2018 UCLA summer session C came to an end, and all the ZJU students returned from LA eventually. Now it’s time to have a brief review on the life abroad during the last six months in UCLA.
Summer session group arrived in LA in the end of July, and everyone was in the exciting mood expecting the upcoming campus life.
All the students settled into the diverse dormitories. To be honest, I was impressed by the facilities of the department. For example, Hedrick hall, which contained more than half of the students in session C, was in extraordinary adorable conditions. The staff at the front desk were considerate and sweet; the cleaners were dedicated to their job so that you may find sufficient sources available no matter the restroom, study room or the rest lounge. Everyday after lecture, student could have a seat in the study room on the first floor, and there was always a seat suit for you. Although we probably didn’t know our roommates before, they were usually warm-hearted and helpful.In addition to the well-equipped dormitories and study rooms, there were also many well-stocked libraries and fitness center with advanced equipment and devices. So, the off-campus life could be very delightful and relaxing.
Back to our daily school life, what made us impressive was that the relationship between the professor and students, which was extremely intimate. In the classroom, the professor was no longer a very authoritative person, but a closely friend with us. After lecture, the professor always sent e-mails reminding us important tips or inviting us into numerous clubs or internships. Another nonnegligible role was TA, the teacher assistant. Most of them were the students who were currently the graduate students in UCLA. In discussion time, the TA wiould crystalize the essence of the concepts in lecture and help us in finishing assignments after class. In addition, every professor and TA had their certain office hour, so we were free to visit them when we need any help in studying.
When refering to the life abroad, the most significant part could be travelling. Since our students were separated into different locations around the university, there was a difficulty to arrange group travelling. So, we usually went on journey in small teams. In the Universal Studio, we saw the original scene in many famous movies; Disneyland was the place we recalled all the sweet memories in our childhood; In the Getty center, we were obsessed with the artistic atmosphere and explore all the European cultures at only one glance. On the Santa Monica beach we sat together watching the sunset and hearing the waves; In San Diego, we overlooked the Atlantic Ocean on the cliffs and captured every moment as a treasure. On the voyages, we broadened our view and had a big harvest on friendship.
We are really grateful for this program providing us a chance to have a taste on foreign lifestyle and academic atmosphere. We do benefit from it a lot.
ZHANG Kai
