Statement: It has been said that in most societies children are often spectators watching adults interact. They are learning what it means to be an adult in their society. In American society, however, the adults are usually the spectators who are watching the children.
I have some findings from my observations in two places. Firstly, the aforementioned statement is so prevalent in sports events like a football game, hockey game, basketball game or soccer match. The adults are always very supportive to their children's game. Whenever they are free, they will spend time watching their children playing, shouting for them on top of their voice to give their support. Occasionally, you will hear some emotional parents swearing at other players who offended their beloved offspring. However, in Malaysia, I don't really see parents going to a field to support their children, be it a soccer match, badminton tournament or ping pong game. The reason, I believe, is they don't enjoy watching that or spending time that way.
My second observation was in restaurants. The parents are so loving that they will cater to every need of their children. For example, they will buy their children an ice-cream, if they request; they will buy them a dessert, if they want. In McDonald, adults will watch their children playing at the playground to ensure the safety. Besides that, I believe they also enjoy watching their children having fun at the playground. In Malaysia, the situation is almost the same for most parents. Nevertheless, some conscientious parents will not cater to every need or request from children. For instance, some parents will say having too much ice-cream is not good and reject their children's request. Another example, some will not buy their children soda like Coca-cola even if their children requested because they think it is not good for their health at this age.
All in all, I'd say that American parents, in general, are more loving and sensitive to their children's feeling.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
American Families vs Malaysian Families
From my three months experience in the U.S., I have observed certain similarities and differences between American families and Malaysian families. I want to emphasize that I am speaking from my own experience and observation, it may not be all the cases.
First of all, American families and Malaysian families are different in a way they value individualism. Americans value individual freedom very much. I was surprised to know that Americans normally leave their home at age 18 for college. After 18, their parents, generally, will never have much influence over what they do in their life. After 21, they are totally on their own. Their parents will not interfere in their affairs. Their parents will not have a say on whom they are dating, what they are doing in college, and how they spend their money. After they have a decent job, they will normally have their own house and get married. They seldom live together with their parents, but with their wife and kids. So their parents have to look after each other when they are old. On the contrary, Malaysian parents are more conscientious towards their children even if they have become adults or even become somebody's parent. They tend to offer unsolicited advice to their children. For instance, what college is best suited for them, what bachelor degree is good for them, what kind of career can generate the most economic profit. Malaysian parents generally have some influence over the decisions their children make. There are some, I know, who would disapprove the spouse that their children bring home, and force their children to split up with him or her. Some filial children will obey resentfully; some will end up in a fight or a long argument with their parents. Moreover, staying with parents is assumed to be the children's responsibility and it can be fulfilled by any one of the children.
American families and Malaysian families are similar in the roles of the parents. The father will usually work for a living to support the family financially. The mother will take care of the household chores and her children's upbringing. Nowadays, there has been an increase in working mothers in our country too. I would say that 9 out of 10 Malaysian women work. They are juggling the roles of career and family responsibility. In terms of power, both men and women are equal in our country. Each one of them has equal say in family matters.
I have personally observed a handful of divorce cases in Malaysia. From what I know, America has a high divorce rate too. It is as if one out of two marriages ends in divorce. Although divorce is common in Malaysia, however, the way Malaysians view it may be different from the way Americans view it. Malaysian kids, generally, will be ashamed to say that their parents have divorced. In the U.S., it is, nevertheless, socially accepted. I believe traditional Malaysians are taught to be attached to their spouse for life, even if they find they share different visions for their lives or have learned to value different things. A divorce seems harsh to each other especially if they have children. They are wary of their children's feeling if they decide to split. On the other hand, Americans, in general, will not feel very embarrassed to divorce. When Americans find that their relationship is no longer happy and fulfilling after a continuous compromise and a deep and honest communication, they know that it is time where a hard decision should be made.
All in all, I'd say the concept of family is equally stable in the U.S. and also in Malaysia.
