NUMQUAM CEDE - FABIAN C.

Looking back on my exchange.

So what have I tried this exchange that is worth remembering,

1) Roaming the streets without lodging in NYC for one night.

Was approached by gang members in Mac, saw people fighting on the streets and almost all public areas are closed, with toilets hard to find.

2) Driving around aimlessly, stopping by places worth taking pictures.

Did that during the drive down to Cobleskills, stopping by farms. Did that again on our drive down to Troy at Gore Mountains. It was fun but we never know what will happen should the police were to come by. The roads in the States have no directional markings and I find myself on the wrong side of the road many times!

3) Studying one day before our finals.

Not ignoring the fact that I have learned the topics before back in NTU, the exams here are relatively easy and what’s important is the learning process, not the end product.

4) Cooking.

Given the fact that I don’t really cook at home, this is a huge achievement.

5) Outlet Shopping.

Things are really cheap, but getting them back is a chore too.

6) Snow.

My first time experiencing the snow, it was fun but if you are not fully prepared like what happened to me in Old Quebec, get ready to suffer! The drive in snow is also exciting, with the snow hitting your windscreen and the lane markings not visible at all.

7) Halloween/Thanksgiving dinner.

Credit must be given to Jean for initiating the gatherings, allow us to experience a little of American culture.

8) Figuring out how to go to places and taking the public transport.

I must say I hate looking at maps but I learned the importance of it when I travel to places with no one to tell me where should I go and how. Given that cabs are expensive, buses are the best alternatives, what’s more it’s free in Troy.

9) BART experience in SFO.

Never felt so vulnerable before when taking the train. Was surrounded by a few homeless people trying to help me buy my ticket for the train. Of course they are expecting something in return. Lesson learned - always prepare your cash early and try to find out the ticketing process in the day, not at night.

10) Autumn.

This is also my first time experiencing what it’s like in Autumn. The leaves are dry and red, and the temperature is low. It’s a nice time to be here, getting to see what Spring, Autumn and Winter is like in the States.

11) RPI.

The learning culture is so different from NTU’s. Pace is relatively manageable and there is no bell curve. The buildings are old but definitely nicer. Most of the students look studious but I guess this is what you expect from an engineering school.

  1. naibad posted this