All posts by Sultan Aburezeza

Plagiarism

December 2014

Plagiarism

info.examtime.com/files/2012/02/Plagiarism.jpg

By Sultan Aburezeza

Many of us come from different countries where it is accepted to copy and paste written work from others in the university community, but it is completely and dangerously different in the US. The U.S. universities and especially professors don’t like that international students plagiarize some facts or sayings written by others. The immediate reaction of a university to a plagiarism situation is to give the student who has plagiarized strict consequences, even at times dismissal from the university. We can obviously see how serious this issue is and also how severe is the punishment for it. In addition, as international students we should be aware of what counts as plagiarism and try to learn perfect citation skills to avoid it. We can ask our teachers at CELOP about the ways that will help us to prevent plagiarizing in our work and to avoid taking risks with our futures.

Reading is the Key

December 2014

By Sultan Aburezeza

The NamesakeStrengths Finder

Reading in English has recently become my most favorite habit ever, whereas I never liked reading in my mother language. For most foreign students, writing is the most difficult obstacle that they face. I can say it is really hard to write in a way that lets the native English speaker truly understand what is going on in your mind. So let me make it easier for you and tell you that reading is the key, not only to create a perfect paper of academic writing, but also to expand your vocabulary. I highly recommend reading for foreign students. In addition it is very important to read about something that you enjoy.

Two books I read and found easy to understand were titled; Strengths Finder by Tom Rath, and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. Not surprisingly, these books have improved my writing skills. The first book is about a number of strengths, and the author is trying to explain how to develop a strength that you have.  The book doesn't tell you what your strengths are, but how to work on them. The other book is an enjoyable novel about an Indian family that lives in the United States. The novel is really admirable and motivating, and the writer provides an amazing picture of their lives. It really inspired me a lot.

Dear Sultan: Keeping Busy On Winter Break

December 2014

Dear Sultan: I cannot go home for the winter break and I want to know, how can I keep busy?

Sultan the Advisor
Sultan the Advisor

It is a very hard fact to face when we cannot go home and see our families for the winter break, but hello, here we are in Boston, our second home. There are many things you can do during the winter break in this cold city. First of all, let a duck introduce you to Boston, not a real duck but the Boston Duck Tour. You will learn about some of the history of Boston and also go into the Charles River for an exciting trip. Then, drive to the Aquarium. At the New England Aquarium you can experience hands-on the largest shark and ray touch tank in the East Coast.

Moreover, you can show off some of your skills and talents at Boston’s coolest bowling place. At Kings bowling alley you will not only go bowling, but you can also enjoy some sports events, like the Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox. You can spin around the ice on Frog Pond. On Boston Common during the winter you can rent skates for a small fee, perfect for your budget, and enjoy skating around the Frog Pond. My last suggestion in addition to all of this fun is to study, whether it may be for the TOEFL, the IELTS, the SAT or the GMAT exam. You can take this opportunity to fine tune your language skills and prepare for future tests.

"Dear Sultan..."
Have a question for Sultan the Advisor? Whether you have a question about life as an international student in Boston, the weather, culture, where to eat, where to have fun, socialize, or meet new friends, you can email him with your question at CelopSun@bu.edu.

Would You Like a Date?

December 2014

By Sultan Aburezeza

Teen CoupleWanna Date

 

Would you like a date? A question which when asked by Saudi students, especially female students, can cause total confusion. People think about it as going out on a date, but the date is one of our cultivated products that grow mostly in all areas in Saudi Arabia. The best dates grow in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, specifically Al Qassim, and the eastern region. So from now on, I hope that no one misunderstands the offer of a date with going out on a date.

Photo Credits (left to right):

  • www.seventeen.com/love/advice/date-ideas-for-teens#category2-1
  • http://lettersfromsunnybrook.com/wanna-date/

Boston Must See

November 2014

By Sultan Aburezeza

Boston is considered as the historical city of the United States. In 1630, a group of colonists from England founded the city and it quickly became the political, financial, religious, and educational center of the New England region. Later, Boston became known as the “cradle of liberty”, where the Americans started the American Revolutionary war against Britain that would win them their independence.

There are numerous historical places that students may not know about, and they MUST SEE them before leaving this antique city. Today I visited a number of those historic places that I found interesting such as the Freedom Trail, the USS Constitution Museum, Fenway Park, and the African Meeting House, and I enjoyed being there.

Freedom TrailUSS ConstitutionAfrican Meeting House

The Freedom Trail

Local journalist William Schofield in 1951 recommended building a pedestrian trail to connect together vital local landmarks. By 1953, Boston Mayor John Hynes decided to take Schofield’s idea seriously and built the Freedom Trail.

The USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. The ship protected America for nearly an entire century.

The African Meeting House

In 1783, Massachusetts became the first U.S state to declare slavery illegal. As a result, Boston became a desired location for southern black slaves.

Red SoxFenway Park

Fenway Park is a baseball park for the Red Sox in Boston; it has been the home of the Red Sox since it opened in 1912. Moreover, Fenway Park is considered to be the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Fenway Park
Fenway Park is the home of the Boston Red Sox. Let's go Red Sox!

Dear Sultan: The Cold and the Holidays

November 2014

Dear Sultan: How do I get ready for the cold weather and the snow?

Snow SculpturesBe well prepared for the winter in Boston. It is no joke! It is really too cold. So you should be sure to cover yourself from head to toe. I would suggest that you buy a winter hat, a winter scarf, winter gloves, a heavy coat, high neck shirts, winter boots, long socks, and everyday drink two cups of a hot drink.

Dear Sultan: The holidays are coming. Where should I travel in the USA?

BeachI would recommend that you travel to some place that is warmer than Boston. So you may consider places like Florida or California in general.

 

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):

  • http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/cSBVOJiHgnf/Snow+Sculptures+Seen+After+Cold+Weather+Hits/SlI5QZF5aNp
  • http://www.usnews.com/education/slideshows/best-colleges-to-avoid-winter

Sultan"Dear Sultan..."
Have a question for Sultan the Advisor? Whether you have a question about life as an international student in Boston, the weather, culture, where to eat, where to have fun, socialize, or meet new friends, you can email him with your question at CelopSun@bu.edu.