FLE 133 CONTEXTUAL GRAMMAR EXERCISE

EXERCISE 1:Our beagle loves hunting.When someone opens the back door for her , she barrels down porch steps into the yard.She runs back and forth across the lwan in ectasy.Also,her nose cruises the wet grass for smells of cat,rabbit smells ,and other presences too subtle for human detection.Then,she sniffs.She spins her tail in quick circles.It spins clockwise first,right after it spins counterclockwise. She is sniffing and spinning. We seem to propel her along.

EXERCISE 2:The Government Printing Office in Washington D.C. is a source of much useful information as few people know.It is the official publishing house of the federal government.The GPO publishes pamphlets and books on a vast number of subjects which range from the dangers of X-rays from home TV sets to the identification of mushrooms.About 27.000 publications are offered through the Superintendent of Documents many of which are expensive.There is no charge at all for some of them.

EXERCISE 3:John Jacob Astor who was a German immigrant reaped America's first fortune.He made his initial money by trading Indian furs.He was lowborn and uneducated.He never learned to speak English properly.He carried on his business to the end in an accent which was redolent of the Hamburg gutters.

CouchSurfing

I chose this video because Couchsurfing has a great affect in my life.I discovered CS from an American boy who came my city when I was talking with him a cafe.I advice it all my friends to use Couchsurfing.
CouchSurfing International Inc. is a corporation based in San Francisco that offer its users hospitality exchange and social networking services. Today a lot of people travel or host thanks to Couchsurfing

In this video people answer that What CS means for them. Someone says that CS is a big experıence , other says it is a international connection , another says that it is learnıng lot of things or being a language lesson or meeting new people and fun. and I love Couchsurfing because I enjoy being able to immerse myself in the worlds of others, as this enables all of us to benefit from each others' shared novelties and broaden our horizons. Couchsurfing is truly traveling--not tourism. It is truly a beautiful experiment.

After CS ,I learnt what about finding nice people everywhere and sharing nice experiences while traveling, learning from different cultures, traditions and languages in my hometown or while hosting. Not only have I had some absolutely amazing hosting experiences, but I have made countless life-long friends in every corner of the globe.I have a lot of different friends froM different countries like from USA,Polonia,France,Slovenia,Canada,Italy.etc.In the video we can see CouchSurfer's referance. I host appromaxıly 20-25 people and I use CS since 2010 summer.and I have 13 positive referances.
My mission is to share,to help, to meet, to discover all over the world.
This is Couchsurfing ! :)

ERROR CORRECTION ASSIGNMENT

                                                BEING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT

In the video the students are talking about why they chose to study in America and what ways it is different from their own countries. Linxi,the girl coming from China, says that she loves her major but if she were in her own country she would have to get high scores and study in certain schools. In Turkey , the education system is just like this. For example to be a doctor we are supposed to study without stopping.We have to go to the medical schools which want the highest points.But in American schools more opportunities are offered.You can practise your major easily which is very good for you.And as Krishna says, the education system in America is based on creativity and team work so learning environment is more enjoyable.That’s why the students prefer America to get their degrees.

About the differencies in education systems , Arata says that in his country, like in Turkey, you have to choose a major only one major which is very bad.That’s once you choose a major in high school, you cannot change it in college.Krishna’s dislike is that she finds the education system  in her own country very strict. She thinks it is nothing but going straight ahead.The system gives you books,plans,etc. and the only thing you have to do is to memorize them.According to her ,there is much more flexibility in USA. There, you can do much more things besides just studying  for your degrees.

The students talking in the video have different reasons as to why they like the environment of ONU.Linxi  likes the life there because it is quiet and more like a town. Arata loves ONU as it has small classsites in which it is easy to communicate with other faculty members.

Maybe one of the most important issue the students abroad worry about is the financial problems. According to the students in the video , the cost of studying abroad depends on which department you study ; the meals  and accommodation conditions you prefer.But as Krishna says approximately 34.000 dolars is spent for boarding, eating, department etc.

Linxi thinks that now she knows American culture better.For example, she has found some differencies between China and America like using driying machines instead of hanging clothes out.Arata says that he likes American people because they are more outgoing and sociable than the ones in his own country.He states that in Japan they emphasize on indirect communication.That’s they have to read each other’s minds to understand what they think.But in USA you have to tell what you think which is much easier.According to Krishna, the biggest benefit of being an international student is experience.She says that she has got so many influences from the college, American culture, the people she has met, the situations she has faced that she has created a new goal in life.