First of all, American families and Malaysian families are different in a way they value individualism. Americans value individual freedom very much. I was surprised to know that Americans normally leave their home at age 18 for college. After 18, their parents, generally, will never have much influence over what they do in their life. After 21, they are totally on their own. Their parents will not interfere in their affairs. Their parents will not have a say on whom they are dating, what they are doing in college, and how they spend their money. After they have a decent job, they will normally have their own house and get married. They seldom live together with their parents, but with their wife and kids. So their parents have to look after each other when they are old. On the contrary, Malaysian parents are more conscientious towards their children even if they have become adults or even become somebody's parent. They tend to offer unsolicited advice to their children. For instance, what college is best suited for them, what bachelor degree is good for them, what kind of career can generate the most economic profit. Malaysian parents generally have some influence over the decisions their children make. There are some, I know, who would disapprove the spouse that their children bring home, and force their children to split up with him or her. Some filial children will obey resentfully; some will end up in a fight or a long argument with their parents. Moreover, staying with parents is assumed to be the children's responsibility and it can be fulfilled by any one of the children.
American families and Malaysian families are similar in the roles of the parents. The father will usually work for a living to support the family financially. The mother will take care of the household chores and her children's upbringing. Nowadays, there has been an increase in working mothers in our country too. I would say that 9 out of 10 Malaysian women work. They are juggling the roles of career and family responsibility. In terms of power, both men and women are equal in our country. Each one of them has equal say in family matters.
I have personally observed a handful of divorce cases in Malaysia. From what I know, America has a high divorce rate too. It is as if one out of two marriages ends in divorce. Although divorce is common in Malaysia, however, the way Malaysians view it may be different from the way Americans view it. Malaysian kids, generally, will be ashamed to say that their parents have divorced. In the U.S., it is, nevertheless, socially accepted. I believe traditional Malaysians are taught to be attached to their spouse for life, even if they find they share different visions for their lives or have learned to value different things. A divorce seems harsh to each other especially if they have children. They are wary of their children's feeling if they decide to split. On the other hand, Americans, in general, will not feel very embarrassed to divorce. When Americans find that their relationship is no longer happy and fulfilling after a continuous compromise and a deep and honest communication, they know that it is time where a hard decision should be made.
All in all, I'd say the concept of family is equally stable in the U.S. and also in Malaysia.
Friday, November 5, 2010
The U.S. voting process vs Malaysia voting process
I was quite lucky to have a chance to observe the election process in the U.S. 2010 is the year where the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the State election were held. I observed that the U.S. voting process is quite similar to Malaysia's because we are both democratic countries.
I will first explain the process in the U.S. In the U.S., voters will firstly need to register as a voter before they can cast their vote. Next they will be brought to their respective ward- the region they belong to- to be given the right ballot. After that they will go to a covered place to put down their vote in the designated ballot. Then they will insert their ballot into a machine and the machine will count their vote automatically. When the ballot is inserted, the voting process is done. The use of the machine is quite efficient and it serves to prevent frauds too. Besides that, the U.S. has a special machine at the polls where you can cast your vote online without the ballot. However, I can see that the majority of people still prefer to use the ballot method. Moreover, there were also a few election observers in the voting place to make sure the election goes smooth. They were the representatives from their respective parties, which were the Republican and the Democrat. They were trying to ensure the opposite party does not endeavor to influence the voter's decision. Furthermore, there is a special vote called "absentee vote", which is specially made for citizens who are not able to vote at their designated ward on that Election Day. With this system in place, they can vote prior to the election. The U.S. really has an excellent voting system to ensure every citizen can participate to form the government.
On the other hand, I cannot articulate the Malaysia's voting process because I haven't voted before. Nevertheless, I can tell that it is rather similar to the U.S. process based on what I heard from people and what I saw in the pictures. We need to register as a voter, then we will be given a ballot at our designated polls to cast our vote. Prior to the election, there are many campaigns going on to promote the politicians and the agenda they are going to bring up. We have a body named "Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya" to organize the election and ensure that the election is fair and transparent. The difference between the Malaysia's and the U.S.'s is the legal age to vote in Malaysia is 21; while it is 18 in the U.S. I just turn 21 this year. The next election will be in 2013 if I am not mistaken. Ask me after 2013 and I should be capable to utter it in more clarity.
