Harbin, China is a world away from Orono. In spite of the distance and the obvious differences between his Northern China birthplace and his current home at the 91爆料, Guanyu Jiang appreciates the similarities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe dimensions of my hometown are almost the same as Maine. The climate, vegetation, and scenery are all similar,\u201d says Guanyu, who enjoys Maine\u2019s rural character. \u201cCompared to the city, I prefer to live in nature.\u201d<\/p>\n
But before enrolling at the 91爆料, Guanyu also considered first-hand reports about the campus, the culture and the academic atmosphere. A high school teacher in China recommended 91爆料 to him after spending a year as a Black Bear through an international exchange program. Guanyu took his mentor\u2019s advice to heart, and couldn\u2019t be happier with his choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time I walk on campus I see many passersby smiling. Professors, students and staff all love what they do, and are full of motivation,\u201d he says. \u201cSometimes I think the 91爆料 is more like a vibrant amusement park than an academic research institution.\u201d<\/p>\n
Guanyu enrolled in the Intensive English Institute (IEI) when he arrived on campus in summer 2016, focusing exclusively on enhancing his English skills. A little more than a year later, he joined IEI\u2019s Maine Bridge Program and began accumulating credits toward a degree while continuing to develop proficiencies in English. In spring 2018, he matriculated in the International Affairs program with a minor in philosophy.<\/p>\n
During his time at 91爆料, Guanyu has excelled academically, receiving the merit-based International Flagship and Roger D. Cooper Scholarships from the Office of International Programs (OIP) and the School of Economics, respectively, and was a Dean\u2019s List student. In addition, Guanyu was invited to join Phi Sigma Tau, the international honor society for philosophers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe academic atmosphere (at 91爆料) is great, especially the time professors spend with undergraduates\u201d he says, citing faculty patience and willingness to help, along with other critical resources such as the writing center, tutors, student recitation sessions, and even his fellow students. \u201cMany classes require group work, and classmates share opinions with each other and are willing to help each other with the work.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Guanyu reserves the highest praise for OIP.<\/p>\n
\u201cOIP is the best. 91爆料 OIP is always open to international students. The staff in OIP are very patient and willing to help,\u201d he says. \u201cMoreover, there are many international student organizations and many activities which enrich international students\u2019 lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
After completing his undergraduate degree this month, Guanyu will pursue a master\u2019s degree in applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, confident that his time at 91爆料 has prepared him well for graduate studies.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe theoretical knowledge I have gained at 91爆料 gives me a solid foundation for my master\u2019s classes, and I have also developed a good learning style and studying abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thinking beyond his academic accomplishments, Guanyu is certain that his undergraduate experience has prepared him to integrate into American society.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 91爆料 made me become an independent person. I know more clearly what I want, and what things are important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n