In adaptation process you can have a culture shock of course.It is very natural to feel yourself surprised and in confusion when you see something different in an unknown culture or environment.Every international student has a culture shock in some ways.For example, Linxi  was very surprised when she saw people wearing summer clothes in winter.She says, studying abroad is good but when she first came to America, she felt herself in a giant glass bottle.In this bottle she could see, speak,hear but never touch anything. I can understand her because when i first went abroad i felt just like this. Around me an unknown language was spoken.I was away from my family, country and habits.Now i don’t know how i will feel if i go to to USA to study.But it sounds me perfect.As i want to learn English where everybody speak it. So if i have an opportunity to go there, why don’t  i consider it?

True Life I am an International Student

Student Life in METU

Life in METU

Being a student in METU has more advantages than disadvantages.
Firstly,METU has plenty of social activities.One can find an appropriate community to join according to his/her own interest.For instance,I attend hip-hop dance lessons,the Japanese language classes and course partnership project for the blind.

Secondly,you will encounter many students from different countries so you need to speak English frequently.By using English more often,most probably you will be more fluent in English and improve yourself on this language.

Thirdly,after the graduation you will totally understand how much important being a Metu student since the oppurtinuties of this university will open the doors of occupations.However,I want to share the difficulties in METU's online tools.I'm sure lots of students experience the same problems with me in terms of PC.Actually I haven't still seen my courses on METU Online.When teachers send us homeworks or worksheets,generally I am not aware of them.Long before that (in the registration period) the trouble was the incorrect assignment of computer program which check in me section 3 although my surname suits section 4.I had to put it into order in add&drop term.Nowadays, all of FLE 133 students have the difficulties in arranging their blog and wikispaces.I don't know how we can handle it without Işıl Hoca's help. :)

In short,METU is a complex place but day by day we see the advantages and disadvantages.

High school vs. College

A good education is an important part of life. To achieve a good education, a person should attend both high school and college. Although high school has a lot in common with college, but there are som difference  betwen them . After graduating from high school and enrolled into college and noticed that there are many differences between them. A few of these differences include the attitude and responsibilities of the teachers and students and the amount of work given to the students.
To begin with, there are many ways in which the attitudes of the teachers in high school are different from the attitudes of the professor’s in college. In high school teachers seemed to be stricter and have more rules for the students to follow. The teachers  also responsible for making sure each student obeyed these rules to the fullest extent and carried out disciplinary actions for those who did not obey them. One example in which a teacher has taken on a disciplinary action  when a student com late or skip their scheduled and the teacher wrote the student up and gave them detention. Whereas, in college if a student is late or they skip the class for whatever reason the teacher usually doesn’t take any action because in college it’s not up to the professor to worry about if you miss class or not, you pay to go to college so if you want to not go and waste your money that’s not the professors problem or responsibility.
Then, the amount of work given to a high school student also differs from the amount of work given to a college student. Generally in high school you have about 8 classes that you alternate to throughout the day and each class most likely gives you homework. Homework is given to students in high school mostly everyday because you’re learning something new every day.   Now in college a professor will rarely give out homework. Now a day in college, students are writing notes more and just studying their books of the...