In term of parliament structure, we have "Dewan Rakyat" (commonly referred to as the House of Representatives), "Dewan Negara" (commonly referred to as the Senate), and "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" serve as the Head of State. This ultimate legislative body is responsible for passing, amending and repealing acts of law. The difference with the U.S. is our "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" is not the chief executive of the nation, but the Prime Minister, who is elected by the citizens. "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" is the King from the noble royalty. However, he does not have much executive power. In the U.S., the President is the chief of the executive branch.
Lastly, I want to share with you one of my favorite quotes:
A leader thinks of the nation's future; a politician thinks of the next election.
Be a great leader of your beloved country!
I will first explain the process in the U.S. In the U.S., voters will firstly need to register as a voter before they can cast their vote. Next they will be brought to their respective ward- the region they belong to- to be given the right ballot. After that they will go to a covered place to put down their vote in the designated ballot. Then they will insert their ballot into a machine and the machine will count their vote automatically. When the ballot is inserted, the voting process is done. The use of the machine is quite efficient and it serves to prevent frauds too. Besides that, the U.S. has a special machine at the polls where you can cast your vote online without the ballot. However, I can see that the majority of people still prefer to use the ballot method. Moreover, there were also a few election observers in the voting place to make sure the election goes smooth. They were the representatives from their respective parties, which were the Republican and the Democrat. They were trying to ensure the opposite party does not endeavor to influence the voter's decision. Furthermore, there is a special vote called "absentee vote", which is specially made for citizens who are not able to vote at their designated ward on that Election Day. With this system in place, they can vote prior to the election. The U.S. really has an excellent voting system to ensure every citizen can participate to form the government.
On the other hand, I cannot articulate the Malaysia's voting process because I haven't voted before. Nevertheless, I can tell that it is rather similar to the U.S. process based on what I heard from people and what I saw in the pictures. We need to register as a voter, then we will be given a ballot at our designated polls to cast our vote. Prior to the election, there are many campaigns going on to promote the politicians and the agenda they are going to bring up. We have a body named "Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya" to organize the election and ensure that the election is fair and transparent. The difference between the Malaysia's and the U.S.'s is the legal age to vote in Malaysia is 21; while it is 18 in the U.S. I just turn 21 this year. The next election will be in 2013 if I am not mistaken. Ask me after 2013 and I should be capable to utter it in more clarity.
In term of parliament structure, we have "Dewan Rakyat" (commonly referred to as the House of Representatives), "Dewan Negara" (commonly referred to as the Senate), and "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" serve as the Head of State. This ultimate legislative body is responsible for passing, amending and repealing acts of law. The difference with the U.S. is our "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" is not the chief executive of the nation, but the Prime Minister, who is elected by the citizens. "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" is the King from the noble royalty. However, he does not have much executive power. In the U.S., the President is the chief of the executive branch.
Lastly, I want to share with you one of my favorite quotes:
A leader thinks of the nation's future; a politician thinks of the next election.
Be a great leader of your beloved country!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Human Trafficking
I am going to talk about a serious global issue - Human Trafficking.
Human Trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor. It is a modern day form of slavery. It is the world third largest illegal trade after drug and arms trafficking. It is to my ultimate surprise that there are 27 million people today that are slaved. This number is even HIGHER than the past where slavery is legal. Can you believe that? I think part of it is due to the definition change of slavery.
Out of these 27 million slaves, 80% are women. These women or young girls are involved in sexual trades or being household slaves. They act out of their will. Then what do the male slaves do? They had to unwillingly work in dangerous conditions with little or no pay that it would take them forever to repay their debt. Most of them want to be freed and rescued. They want education. They simply have no choice but to lead a miserable life. Why?! Because some need money! While some were deceived and had their passport confiscated when they went abroad. There are basically three means of human trafficking - force, fraud, coercion. So these victims were deceived at the first place.
Despite the country's size and population, Germany has the world largest sex industry. The reason is prostitution in Germany is legal. I never realize that prostitution is legal in certain countries. On the other hand, the US comes second in the sex industry. I came to realize that there are states like Nevada which enacted the legal prostitution law.
