All posts by The CELOP Sun

A CELOP Ski Trip

November 2015, ,

by Carol Piñeiro

I once took a class of CELOP students on a ski trip in the 1980’s to Nashoba Valley, a small slope west of Boston. None of them had ever gone skiing before, so we got a “ski package”, which included equipment rental and lift ticket along with a lesson. They tried really hard all afternoon, but it was difficult for some of them to go down the “bunny hill” without falling. However, most of them learned how to put their skis together in a wedge to stop, and a few of them even learned to “slalom”, or go back and forth as they went down the hill.

Before we went into the ski lodge to have dinner, they asked if they could go up on the ski lift just once and try going down the hill. I told them it was dangerous if they didn’t know how to ski well, but they kept pleading until I agreed. When we reached the top, they were surprised at how high it was, but they started bravely down the hill. Instead of doing the slalom as they had been taught, however, they went straight down, some falling or almost running into other skiers. Several of them were shouting “aaahhh!!!” at the top of their lungs, so people would get out of the way. They were going so fast that it was hard to stop when they got to the bottom. Miraculously, no one was hurt!

When I reached the bottom, the ski patrol was there, asking who was in charge of the group. I told them I was, and they said that what we had done was dangerous, so we couldn’t ski anymore. Actually, none of us wanted to ski anymore, so we returned our equipment and went into the lodge to eat dinner. As we relaxed by the fire, some of the students even fell asleep because of all the exercise that day. Eventually, we drove back to Boston, and they were really happy to get to their dorms and go to bed. We had a lot of fun, but that’s the first and last time I’ve taken a class to the slopes!

Carol ski trip

Experience Japan at the Matsuri Event

November 2015
Written by Franca Paola
Photos by Franca Paola
On November 12th, in the Celop Lobby, we had an opportunity to enjoy delicious Japanese food, anime, origami, budo, and calligraphy.IMG_2713
The food varied. First we had yakisoba, a Japanese fried noodle. The ingredients were pork, cabbage and carrots. Second, We had kara-age, a kind of Japanese fried chicken. The ingredients were chicken, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Third, we had chirashi sushi. The ingredients were crab sticks, soy beans, seaweed, and vinegar.

We also had a chance to try Origami.

I had a chance to experience some parts of Japanese culture and I had a great time!

Antibiotics Are Not Magical Drugs

November 2015

Written by Rawan Alahmadi

On many occasions we get colds or the flu. And the first idea that comes to our minds is to start using antibiotics in order to feel comfortable and hope to get better.  We also think that they are the solution for many medical issues.

Lightbulb In reality, they do not work as we believe they do!

SnowflakeWhen you get a cold or the flu, you most likely have a viral infection.

What should you doQuestion Mark

Bed
Tea

You have to get some rest and drink a lot of fluids. Never decide to take antibiotics on your own, as they may not benefit you.

In fact, they can cause you harm if they are not the right treatment for you.

 

Pills

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and don’t treat viral infections.  The misuse of antibiotics in such medical scenarios can create what are known as "superbugs".

 

When You Use Antibiotics

Prescription  Use them according to your doctor’s prescription.

Pills

Don’t stop taking antibiotics when you feel better.  You have to complete the course of antibiotics based on your physician's advice.

 

dont share meds  Never share antibiotics with others.

Frownie  Never demand antibiotics from doctors.

Be smart about taking antibiotics and don't make the mistake of believing that an antibiotic is the magical drug that treats everything.

October 2015

October 2015

Cover - October 2015

For the October 2015 issue of the CELOP Sun, we wanted to capture the feeling of transition - new and continuing students are adjusting to their new life in Boston with the start of the Fall semester, the weather is getting colder, and the leaves on the trees are changing.

To reflect on the feeling of transition, we have a series of amazing photos by Alaa Alaseem taken in the same spot, but at different times of the year.  We also have a CELOP YouSpeak where we asked students how they were adjusting to life in Boston, how they are preparing for the cold weather, and what their plans are for the upcoming Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays.  We feature articles on Halloween and apple picking because harvest-inspired customs embody the spirit of taking in your accomplishments at the end of one season, and preparing for a colder season.  So, definitely don't miss the video about Halloween, produced by Ahmad Alshareef, Ahmad Hawsawi, and Osaid Ali.  And check out the apple picking photos by Shelley Bertolino!  Finally, we have a couple articles about CELOP's group and professional programs that help students transition into their Fall CELOP program or into a graduate program.

This and more is in this month's issue of the CELOP Sun!

Transitions

Artwork

Essays, Food, and Advice

CELOP YouSpeak – Transitions

October 2015

The editorial team of the CELOP Sun went out to the lobby one day, and asked them questions about transitions, like: how did you adjust to living in Boston?  How are you preparing for the cold weather?  What are your plans for Halloween and Thanksgiving?

Hammad Alolyan and Abdulaziz Aldamashqi

On transitioning to life in Boston: We weren't surprised a lot, because we know a lot about America.  We were just surprised about the weather.  How it's freezing.  Because we don't have experience with this.  We didn't think it would be that cold, like minus 32.  At the beginning, we were happy, because we hadn't seen that before, and we had snowball fights.

On plans for the upcoming holidays: Now I'm looking on Amazon for a costume.  We will go to Salem.  There will be a big event.

Meaghan Bolduc

On transitioning to life in Boston: It's different than New York, the food is different, the transportation is different, so I found it a little rough in the beginning, but I caught up.

On plans for the upcoming holidays: Halloween?  I have a neice who is 2, so I'm going to watch her trick or treat.  And, Thanksgiving I'm going home to New York.

In December I'm going to Miami, trying to get out of the snow.

