Time files. I have been stay in United States for more than two months. This time, I will talk about my study in school.
Firstly, it's about the courses. This semester I choose 3 course, two is begin with number 4, meaning the course is for senior undergraduate students, and one is begin with number 5, meaning the course is for graduate students. Every week, you don't have to spend much time on class time. These course will have 2~3 times per week. And each time is 50 mins. Comparing with course time in China, we have to choose more than 6 courses for one semester, and each time for one course is 90 mins. I think the course time in US is more reasonable, you could not pay attention on one thing for too long time. More than 1 hour is really tired. That's why sometimes in China, when students feel tired or boring, they will play with their smartphone rather than listening to the teacher's teaching. But when I study in US, I have to focus on the teacher, so not to missing important information. I really think that class time should not be longer than 1 hour, even you have small break time.
Then, the language is also the important part for my study. Even I have passed TOEFL and GRE, and have stayed here for more than 2 months. I still think that the language need to improve a lot. When I communicate with Americans, most of time they will speak slowly to make you understand. If you hear the talking between Americans, they speak fast and with some idioms actually. Fortunately, I can take part in the speaking train each week for 1 hour. And my coach Miranda is very patient. And we will talk a lot recent things to improve my speaking ability.
Another interest thing is to learn swimming. Mike is my coach, and I know him just because the first time went to swimming pool, we met and talked. Then he become my swimming coach. For now I could swim with freestyle. That's very enjoyable. I am also use the swimming time to practice my English, we talk about high school life, recent events, things in weekends and so on.
The last thing is about my research. For me, a new guy, I need to familiar with the equipment and device in laboratory, and the same time learn knowledge from the upper students. To me, most of time on weekdays, it's like fight against the time. Because you have to finish plenty of works.
In summary, the study life in Houghton is busy but enjoyable. I like it and I think I could learn more in the future.
November 7th, DH