In Uzbekistan, the government forced the children to harvest the cotton without pay during the harvest season. This is another form of child slavery. I find it hard to agree to this government policy that I would advocate this illicit activity to stop in due course. The government should use this time to educate the children instead of forcing them to do slavery work that is out of their will.
In my point of view, slavery should be abolished. By studying about the Civil Right Movements of the African American from 1950-1960, I was inspired that equality of opportunity should exist in every country. There is no one born with superior status to any one of us because every human is equal. Human rights should be respected. Please help to contribute to stop human trafficking by any means possible.
Human Trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor. It is a modern day form of slavery. It is the world third largest illegal trade after drug and arms trafficking. It is to my ultimate surprise that there are 27 million people today that are slaved. This number is even HIGHER than the past where slavery is legal. Can you believe that? I think part of it is due to the definition change of slavery.
Out of these 27 million slaves, 80% are women. These women or young girls are involved in sexual trades or being household slaves. They act out of their will. Then what do the male slaves do? They had to unwillingly work in dangerous conditions with little or no pay that it would take them forever to repay their debt. Most of them want to be freed and rescued. They want education. They simply have no choice but to lead a miserable life. Why?! Because some need money! While some were deceived and had their passport confiscated when they went abroad. There are basically three means of human trafficking - force, fraud, coercion. So these victims were deceived at the first place.
Despite the country's size and population, Germany has the world largest sex industry. The reason is prostitution in Germany is legal. I never realize that prostitution is legal in certain countries. On the other hand, the US comes second in the sex industry. I came to realize that there are states like Nevada which enacted the legal prostitution law.
In Uzbekistan, the government forced the children to harvest the cotton without pay during the harvest season. This is another form of child slavery. I find it hard to agree to this government policy that I would advocate this illicit activity to stop in due course. The government should use this time to educate the children instead of forcing them to do slavery work that is out of their will.
In my point of view, slavery should be abolished. By studying about the Civil Right Movements of the African American from 1950-1960, I was inspired that equality of opportunity should exist in every country. There is no one born with superior status to any one of us because every human is equal. Human rights should be respected. Please help to contribute to stop human trafficking by any means possible.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ropes Course
1WWffflf1What was the experience like for you?
The experience was awesome! I had a lot of fun with others. It would be better if we can try the higher ropes course.
2.Were there any benefits to you as an individual?
I learned that teamwork makes a dream work.
What were the benefits to us as a class?
Yes. I believe a strong bond within us is formed. We get to know each other better.
Compare and contrast how this activity relates to the themes in Ch 4?
The challenges are not too tough though. But we were taught that every problem has a solution.
Is this activity uniquely “American” or is this something your culture has or could have as well?
Our culture has it as well.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
American Football
When we talk about football in the US, it is not the same football we mean in Malaysia. It is the American Football. And it is indeed one of my surprises to realize that so many Americans are crazy about this sport! Apparently, football is part of their life, an indispensable element in the US culture. It is the most popular sport in the US. Baseball comes second; while basketball comes third; followed by ice hockey.
American Football is similar to the sport, rugby. When I mention about rugby, I guess most of the Malaysians have already had an idea of what American Football is. Yes, it is a sport played between two teams where they try to score points by advancing the ball to the opponent's end zone. However, there are still some differences in rules and configuration of the field. For example, the number of players in rugby is 13, while the number of players in American Football is 11.
There is a major league in American Football -NFL (National Football League). Watching the league and supporting their state's team is a favorite past time to most Americans, be it men or women. It is like how Malaysians enjoy watching EPL (English Premier League) in England. It is a spectacular scene in UWEC when The Packers (GreenBay Wisconsin NFL team) is on the field. Almost one out of three Americans will wear their green color jersey to show the identity and support their team. It was to my ultimate surprise that my professor played the live show in class while he was teaching. Wasn't that incredibly ridiculous? He didn't want to disappoint his students by missing The Packer game. You see the heat of football in the US? It is unbelievable! And I would like to see what would happen on campus when The Viking (Minnesota team) plays against The Packers (Wisconsin team).