BEING AN INTERNATINAL STUDENT

International Students in the USA

From the tongue of the presenter:'I'm beginning 21st century and the world's becoming every year more independent.The ultimate educational value to students for soon at least for some fortunate undergraduate years living and learning in another country is no longer a fantasy.In 2008 more than 24.600 international students came to America to nurse themselves what our educational system had to offer.As knew we tell us we're living in a global society.'Then video watchers run into three people who's experiencing international student life.
Firstly,I want to introduce them: Linxi Du is a sophomore of International Theather Production Section.She is from China.Second student is Krishna Oedjaghir from Netherland. Her branch is sociology and she is a freshman. The last is Arata Doba from Japan and he is a junior.He is studying at Business Management.
The reasons why these students chose to study in America are really interesting. According to Linxi in China,it is harder than America to get in the major since you should choose the major in highschool long before you start to college life. Also, American schools offer more oppurtinuties to practice. Krishna says:'It has a very different eduction system than the European Education System.What a big difference is the American education system based on creativity and team work which I personally like to do and that's basically what caught my interest to come to America and try to get my degree here,in kind of the environment I prefer.' Arata went to highschool both in England and Canada so he got used to study in foreign countries.
From different corners of the World how did they hear about Ohio Northern University? Linxi found the university from programs which are very widespread in China.The programs like agencies help you to find where you want to go.They provide the information you need.
Krishna says:'When I was looking for a university in America,I approached my grandfather.Because he has been living in USA for 22 years now and he has a friend who graduated from Ohio.They recommended him to put me at Ohio since it is a small university.It is a lot easier for me to get used to the new culture that she's coming in.'
The thoughts about their home country are explained objectively.According to the Japanese student,his home country's educational system is quite different comparing to USA.In Japan students need to take an entrance at that time you've already chose your major and you cannot change your major.Krishna's dislike is the unflexibility of the education system.It is very strict.They give you books,plans,etc. and this is it. In American education system you have a little bit flexibility and have got to do much more things besides studying for your degree.
Students illustrates why they like ONU.Linxi likes the life there and the small town.She really likes the spirit there.Arata likes classes for being small and he thinks in small classes communication is easy.It is really supportive for the faculty members.
The money you spend on studying at ONU depends on students,faculties,etc. I found Krishna's clarification much more clear.She thinks it is around 3400 dollars , including boarding,room cost, plane,all the things you pay for.
The biggest benefit of studying in the US changes from person to person.Linxi thinks she knows American culture better since she found some differences.For instance,the American are used to use dry machines but in China people just hang the clothes outside and they smell really good.Krishna says I have so much experience.She thinks it is priceless and she has created a new goal in her life since she came to America.This is especially because of certain influences she got from college and from the new people she met there.Arata likes Amerikan people.He founds them outgoing,socialable.In Japan people emphasize on indirect communication,in the US you have to have direct communication which is much easier.
Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown culture or social environment such as a foreign country.All the students introduced to you have experienced a culture shock in someways.The most impressive one was Linxi's comment. She thought the first time her feet touched the land ,she was in a big glass bottle.She can speak or hear but not really touch it.If one breaks the glasses, it is awesome.
I would love to study in the US. I am interested in differences such as culture , language , cuisine.However ,I feel I can find lots of things strange and that can make me afraid of studying abroad.I have the courage to deal with it, if this way goes to my dreams. I especially want to eradicate the taboos about Turkish life. I think achieving this is worth to take some risks.

BEING A METU STUDENT

METU, one of the biggest and most prestigious universities in Turkey, fascinates every high school student with its qualities so it is in every student’s dream. But what are these qualities and what does being a METU student mean? Firstly, being a METU student means to equip with extensive academic knowledge. Because our instructors in METU are competent in their field and follow the improvements in abroad education at the same time, they present useful and worldwide information to us. Moreover, they use so many different sources that we can learn the topics from different views. And since education is based on writing constantly in METU, we can improve our writing abilities and we can do brainstorming all the time. Secondly, being a METU student means to benefit from a very huge library. METU library is one of the biggest university library in Turkey. It is filled with so many academic books, magazines, articles, novels and newspapers. We can find whatever we look for. For example, I need lots of books especially in summer times but I cannot find most of them in Balıkesir. However, when I come METU again, I find them so easily in METU library. I think this is a wonderful feeling. Thirdly, being a METU student is to be a member of a student club you are interested in. In METU there are numerous student club. We can find at least one club we can go regularly or contribute to. We can choose a club based on an opinion, an entertainment or a charity. For instance, I am a member of Atatürkçü Düşünce Topluluğu and this is one of the best thing I have ever done in METU. Thanks to my club I can do something for my people and country, improve myself about commenting on Turkey’s agenda and learn new books to read from my friends so I am very happy and busy. Lastly, being in a wonderful atmosphere of  campus life all the time is an important part of  being a METU student. We are always in a gren field and forest. We can sit on the marvellous grass with our friends for hours in spring and summer. And in winter times when it snows we look at excellent landscape stemming from snow from our dormitory room. All of these are being a METU student at least for me.

BEING A STUDENT IN METU

This is my second year at METU for me.I'm get use to METU,Ankara and environment.However,this process wasn't easy for me.My high school and METU life is very different from each other,so I even lived culture shock.My high school was in a small town.There were not so many things to do.For example there was no cinema, cafe or shopping center. We stayed  in domitory and didnt do anything but study. Last year, when ı came to METU,ı couldnt get use first and ı didnt know what to do because Ankara is a big and crowded city. In addition, ı didnt know anywhere and ı asked people everytime. In spite of all these difficulties,  ı was satisfied with being at METU. I’m still happy. METU has very big campus and everywhere is green. There are a lot of activties to do. For exsample, METU have got different kinds of studets groups. We can join which one we prefer. Morever, METU offers many opportunities to its students. In METU there are dormitories for students and ı thing they are very comfortable, but in these dormitories they dont service meals,so we have to provide our  own meals.  For me,this is a big problem. All in all ,METU fulfilled my expectations because METU is a very successful and ı’m so happy to be in METU that ı even want to stay there as a teacher.

