Q: Can you share with us how you felt when you just landed in the US?
A: Excited, of course! Next thing that came in mind was “Cold!!” Everything surrounding me was practically covered with snow. When I arrived at the campus, I vividly recalled all those statues I saw and read about in the books and from the internet about UIU – the Alexander Dickman Hall, the Green Goddess, the Entrepreneur sculpture. What I had imagined and saw in brochures and books were sitting in front of me.

Q: How did you find your stay on-campus?
A: It was a whole new experience living in a dormitory. I was assigned with an American roommate and she really took care of me. The campus is like a small community by itself.

Q: What do you think of the instruction or teaching-learning style in the US?
A: The class environment is pretty similar to what we have back in Malaysia but the students in the US are much more involved in the class. The lecturers often play the role as facilitator prompting questions instead of spoon-feeding students with notes, slides or lecture. Critical thinking was practiced a lot in class. The textbook had to be read beforehand and in class lecturers provided material outside of the text.

Q: How did you find the lecturers and students there?
A: The lecturers are open to discussion and students’ input. As for students - their mentality is very much different… they are all rounded and very involved in co-curricular activities and sports. Americans are BIG time sports fans.

Q: Can you tell us what some of your study assignments/projects involved? What were some of the tasks you had to carry out?
A: Wow, I did a lot in just those several months! I wrote a project paper on Price to Progress for Cultural Anthropology class. Then, I took Lifeguarding class and became a certified lifeguard and lifeguard instructor. I had a very valuable internship experience with the UIU Office of International Programs as a Communication Intern.
During the internship, I did a presentation on Malaysia in high schools and the Good Samaritan Homes in town, established an International Programs Newsletter Peacock Global Express with 2 other students and compiled a Malay-English Manual. I also helped to organize international students’ activities such as Country Showcases.
For my Psychology Internship, I observed young children’s development at Rainbow Land Pre-school & Daycare and also acted as assistant teacher in a Year 3 Class. I worked with a child with slow development then became a Senior Counsellor in Beulahland Summer Camp.

Q: Did you get involved in any co-curricular activities while there?
A: Oh yes … in the International Students Country Showcases, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and weekly activities organized by the Office of Student Development.

Q: How would you describe your study experience in the US as a whole?
A: It was a mind opening experience – the independent study environment and the wholesome aspect of the American degree program as well as the practicality of the study approach. It was really worth it.

Q: Would you recommend other ADP students to take part in the student exchange program as well?
A: Definitely!! It’s a great experience to share with all ADP students. I have been advising and encouraging my fellow class mates to go.

Q: What is your advice to those who want to take part?
A: Experience the campus life to the max and participate in as many activities as possible organized at campus. Don’t be shy and step out of your comfort zone!