Bachelor’s joint degrees to Northumbria University, U.K.
First of all, thank for all the support I’ve got from my family, friends and teachers. Without their help, I wouldn’t have made my way to UK. I am very lucky that I got the chance to study abroad experiencing different culture and become a better person in the future. It does change me in some perspective. Why I would like to study abroad is because my mother gave me this dream when I was young, I have been studying English when I was three. She always encourages us to go abroad and experience different things to make our life more colorful. Therefore when I decide to apply for UK, my family has been very supportive. It is not that hard preparing for the application, but it takes a lot of time to gather personal information. As long as the grades are above average, there is not much to worry. I am also very lucky that I have go scholarship from the Taiwan government so that it can somehow give my parent less financial burden.
Because of studying in international college in Ming Chuan University, I get used to the English environment therefore it’s not that difficult for me to be in a whole English environment. But when I arrived UK, it’s really the time that I tell myself I should be strong and be independent, there is no Chinese sign and no one understands Chinese, English is the only language you communicate. The life in UK wasn’t that easy especially I have to adjust myself to get used of the learning style here. I’ve struggling through the assessments but Northumbria University did offer a lot of help for students to get through their studying. The assessment was a bit hard for me and it does take a lot of time reading different kinds of articles and journals to write a good essay. The library is 24/7 and there are always staffs there when you needed help. It’s quite lucky that I’ve not experience any culture shock the only thing that I’m not used to it might be the food. It’s really different compare in Taiwan and I miss Taiwan food so much. I haven’t realized that how convenient Taiwan is until I went abroad. The shops close at five and the only recreation at night is clubbing and party. The city I stayed in, Newcastle is famous for its night life; there are famous clubs and bars in the city. It is fun to know new people during parties or different activities.
It’s all by your own when you got here. Time management is very important so does independent study, no one will tell you when you should study or you have to study. It depends of independent study which means that you have to spend a lot of time reading related articles and doing research to finish your essay. There is a lot of preparation before writing an essay. The essay has to be critical and academic. Critical thinking is very important. The tutor expects that we are able to think critically and write a good essay. In class, the tutor expects to have discussions with students which are different from Taiwan.
Got to experience a new different culture is really fun. There are a lot of places worth visiting in UK, churches, historical attractions. I’ve travelled to London, Edinburgh and different cities, it is all different and the scenery is all very breath taking. I have also got a chance to visit Iceland when there is a break between semesters. It is always exciting to visit a new different country. During the period I am oversea, I have visited Iceland, Spain, Greece and United States. The scenery was breath-taking and I have met different people while traveling. Make a lot of friends.
I cherish the time I was in UK, time flies. I would never forget the time I stayed with my friends, the time I visit different cities and countries. The time I have been struggling with my assessment and the moment I received my grade and my diploma. It all worth it.
Thanks again to all my family, friends and teachers who have helped me before going to UK and the time when I am staying there. It’s an unforgettable experience that when I someday recall the days back in UK, I would be proud that I have make it.