Yoshiyuki Shima

On transitioning to life in Boston: I thought it's pretty good because before coming to Boston, I had been to Los Angeles, I think it's also good, but Boston has more public transportation, so I think it's good.

On plans to prepare for the cold weather: On Columbus Day, I bought many clothes, and three jackets.

On plans for the upcoming holidays: For Halloween, I'm going to Salem.  And on Thanksgiving Day, I'm going to New York, and Philadelphia.

Hussain

On transitioning to life in Boston: I thought it was really difficult because I couldn't speak English and I had a lot of trouble communicating with others.

On plans to prepare for the cold weather: To stay warm.

On plans for the upcoming holidays: I don't have plans now.  I will probably stay in Boston.

Dana

On transitioning to life in Boston: I thought it was very nice, but it was a long trip from my country to here. It was a new experience.

On plans to prepare for the cold weather: It's already cold.  Get out and attend events before it gets too cold.

On plans for the upcoming holidays: It depends on my husband because he is studying at Harvard and he is a doctor, so he doesn't have that much time to take trips. However I can plan some for myself.

Ibtihal

(The below answers are paraphrased)
When she came, she was surprised. She found a different environment.
Her plan for next month is to improve her skills in English.
She didn't  take a flu shot yet.
For Boston winter she bought snow boots, gloves, and scarves.
For Halloween she wants to wear a costume.

Samuella

(The below answers are paraphrased)
She didn't feel any big change... just food.
She will be studying in Celop for the next month.
She didn't take a flu shot.
She has already bought warm stuff.
She wants to go to Salem on Halloween.

Jing-Wei

(The below answers are paraphrased)
He is from Taiwan, but he was in Florida for half a year. It is totally different.
For next month he will continue at Celop
He didn't take a flu shot.
He will go shopping to get warm clothes.
He is planing to go to Salem for Halloween.

CELOP Group and Professional Programs

October 2015

From July to the middle of September, many students come to take part in group and professional programs.  Some of these programs prepare students with academic skills to succeed in graduate schools in the fall, like BU, and Harvard. Other programs allow university students from Japan to see the sights of Boston and partake in intensive English classes in Business English or IT.  See what the teachers in these programs had to say about their work with these students.

Are you a teacher or student in a group or professional program you don't see here?  Send us your pictures, descriptions, and highlights (celopsun@bu.edu).

Madrid Teacher Training Program

Carol Piñeiro

A group of 25 teachers of language and literature from middle and high schools in Madrid, Spain came to study at CELOP in July. In the photo, they are in the garden of the Longfellow House in Cambridge with Jen Lacroix and me after the tour.

MadridTeachers

Global Engineering Career Readiness Program

Carol Piñeiro

Students from China accepted to the College of Engineering came to CELOP for a 4-week preparation for graduate study and career readiness program. In the photo below, we are on a visit to Schlumberger, the largest petroleum equipment provider in the world, in the Kendall Square office.

GlobalEng

Hosei Information Technology (IT)

Joey Nevarez
ITfacesbanner
12002843_10100291425338361_5739859534563662360_nWorking with the Hosei IT students was a fun experience. Working so intensively with such a small group really allowed us to get to know each other. In fact, they gave me what is probably my favorite student-present so far: a bouquet of kale, because they know I'd been eating a lot of it over the summer and loving it! Moreover, the Hosei IT program's emphasis on culture and the exploration of Boston lent itself to interesting and interactive projects. The students got to work on projects in which they did some field work research in their own neighborhoods of the city. The students then worked on creating online webpages to aid in their professional presentations at the end of the term. It was a great experience for all involved!

Aomori

Katja Davidoff
IMG_1594A group of students came from Aomori Public University in Aomori Japan.  They arrived with a sense of adventure and a strong desire to learn about American culture and business.  In addition to lessons in business vocabulary, culture, and trends, they also participated in a business role play modeled on the popular TV show Shark Tank.  They took trips to the MFA, Fenway Park, Harvard Square, the Samuel Adams Brewery, Chinatown, the North end, and The Holocaust memorial. They had opportunities to tour and interview local business professionals including the owner of 7 Eleven, Barrett Technology, Athans Bakery, E-Shan Tang, Orchards Skate Shop, Knight Moves Cafe, and Taza Chocolate Factory.  The students seemed to enjoy their visits and appeared to learn a lot about running various business.

Hosei Fall Pre-Course

Ellen Yaniv
IMG_4612On August 29,  fourteen excited, very eager Japanese college students from Hosei University in Japan arrived to Boston ready to begin their semester abroad. After finding their dorms, checking in and registering for their CELOP pre-course, and going on a tour of BU, they were ready for their three-week course. It included classroom lessons in student expectations in an American college, living in a dorm with a roommate, as well as activities offered at BU.  Trips outside of the classroom included the Massachusetts State House, the Perkins School for the Blind, the MFA, a visit to a Japanese language class at BU, and many more.  The weather was still very hot, but everyone enjoyed themselves.  One memorable event was volunteering at Community Servings in Jamaica Plain.  Now the students are scattered in different CELOP classes.  They are a friendly, interested group who are eager to make friends with others. 
In the words of student, Miyu Shigenaga:
I've been having a valuable experience in BU exchange programs. Fenway and Freedom trail Tour were exciting for us to know what is Boston, meanwhile the community servings and Perkins school told us about USA systems. I think everything is important to learn English.

Waseda Semester Study Abroad Pre-Program

Carol Piñeiro

A group of students from Waseda University in Tokyo came for a 3-week orientation before the fall semester began. Among their many field trips, they went to Concord to visit the Orchard House where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women and to Walden Pond for a drizzly picnic. Here they are in front of the Free at Last memorial sculpture at Marsh Plaza, during their tour of the BU Campus with Felix Poon.

Hosei Waseda Welcome and Orientation-14