week, the professor was very supportive and encouraged us to use the banquet hall for additional practice outside of class hours. This hands-on learning experience, which prioritized practical skills over theoretical knowledge, helped me internalize the essentials of the food and beverage service industry more effectively. Towards the end of the semester, we were assessed through a final practical exam where we served the faculty as our guests. From the initial greeting to taking orders, serving food, and clearing tables, we were responsible for delivering a complete dining experience. Additionally, Fifita often organized field trips to local dining establishments, providing us with valuable exposure to the industry. One of the most memorable experiences was a one-day excursion to Hunter Valley, a scenic region known for its numerous vineyards and wineries. This visit not only introduced us to the various red and white wines produced from different grape varieties but also offered a firsthand experience at a whisky distillery. It deepened my appreciation for the Western culture of pairing food with wine, showcasing the significance placed on enhancing dining experiences through well-matched beverages.(323字)

(三)生活環境

【照片說明：the magnificent castle and sunset at ICMS Manly 】

The ICMS campus in Manly is a stunning castle-like campus located a bit farther from Sydney’s city center. It takes approximately 30 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay to Manly, and the atmosphere there is not only relaxing but also ideal for living. The downside, however, is that the campus is located on a hill, about a 20-minute walk from Manly Wharf. Public transportation options, like buses, are quite limited. As a result, whenever I needed to go to the city or return to campus, I usually had to walk the entire way. Students living in the on-campus dormitories are provided with three meals a day, and I especially looked forward to the weekly hot breakfast. Thanks to some Asian chefs working in the campus kitchen, we often got to enjoy the comforting flavors of Asian cuisine. I stayed in a single room at the newer Kelly House, located next to the main building where most students lived. My room was a shared space in the sense that it had a shared bathroom setup, but interestingly, it came with a private washbasin, making my morning and evening routines much more convenient. The beautiful castle scenery was a daily treat, and in the evenings, I often took a walk down to the beach. It was heartwarming to see local residents out and about with their dogs, adding to the area's laid-back charm. ICMS frequently organized a variety of activities for dorm residents. During Orientation Week, there were unique events each day, and the cocktail party stood out to me the most. The decorations and overall atmosphere showed how much the school valued its new students, and it provided a great opportunity to meet friends from around the world.(287字)

(四)自我成長

【照片說明：my apartment was located in the inner city】

One of the biggest challenges I faced initially was adapting to the academic pressure abroad. Although I only took four courses, each class required me to complete nearly four major reports within the short twelve-week semester. Unlike in Taiwan, where referencing online articles is often acceptable, every argument in our assignments at ICMS had to be supported by scholarly sources. The school places a strong emphasis on academic integrity, strictly prohibiting plagiarism or the use of AI-generated content. As a result, completing each assignment required a great deal of effort and meticulous preparation. For instance, a 2,000-word report typically took me at least two weeks to prepare before the due date. Fortunately, ICMS provides support services for non-native English speakers, such as assessment guidance. When I was unsure how to improve my work, I could consult my course instructor or seek help from the Student Resource Center (SRC). After finishing the academic semester, we transitioned to our internships, which also meant finding off-campus housing for easier commuting. This was when I truly noticed the stark difference in living expenses compared to Taiwan, particularly in rent, which is calculated weekly and significantly higher. Since I was covering my own rent, this became a considerable financial burden. During the peak season, which coincided with Christmas and New Year’s, I had more shifts and thus earned more, so I didn't feel the strain as much. However, during the off-peak season, nearly 60% of my weekly income went toward rent, which made the financial pressure much more palpable. In order to save money, I made the decision to relocate from an inner-city neighborhood to a suburban one and live with a friend. I had more spare cash as a result, even if I had to give up some solitude and spend more time commuting. I could then use my money for other things instead of working only to pay my rent.(317字)

(五)大三出國建議

The first thing I strongly recommend is to fully embrace your time abroad and explore the local as much as possible. At ICMS, students typically only have classes two to three days per week, so apart from keeping up with coursework, I highly encourage you to take leisurely walks around Manly. Walking not only allows you to observe the lifestyle of the local residents but also helps you adapt more quickly and immerse yourself in the culture. Since you’ll be living here for a year, I encourage you to embrace the customs and traditions, exploring a new version of yourself. Additionally, take advantage of your free time to visit Sydney’s city center. The city is relatively safe compared to other regions, though I still advise going out with friends rather than alone. Sydney’s mild climate is another highlight—while there’s a noticeable temperature difference between mornings and evenings, extreme heat or freezing temperatures are rare. Summers are warm but not humid, making Sydney a comfortable place to live year-round. Sydney is a culturally diverse city, offering a wide range of cuisines, from Asian to Italian and Spanish, catering to all tastes. Locals are generally very friendly toward people of different nationalities, so there’s little need to worry about severe racial discrimination. Regarding internships, while working at a large hotel chain is an excellent option, I also recommend interning at smaller, locally owned businesses. Although a five-star hotel experience looks great on a resume, smaller companies provide a deeper understanding of operational management and allow you to gain more hands-on experience. For example, I chose to intern at a fine dining restaurant in The Rocks, a popular tourist area. The diverse clientele I encountered there gave me insights beyond what hotel guests typically offer. This experience also honed my teamwork skills, as collaboration with colleagues was essential in such a fast-paced environment.(316字)

(六)其他

Besides the practical skills I gained during my internship in Sydney, what I cherish even more are the connections I made with the people there. My colleagues taught me not only the intricacies of the job itself but also shared valuable life experiences. Despite the relatively young age group of our restaurant team, everyone had a wealth of life stories to share. This dynamic created a work environment that felt less hierarchical and more like a close-knit family. Everyone helped one other out, creating a spirit of unity that extended beyond the walls of the workspace. The bonds I formed with my coworkers, who stood by me through challenges, have become one of the most treasured aspects of my overseas internship experience.(122字)

補充照片

【照片說明：annually staff party】

【照片說明：Korean BBQ after work】

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資料更新時間：12月01日 12:05

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