study abroad

Meet our newest blogger: Pinn!

Standard

Heyo GCC fellows!

I’m Pinn and I’m an international student from Vietnam. This is my first semester at GCC and I’m majoring in Computer Information Systems at GCC. This is an intro blog so I’ll will throw at you some random intro points about me:

  • Having been at GCC for 6-7 weeks, I’m pleasantly surprised to find so many international Japanese students are enrolling at GCC. I’ve always been fascinated with Japanese culture and I never imagined coming to GCC would offer me an indirect cultural exposure to “The Land of the Rising Sun.”
  • Coming from the tropical and humid equatorial climate of Vietnam, I’m preparing myself (physically and mentally) to fight head on with the intense winter sneakily creeping into Batavia.
  • One thing I crave the most after coming to the US is coconut water, which is much more expensive here compared to my home. But on a brighter note, I have easier access to fresh blueberries, cherries and certified-quality nuts (walnut, pecan, almonds…) which can be considered a luxury in Vietnam.
  • I love K-pop and my favorite group is Epik High. Tablo, a Korean-Canadian leader and producer of the group, studied English Literature at Stanford University so many of his songs are produced in English. I am rarely interested in rap, but many of Epik High’s rap songs are at the top of my playlist because of their poetic nature and clever wordplay. If you have only heard about K-pop for BTS, I recommend you check out one of Tablo’s English raps, “Dear TV” which tackles the modern demon of tech and entertainment shows.
  • I love graphic design and have been tinkering with and learning to use Adobe software since middle school. I used to think I could take on graphic design as a career but I later realized I lack the artsy-ness and patience, so I’m keeping it as my hobby.  

I read almost all the student writing on this blog before arriving at GCC and their blogging provided many helpful tips about being in America and being a student at GCC.

I hope my future blogs will be able to do the same for other students.

The Differences between Japanese and American Fashion

Standard

The Differences between Japanese Styles and American Styles

By Ayaka Yamanaka – Fashion Business Merchandising Student and japan fashion imageInternational Student

I’m an international student from Japan. When I came here, I was sometimes surprised by some styles. People from Japan don’t wear leggings as a pants. When Japanese women go work out, they wear leggings as sportswear. Moreover, when they wear dresses, they wear leggings under the dress because they wouldn’t like to show their skin. Leggings are one of the trends fall/winter 2018-19. So, many women will wear leggings this way.

japan fashion image 4

japan fashion image 5The second difference is a way of showing less skin. Japanese women lack confidence of their body shape types, and many women diet. Because of this, they would like to hide their body shape. Recently, many women have been wearing wide pants to hide their legs, and if it’s in the summer, they don’t wear cropped tops that show their torso.

japan fashion image 2Of course, some Japanese women wear skinny jeans. If skinny jeans become a trend, some Japanese women try it, because trends are important to people in Japan. Sometimes, if you walk in Omotesando, where is very popular place to shop in Tokyo, you might see same handbags many times.

Trends are more strictly followed in Japan versus in the United States. In the USA, trends are not as important as in Japan, but Americans dress similarly. In Japan, the trends are more important, and there is more variety in what Japanese people wear. I have enjoyed observing the differences in fashion of the two countries.

Student Blogger Intro – Zerin Firoze

Standard

I am a sophomore International student at GCC from Bangladesh. I am a scientifically literate individual and I am very passionate about science and secular activism. I love to advocate for science and secularism during my free time. I love the United States of America because of its advancement in science and technology, gender equality, secularism, democracy, freedom of speech, LGBTQ rights and diversity. I hope to be a US citizen someday.

I am an introvert. I have always loved reading and writing. So, the position of being a blogger and news assistant at MarCom is perfect for me. I am honored to be a GCC blogger.

I’m really passionate about the science clubs, but also plan to explore all kinds of campus activities closely so that I can make great and accurate blog posts.

