Since the first year of entering university, it has always been my goal to become an exchange student. There are several motivations for applicating the exchange program. First, it’s a great opportunity for language practice. Being able to speak a fluent second foreign language not only allows you to have more opportunities to absorb information and broaden your horizons, but also an advantage in the future. However, in the environment in Taiwan, there aren’t enough opportunities to speak English. Therefore, having the opportunity to live in an all-English environment will stimulate one’s foreign language skills. Secondly, I’ve always loved to make new friends. I love to meet all kinds of people. I can also learn valuable experience from new friends. Last but not the least, I understand that living alone in a foreign country will be a completely different life. I no longer have family or long-time friends around me. But I am eager for such a challenge. I hope that I can step out of my comfort zone and force myself to grow in an unfamiliar environment. This is an opportunity I don’t have in Taiwan, and it is also my biggest motivation for applying exchange program.
The process is not that tough but requires great patience. Since the Covid 19 epidemic, the exchange application process has become twists and turns. Fortunately, after the vaccine came out, there was finally a silver lining. I seized this opportunity and become an exchange student at Temple University, turning the dream into reality.
After receiving the permission from my domestic school, there are still many cumbersome procedures. First of all, I must complete the application documents in Temple University to officially become a student here. Here I must say that the coordinators in the school greeted me with a very enthusiastic attitude from the very beginning, making me flattered and feel like joining a warm family. The coordinators explained all the problems with great patience and helped me deal with the difficulties, so that I could get the I-20 certificate successfully.
After completing the on-campus procedures, there are still preparations before going abroad, including applying for a visa to the United States, ordering plane tickets, and finding an appropriate accommodation.
I believe that applying for a U.S. visa is a process of testing one’s determination. The cost of the visa is not really affordable for a student. Meanwhile, we must pay the SEVIS fee, and get several vaccines before going abroad. The sum of these expenses is great, which tests one’s determination to study abroad strong or not.
Comparing to the visa, booking air tickets is much easier. After receiving the time of the orientation, My and I had a discussion and came out with a suitable time.
Regarding the accommodation, there are not many quotas in the dormitory of Temple. Therefore, I chose to live off-campus. Fortunately, I already have friends in Philadelphia who are also students in Temple, so I can find suitable accommodation through shared rent.
To sum up, there are highs and lows during the process of preparation. I believe it will only strengthen my determination. As the slang goes, all things are difficult before they are easy. After the most difficult part of the journey, everything will definitely get better. I can’t wait!