Football is part and parcel in typical American's life. I believe the reason is it complements their life in the way they value heroes. Almost all American male heroes on television and in movies have traditionally had the common ability to demonstrate their strength through physical violence. Possessing great physical strength is like being a warrior to them. And this value is truly reflected in football games.
I had a chance to watch a football game in UWEC Homecoming - Blugolds versus Pointers. It was amazing! A picture is worth a thousand words.
American Football is similar to the sport, rugby. When I mention about rugby, I guess most of the Malaysians have already had an idea of what American Football is. Yes, it is a sport played between two teams where they try to score points by advancing the ball to the opponent's end zone. However, there are still some differences in rules and configuration of the field. For example, the number of players in rugby is 13, while the number of players in American Football is 11.
There is a major league in American Football -NFL (National Football League). Watching the league and supporting their state's team is a favorite past time to most Americans, be it men or women. It is like how Malaysians enjoy watching EPL (English Premier League) in England. It is a spectacular scene in UWEC when The Packers (GreenBay Wisconsin NFL team) is on the field. Almost one out of three Americans will wear their green color jersey to show the identity and support their team. It was to my ultimate surprise that my professor played the live show in class while he was teaching. Wasn't that incredibly ridiculous? He didn't want to disappoint his students by missing The Packer game. You see the heat of football in the US? It is unbelievable! And I would like to see what would happen on campus when The Viking (Minnesota team) plays against The Packers (Wisconsin team).
Football is part and parcel in typical American's life. I believe the reason is it complements their life in the way they value heroes. Almost all American male heroes on television and in movies have traditionally had the common ability to demonstrate their strength through physical violence. Possessing great physical strength is like being a warrior to them. And this value is truly reflected in football games.
I had a chance to watch a football game in UWEC Homecoming - Blugolds versus Pointers. It was amazing! A picture is worth a thousand words.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
An American's Immigration History
I had a chance to talk with an American friend about his ancestors’ immigration history. Apparently, his great great grandparents were from Czechoslovakia, Austria and Poland. Czech Republic and Slovakia were once a country before they were split around 18 years ago. He believes that he is the last descendant of his family right now, as he is the only child. It is unfortunate that he could not speak all of his native languages. Besides, his family does not have any contact with other family members in their home countries of Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Poland. Nevertheless, they uphold some of the Polish culture in their family.
Back in the day, his great great grandfather immigrated to The United States of America in the mid of 1800. He chose to immigrate because of the religious freedom, material wealth, and new career opportunities in the USA. He was a Christian, however the churches were controlled by the King. He defied the rules and detested the feeling of being controlled in term of religion. The plight of being restricted from religious freedom was really miserable.
So ultimately, he decided to move. He landed in New York before taking the train to Milwaukee. He then settled down in Altoona. At that point of time, the USA embraced the capitalism model. He made up his mind to come to Wisconsin because the state was rich in lumber. He built a lumber business and then moved to Wausau and got married. It was easier to obtain land at that time too. Eventually, the family moved and settled down in Madison. Their culture assimilated to the American culture. They are the Czech Slovakian descents in Wisconsin.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Historical Buildings in Downtown Eau Claire
Eau Claire High School
Eau Claire has two public high schools within Eau Claire Area School District: Memorial High School and North High School. Memorial High School was built in 1925. However, its enrollment was in 1737, with a staff of over 150. It was built on a three-block campus at that time. The school's mascot is Old Abe. Now both schools have moved out to new campus.
Christ Church Cathedral
This is an excellent example of early twentieth century Neo-Gothic Church architecture. It was designed by the Minneapolis firm of Purcell, Feick, and Elmslie. It was constructed over the period from 1910-1916.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Does culture define institutions or do institutions define culture?
Does culture define institutions or do institutions define culture? What do you think? It is like a question to ask you whether chickens come first or eggs.
In my opinion, culture and institutions are interdependent. Nonetheless, I feel that culture defines institution first is a more logical statement. Why do I say so? When we turn back the pendulum to the ancient time where humans were first born or made into this world, the institutions did not exist. I believe that the first generation of humans lived in an environment which was totally on their own. They did not have more companions. They lived their own lives, they hunted for food, and they learned to survive. As time passed, they gave birth, they learned to communicate, and most importantly, they learned to value things differently. Distinctive beliefs were thus shaped, various lifestyles were formed.
