By Miss Ajina Remadevi
This article is dedicated to all my lovely A2 students who are soon going to fly to their new destinations (Universities abroad). Here you may find a simple tip to deal with your new and very first challenge i.e adjusting to a new CCE (Country, Culture & Education System). And that lifesaving tip (sort of) is none other than AAP (Aware, Accept & Proactive).
这篇文章是为了我可爱的A2的学生们，他们将要去到新的目的地（国外的大学）。在这篇文章里，你可以学到一个简单的小窍门去处理你即将面临的全新的挑战，也就是适应新的CCE（Country国家, Culture文化 & Education System教育系统）。而这某种程度上算是救生的技巧不是别的，正是APP（Aware意识, Accept接受& Proactive积极主动）。
Be Aware that you are in a new country with a different culture, lifestyle and education system which is completely different from your home environment. The more you are aware of the differences, the more you are prepared. Try to get connected with the students’ community already living in the new environment and get more information on the living and studying there. Social media can play an important role here. Usually major UK and US universities have a CSSA - Chinese Student and Scholar Association, the organisation that often provide some solid information on living and studying from the perspective of Chinese students. Getting connected with such organisations or students’ unions prior to arrival is a good idea. You may find some useful students’ unions and their websites here:
意识到你已经在一个新的国家，有不同的文化，生活方式和教育系统，而这些都完全不同于你自己的家乡。你越多意识到这其中的不同便会越多去做准备。试着和已经生活在那里的学生团体取得联系，从他们那里获取更多在那里生活和学习的相关信息。社交媒体在这上面可以扮演一个很重要的角色。通常，主要的UK（英国）和US（美国）大学都有CSSA（中国学者和学生协会），这个组织常常会通过一些当地中国学生的观点提供一些有力的关于生活和学习的信息。在到达之前和这样的组织或学生会取得联系会是一个好主意。你可能可以在这里找到一些有用的学生会和他们的网站：
The Chinese Scholars and Students Association (CSSA)中国学者和学生协会
http://www.cssashef.org.uk/
The Chinese Society中国社会
http://www.chi-soc.com/
Sino-English Corner汉英角
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/confucius/sec/about_us
Sheffield Students' Union谢菲尔德学生会
http://su.sheffield.ac.uk/
Accept the fact that ‘be independent’ are the best words to characterise life abroad. Independence in basic life skills and independence in studies are two pillars of life for an international student. Gaining an independent study style is more challenging than being independent in basic life skills. Students must accept that the western education system distinguishes itself by encouraging students to be independent, creative and critical thinkers and learners. Graduate programs in universities abroad demand students to conduct independent course projects, including identifying the topic of interest and to conduct research and writing.
接受“独立”是描述海外生活最好的字词的事实。基本的生活技能的独立和学习独立是国际学生两大生活支柱。增强独立的学习方式比基本的生活技能独立挑战更大。学生们必须接受的是西方教育系统区别于其他之处就在于鼓励学生独立、创造和批判性思维与学习。海外大学里的研究生项目要求学生带领进行独立的课程项目，其中包括确认感兴趣的话题，并引导研究和书面书写。
Be Proactive. Being proactive and reaching out for help is integral to exerting one's independence. Independence is essential to success, especially when we are part of an increasingly interconnected world or a global village. Newly arrived students essentially have to formulate their own social networks, acquaintances and friends to fulfill their basic needs, which could range from getting a ride to the store for food to spending some quality social time together. Acquiring more social experience and polishing interpersonal skills prior to studying abroad can help students to be prepared.
积极主动。保持主动性并寻求帮助是发挥一个人的独立性所必须的。独立是成功的必需品，特别是当我们处于联系日益紧密的世界或地球村里。新到海外的学生本来就应该在他们自己的社交网络里明确表达自己的基本需要给熟人和朋友，这个范围可以从搭便车到商店买食物到一起进行有质量的社交等方面。在海外求学前获取更多的社交经验和打磨人际交往技能可以帮助学生有更好的准备。
Studying abroad is a major life decision and can be proven to be a turning point in your life which requires a lot of preparation, not just academic studies. Social and psychological readiness is a key dimensions to success yet are often neglected by many students and their parents. Starting to pay attention to these factors, even if you don't have much time before you go, can make a huge difference to your experience once you get there.
海外求学是人生最重要的一个决定，它可能会被证明是你人生的转折点，所以它需要很多的准备，而不只是学术研究方面。社交和心理准备是取得成功的关键因素却常常被很多学生和家长忽视。即使在你离开之前时间已不多也需要开始重视这些因素，它们会在你到达国外时就让你的经历有巨大的不同。
So……..Ready to Take Off? FlyHigh……
所以…做好准备出发了吗?起飞吧…
Reference（可参考网站）：
http://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/studying-abroad/studying-abroad-final-preparations
http://www.internationalstudent.com/study-abroad/guide/how-to-prepare-studying-abroad/
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/