Without noticing, students from OSJSM have already spent 3 weeks studying here in uOttawa, with courses finishing within a short while.

Anthropology and Psychology are the apples in our eyes since we rarely have the chance to study humanistic courses due to our major. Anthropology teaches us to use our insight to seek the meaning of being a human, to look for secrets, interpreting development in culture with concise theories and numerous examples. In the meantime, Psychology focuses on subtle mental movement with rigorous scientific methods, presenting us a clear but also interesting outline of human’s sensation, perception and consciousness towards the world. Created as human, we ought to pursue a comprehensive understanding of both our inside and outside world. Determined to save human lives, there’s no reason to indulge our sloth to take over our mind and body.

Different from the academic-oriented humanistic curriculums, English Intensive Program (EIP) is filled with a relaxed atmosphere all through. Lively classes given by both teachers with elaborate preparations make it possible for us to experience a distinctive approach to improve our English; poster presentation motivates our ability to explore independently; review based on notes helps us consolidate what we have learned and improve our language expression, while a drastic debate reinforces our capability of dialectical thought and improvised speech as well. Lectures and discussion are of great advantage for the build-up of self-confidence, which is also an opportunity for oral practice in accordance to the professors’ comments.

Outside the classroom, mentors from uOttawa give orientations on the MCAT and strategies for lifelong learning, which demonstrates the Canadian student through organized speech and PowerPoint. If it weren’t for the mentor’s experienced speech, we would have been lost in this foreign city with obstacles on our way, we wouldn’t have felt so warmly welcomed. Lectures in conference room convince us of the crucial role of mentorship in university by a closer distance and enhanced communication.

The study, though tough, can never be an obstacle lying between the gorgeous city scenery with strong culture atmosphere and our restlessness and expectation. The sound of light presented by five countries and the light show　distinguishing the pride and confidence of Canadians, gave a good chance for our visit in groups to the Parliament Hill beside Ottawa River. While every Thursday can be a “wonderful night for museum”, also a precious opportunity for Canadian culture exploration. The National Gallery of Canada displays the masterpieces from various corners of the history, which implicate the western art and thought style. The Canadian Museum of History acts like a witness of the development and revolution in Canada from which we tell the grandness of history as well as the cultural accumulation. The murmurs of the historical weapons experiencing warfare echo in the Canadian War Museum, whispering the toughness and honors owned by the people on this land.

Last three weeks, the period full of humanistic curriculums, close teacher-student interactions, timely pre-examination instructions and fascinating after-school activities is beneficial, meaningful, but may be too short for us to dive into those interesting classes or to take a bird’s eye view of Canadian society and culture, regretful nevertheless full of pleasure.

Translators: HAO Zixiao, MO Chengjun, XU Zhang
Editor: LI Chenglin
2016 OSJSM Summer Students Class of 2020