Studying Abroad at GCC

Standard

China_USA_Locator.svg.png

In July 2013, I made the decision to come to the United States for college. In April 2014, I got a conditional admission from SUNY Geneseo, which suggested me to come to GCC first for improving my English. In August 2014, I came to this country I had never been in before and started my life at GCC.

I’ve taken a lot of helpful and interesting classes here. The classes I love and I’d definitely suggest are Foundations Academic Success (FYE 100), Ceramics 1 (ART 123), Advertising (BUS 203), Female Role in Film (CIN 242), and Career & Education Planning (CEP 101). As I want to graduate and transfer with Public Relations or Advertising this semester, classes I’ve had before are very beneficial. Also, professors and faculties here are truly helpful.

However, the experience is the point here, which has been more enjoyable and helping me more to be what kind of person I want to be. If you ever used StrengthsFinder to look up your top five strengths, you would probably notice those five strengths have been supporting your life and never changing. It was surprising when I found out my strengths had changed from September 2014 to February 2016. I realized that adventure is the best way to learn. I was a resident assistant at College Village in Spring 2015, and I definitely improved my listening, leadership, and communication skills because of it. I also used to be a DJ for the radio station here and I learnt about communications a lot, as the radio station at GCC is awesome. I also work on campus and it gets me to talk more, write more, and get more ready for my future college and career. I think both classes and all these experiences here is exactly why my strengths have changed, which I also believe I’ve been getting into a better person. This is not a life lesson only from classes, but I’ve been also seeing both cultures, talking to people from different countries, and especially experiencing a different life here. Studying abroad is the most effective way for me to get a better view of the world. Being alone in another country has also made me a stronger person to face to and solve all the problems.

This explains how I believe that, nobody can discover the world for you, and nobody can steal your experience you get for yourself. Study more, see more, and suffer more.

tumblr_mogxpm1bsA1s1rviko1_500.jpg

Exploring Batavia

Standard

What is the best way to learn English? I had been asked this question many times. To me, the best way to learn any language is to actually be in the country where that language is commonly used. Thus, I think the best way to learn English is to come and study in America.

On May 22nd 2014, GCC welcomed 29 Japanese students to come study as part of the ESL (English as a Second Language) program during the summer. This program helps these international students enhance their skills in English that will prepare them for the college courses that they will be taking in the Fall semester.

IMG_3561According to Kathleen Klaiber, GCC English and ESL Instructor, GCC incorporated a summer tour to the school’s ESL program to help increase student knowledge about American culture. For many years, she had been working to coordinate wonderful trips for ESL students to various places around Western New York.

Last Friday, the class took a tour around Batavia by B-Line bus to see some of the attractions in town. As the bus drove around, Mrs. Klaiber pointed out important places that students may want to know such as the library, hospitals and post office. Student Erin Kanno said that this was her favorite part of the trip.

IMG_3639After the bus tour the group visited the Peace Garden and the Holland Land Museum in downtown Batavia. At the museum, students were able to learn about the birth of Western New York and the old living style of the people back then. “I want to stay in the museum longer, because I like history” said Kentaro Kawase, while Yu Shimizu hopes to visit the museum again once her English improves.

Afterward, the students ate lunch at Rancho Viejo, a Mexican restaurant in Batavia. For most of them, it was their first time eating Mexican food. “I like it, Mexican food was surprisingly delicious.” said Hiroki Yoshida. The most fun part for students was dessert at Oliver’s candy shop. “I really enjoy the candy shop, it is really cute. Japan doesn’t really have cute candy stores like that.” said Mina Horiuchi.

IMG_3676The trip ended, but this is just the beginning of the summer. There are still many adventures to have and many places to explore. In the upcoming weeks, these students will get to visit the Jello Museum, Jazz Festival, Kiwanis Park, Lechworth State Park, Niagara Falls  and many more places. At GCC, learning doesn’t necessary take place only in the classroom and certainly, the summer tour had successfully prepared many students for their next step in education in America.