Why did you decide to study in the U.S.A.?

When I was in high school, I was very interested in studying English. So my father suggested that I study abroad, of course, U.S.A. is my first choice. The American educational system is so good.

How did you choose your university and intensive English program?

A few foreigner friends recommend me study in ALCI, also my Chinese friends emailed me and told me "ALCI is a good place for studying English." The school is so near the ocean, and offers a lot activities at the beach.

What do you like best?

In ALCI, the teachers will give students a lot of chances to explain their own opinions and teachers prefer the group work. Teachers give us creative homework, you can do it individually. This is different from my country.

What do you miss most?

Actually I donÅft miss home so much, because I have a lot of friends from all over the world here. I am not homesick. The only one thing I miss is my hometown's food. I can not find the same style chili sauce here.

How has your English improved?

I have been studying here for half a year. I think my English improved a lot, especially my Listening English.

This program helped me to prepare for the university classes. Teachers told us how to choose major and take classes in university. They also taught us how to make friends with American people.

What was your biggest surprise?

When I walk to school, a lot of strangers say "Good Morning/ Hello" to me. Sometimes when I am in stores or supermarket people are so friendly and greet me. Here it is like everybody is friends.

Here students have more opportunities to create something.

... your biggest disappointment?

It is implausible that the transportation is so terrible here. The public buses are once an hour and the fees are so expensive, because almost everybody here has one car or more.

How have you handled:
...Language differences?

In the school, we should speak English, even though our English is not good, don't be shy, just practice.

...Adjusting to a different educational system?

It is easy for me to adjust to a different educational system. I watched some movies and read some books about the American schools and education.

What are your activities?

We have a big party at beach every semester. We can surf, swim, play volleyball and do the barbecue.

When I lived in my homestay, my host mother took me to the San Diego Zoo, and she also held a birthday party for me.

How is your U.S. education relevant to your personal goals and to the needs of your country?

When I finish the study in America, I will go back to China. I will have my own company about tourism, because I learn from here. I know how to manage my workers, I will be successful. Now I want to learn more from my experience abroad.

What is your advice to other students who are considering studying in the U.S.A.?

U.S.A gives you the best environment. You can make a lot of friends from all over the world, and you will have more experience to deal with important things. You should give yourself a chance to be independent.

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