BEING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN THE USA

In video there are 3 students who mention about being an international student in the USA.Linxi ,from China,prefer studying in the USA because American schools offer more opportunities to practise.Krishna thinks that American education system is very based on creavity and team work as she likes.Krishna,also,says that she has had so much experience and she has created a new goal in her life since she came to America.Because of curtain influences she got from colleg and from the new people that she met there.Arata Doba says that he already get use to study in foreign countries,so it is very close to him.
  Krishna asked her grandfather whose got friends graduated from one college in the USA.They recommended her that this school was small and it would be easier to get use to new culture.
  These students also mention about some differences between their own country and US.For example Linxi,says that in US people use drying machine,but in China they don't.
   According to Arata Doba,American style of communication is quite different from his country.In his own country , they emphaise  on indirect communication they have to read people's mind.However,in the US people need to have a direct communication they have to tell what they think and that he says it is much easier.
  Arata thinks same things,too.He says hs home country education system is comparatively quite different from US.They don 't have enough flexibility to choose their major in his country.In adition , he says that small class sides ease to communicate with their faculty members and they are really supportive.In USA for Krishna avarage cost is about 300.000 dolars including boarding, all the feast they have to pay.Arata Doba also assumes that it depends on which departman they are studying.
   And beside all these things, they have culture shock.For example, Linxi says that she surprised when she saw people could wear shorts.For Krishna , it is a normal.Finally,Arata thinks that in US people don't get embrassed.

aybuke: aybuke uzunca

BEING AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IN THE USA
1)Krishra thought that American education system was based on creativity and team work,which was what she desired.And Linxi chose the USA because in China it was very hard to take the major she wanted and she thought that America offered more opportunities to her.
2)The students thought that they didn’t have enough flexibility to choose their major.In the USA they had a lot of opportunities to add on their major.Furthermore,Krishra chose the USA due to its creative environment and the use of team work in education.
3)Linxi likes the idea of drying machine in the USA.She thinks that the USA is better than China in that respect.In China they have to hang the laundry outside. She adds that they drink coffee a lot. Also she claims that even in winter the Americans can wear shorts,which makes her astonished.And Arata finds their burping without being ashamed strange. As I said before in their country,education system is stricter and harder in their own countries and in the USA they can find more opportunities to develop themselves.It is more flexible about which majors you take when compared to other countries according to them.
4)It is about 30.000 $ on average in a year.However. according to Arata,it depends on which major you take or which school you go or where you stay.
5)Actually, Linxi had difficulty in communication,but in time she liked the USA.Moreover, as I said before, she just finds some of their habits strange.Krishra claimed that of course she had a culture shock, but it was quite normal.Arata was accustomed to be an international student thanks to his high school years, so in university he didn’t have much difficulty.Nevertheless, he also had some problems in adjusting to a new culture.
6)Yes,they have.According to the video, culture shock is a process of surprise,disorientation,exciety and confussion when somebody goes to a different country and meets a different culture.Of course, I also have been thinking of going to the USA for education.I think as a language student I have to develop my speaking and especially listening abilities and have to use language correctly. The best way to manage this is going to abroad.By going to the USA I can meet different cultures and broaden my viewpoint in addition to learning to use English perfectly.Of course,culture shock is inevitable.Because I will get into a completely different environment.Maybe I will be homesick there,I can find no friend or I may not be adjust to my school environment or education system in there.However hard it is,I think that the value of knowing other cultures and seeing other countries is priceless.Therefore,I strongly believe that I can deal with all the problems I may encounter there.

October 27, 2011 6:08 AM

Video reflection 1

Dear FLE 133 members,
For this video reflection assignment,you need to watch the study experiences of 3 foreign students in the USA. You need to do the following:
1.What did the students think of the benefits of studying in the USA?
2. Why did they decide to go to the US for education?
2. What are the differences do these students observe between their own countries and the USA in their education life and in daily life? What are the issues they like and dislike about the education system in their own country and in the US?
3. What did they think of the financial side of being a student in the US?
4. What kinds of difficulties did they experience in the US?
5.Have they experienced any culture shock? If so, what was a culture shock for them?
What about you? Have you ever thought of going to the US for education? Why? Please comment on your views of the possible benefits, possible challenges/difficulties of being a student in the US? Do you think that you will have similar experiences if you go to the US for education? In what ways?
The link to the video is as follows:
http://youtu.be/B8TrDd12qPs
(True life I am an international student)

Reflection Journal 1: Being a student at METU

Dear FLE 133 members
For this reflection, you need to write about the following topic:
Do you feel you are going through an adaptation process from being a high school student to a universiy student at METU? If so, in what ways (e.g., psychologically, socially and academically, etc.)? Do you have any support mechanisms in this process? What kinds of challenges are you having at present? In what ways are satisfied with being a student at METU? To what extent do you think METU seems to have fulfilled your expectations? What does being a student at METU mean to you?

The font you need to use is Times New Roman (12puntos)
The word limit is between 400-500.