Week One of Summer Semester on Campus

I chose to stay in the dorms on campus. I never had this experience in my undergrad and in this fast track program it has pushed us all staying here to get acquainted with each other very quickly. The work load they have given us this week seems insurmountable. In the Culture/History course we have a 30 min power point presentation to give. Some have to give it two days after it is assigned but by luck of the draw I am doing mine nine days after it is assigned.

They boast on how you can get this degree so quickly, but let me assure you, this is no easy task. Prepare yourself for long nights and early mornings. I'm certain that in six weeks I'll look back and wonder how I survived.

The overall organization of the professors seems poor. Nearly everyone I have talked to has expressed some kind of concern for lack of explanations given or just not understanding their teacher due to their accents. Having lived in Asia before, I just fill in the grammar gaps and assume they meant to use the plural form of nouns when they forget.

We had to take a Mandarin placement test today that did not go over well with everyone. The test was nearly all in Chinese. The vast majority of us signed our names at the top and handed the test in. The day seemed to be a large waste of time and very unorganized.

I feel we are all on high alert regarding stress. I'm doing my best not to waste time (consider this entry a great sacrifice in my time) and focus on completing what is asked. I have yet to take a test or turn in any assignments. I have a feeling we are all working too hard on these projects. I wrote ten pages of notes for a five point quiz I have to take tomorrow. I think we all need to make adjustments from producing undergrad quality work. I'm sure they take into account that we barely have time to comlete assignments.

Socially, we are all bonding and growing through everything. I can say that I have become very comfortable around all of these people with similar mindsets. I'll post more later in the week to update how things went as far as grades and standards of work.

The Early Bird.... (first week of online classes for summer)

Today I noticed a lot of my fellow business concentration classmates scrambling to get assignments done today. It's the first day that we are required to turn something in. The professor gave us the syllabus over a month ago. This is AMPLE time to finish these projects early. My suggestion to those reading this, don't wait till the last minute!

Most of them are flying out or trying to finish up their travel arrangements this week. There is just too much going on the week before you move into the dorms. I'm an excellent procrastinator and even I foresaw the trouble of putting things off.

Summer Costs-Dorms, Tuition, Books, Etc.

When you are in Irvine you have the choice of either living on campus or at the dorms. They are apartment style and I'll post more about what they look like in a couple weeks. I chose the dorms because I like to wake up later and just drag ass to class.


If you make the same decision you are required to use their meal plan which is $725 for six weeks. You also are required to have insurance on campus for a five week period, that cost is about $200, unless you are already insured. I bought my books for the summer on Amazon for about $150. I've done my time in school and know that old editions are rarely any different from new ones. I would suggest getting the books as soon as the list is posted. I got the Bricks to Jade book for only a few bucks, the cheap used ones were shortly all sold at that price and my classmates only found them for $75 and up.

Financial aid from FAFSA only covers half of your tuition. Most grad students get around 20K or so for school per year. That amount is spread out equally for the summer, fall, and spring semesters. You are left finding a 6K deficit to pay for tuition, room, books, and board alone. You will also need $$ for your flight and other miscellaneous expenses. I took out a loan from Sallie Mae for 12K to cover me for any expenses while I'm gone and when I'm in California. If you're reading this in December, start saving! You'll be glad you did.

Once you are in the program you get the feeling that these expenses are piling up. Though they are, I have the mindset that the investment for my future has no price. I know this program is geared for me and I'm looking forward to it. Besides, nobody goes to grad school because it's any easy option.

Looking For More

Friday, June 1, 2012

Introduction and Before We Get Started

My name is Andrew and I am enrolled in the MAIS program at CUI. I have created this blog to give insight for those considering this program, those who are enrolled, and anyone interested in life abroad. First I'll give some background information on myself and tell you what I have done thus far in regards to the program.

I taught ESL in Korea for two years. I taught at a well know university where the second year I held the position of Head Teacher. I taught all levels from beginner to fluent speakers, and all ages from six to sixty. I left Korea hoping to put my feet in the ground. I have my undergrad in History and with such a basic liberal arts degree I had great difficulty finding work that I felt was worth of my time and experience. Occasionally I would look at Dave's to see what ESL jobs were around, reminiscing about my former expat life. Eventually I came across a graduate program that interested me. I applied for early enrollment and was given an interview.

I felt as though every single question that was asked of me, I had the perfect answer. Dr. Schuler even mentioned that I should consider writing a book, having read my essay for entrance. I felt like everything made sense.

I was accepted and finally had something to look forward to in my life. I asked all the questions I could about the program. I began taking Mandarin lessons, started looking for viable thesis topics, and read anything that pertained to China and it's place in the modern world. I did everything I could to get ahead. There is a six week intensive semester that I knew would be no picnic.

After all the applicants had been chosen, a Facebook page was opened. As of right now there are 35 members actively posting. We talk about where to get textbooks or the cheapest way to get flights. Some volunteered to do airport pickups. I have started to get a feel for the people in my cohort but nothing short of meeting someone in person can really determine the character of my classmates.

 By this time nearly everyone has gotten a job. Nearly everyone was interviewed. Myself and two others were simply emailed contracts. Some students had to get medical exams and loads of other chores to complete in advance before they get to China. I don't really know what makes my job easier on logistics but I'm glad it is. I only have to get a medical exam when I get there.

To my knowledge everyone got the city they asked for. (I chose Hangzhou simply because I know Shanghai would have little culture to offer me.) What they don't tell you is if you are offered a job and you don't like the contract details and you decide to decline the offer, you're on your own. You will have to sort out your own employment. So you're kind of at the mercy of the professor in charge of hiring.

Right now I am finishing my last week of waiting tables (hopefully forever) and will be taking a nice little road trip to Irvine. For the business concentration kids you have to do a week long online portion the week before you move into the dorms. The professor sends you a syllabus a month in advance and you can do nearly all the week's projects ahead of time. This is really all the information I have as of now. I will continue to update this blog in the year to come, I hope you find it helpful.