In 2017, Su Yijie, a senior student of College of Education, CCNU, attended the exchange program for normal students to the University of Kansas. Su recalled what she had learned and enjoyed during her eight-week exchange, which was apparently an unforgettable experience. Let's take a look at her life in the USA.
Q1: What is your impression of the life in the University of Kansas?
A1: In terms of learning, KU offered normal courses, and they also prepared related information about UDL for us. Weekly speeches were arranged by specifically inviting famous and outstanding professors. Since we were all normal students, we got the chances to visit local middle schools and kindergartens, learning more about their teaching methods and the local culture as well. Additionally, there was a privilege to attend their classes but we were also required to write reports and ideas accordingly by the mentors. Speaking of the campus of KU, the solid infrastructure and humanistic care left a particular impression on me. There were facilities specially designed for the disabled people everywhere, including the school bus, the entrances of the dormitories, the washrooms. I found that the American society really cares for people with special needs.
Q2: Are there some recreational activities in your leisure time?
A2: Sure, actually we had a great time. Halloween party was one of the most interesting activities. Each of us went to the pumpkin patch and chose one to carve. Besides, we would pay visits to many places at weekends, such as the state government, the museum and the Kansas City.
Q3: In your opinion, what is the impact of exchange activities on personal development?
A3: The impact is obvious. In the preparation phase, students were encouraged to learn English seriously and then it allowed us to open our minds and modify the outlook of life and the world.
As R. Peters once said, “Have an aim in life, or your energies will be wasted.” We should keep this in mind that there’s no royal road to success but only those who do not dread the fatiguing climb of its steep paths have a chance of gaining its luminous summits