Birds of a feather flock together. As the community went bigger, they formed their own tribes. The tribe might share the same physical appearance like skin color or hair color, similar communication ways like language, common lifestyles like food preference, values, rules, religions and beliefs. These are all the essence of a culture. Leaders were then chosen to lead the community. This is what I believe the first generation of institution might be. As the civilization progressed, the cultural process perpetuated. The institutions shaped the culture in return. The new-born children were raised up in the culture that was being upheld by the community. Then they took the leadership when they grew up and culturally influenced the next generation.
This is how I believe the institutions were defined first by the culture.
In my opinion, culture and institutions are interdependent. Nonetheless, I feel that culture defines institution first is a more logical statement. Why do I say so? When we turn back the pendulum to the ancient time where humans were first born or made into this world, the institutions did not exist. I believe that the first generation of humans lived in an environment which was totally on their own. They did not have more companions. They lived their own lives, they hunted for food, and they learned to survive. As time passed, they gave birth, they learned to communicate, and most importantly, they learned to value things differently. Distinctive beliefs were thus shaped, various lifestyles were formed.
Birds of a feather flock together. As the community went bigger, they formed their own tribes. The tribe might share the same physical appearance like skin color or hair color, similar communication ways like language, common lifestyles like food preference, values, rules, religions and beliefs. These are all the essence of a culture. Leaders were then chosen to lead the community. This is what I believe the first generation of institution might be. As the civilization progressed, the cultural process perpetuated. The institutions shaped the culture in return. The new-born children were raised up in the culture that was being upheld by the community. Then they took the leadership when they grew up and culturally influenced the next generation.
This is how I believe the institutions were defined first by the culture.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Comparison between UWEC and Malaysian student
Hi! Thanks for reading my blog! My name is Choo Choon Sian. Nice to make your acquaintance!
I have been in US for around 2 weeks. Things are really a lot different. I have numerous culture shocks when I came here. Nevertheless, I manage to acclimatize to those. I know that it is by studying others that we learn about ourselves. I am ready to make a change in my life.
What I like most about american students is they are very friendly and gregarious. They greet you so often, even though that they do not know who you are. "Hey, how are you doing?" It is what we will normally hear around the campus. In comparison, Malaysian students will feel very weird if somebody who does not know them come over and greet them with "How are you?". They rarely know how to respond. So this is a very good American's culture that we should learn and adopt. Secondly, the way American peers moving into the campus was like they were moving their house. They seemed to bring all their belongings. I just name a few we do not usually get to see in Malaysia - television, games console, microwave, refrigerator, futon, carpet, a lot of clothes, socks and shoes. Wherever I go around the dorm, I can hear the sound of the speakers blasting on my ears. I come to realize that western people really know how to enjoy their life; while eastern people work hard to thrive, and even to survive. This is really one of the main cultural differences. I know we should maintain the balanced lifestyle.
I do not really notice many similarities between University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (UWEC) and Malaysian students. However, I would like to pinpoint some notable ones. The first similarity is both education systems also stress much on extra curricular activities. UWEC has 200 over student's clubs and organizations. I think my home university (National University of Malaysia - UKM) also has close to 200 student's societies. This is a good platform where great leaders are made. What is more? Both UWEC and UKM have a very condusive environment for study. The universities do have a beautiful campus, where you can trees, rivers and hills. The air is fresh, and the view is splendid, especially UWEC. Besides, they are equipped with excellent facilities and amenities. This is what makes me so grateful.
I have been in US for around 2 weeks. Things are really a lot different. I have numerous culture shocks when I came here. Nevertheless, I manage to acclimatize to those. I know that it is by studying others that we learn about ourselves. I am ready to make a change in my life.
What I like most about american students is they are very friendly and gregarious. They greet you so often, even though that they do not know who you are. "Hey, how are you doing?" It is what we will normally hear around the campus. In comparison, Malaysian students will feel very weird if somebody who does not know them come over and greet them with "How are you?". They rarely know how to respond. So this is a very good American's culture that we should learn and adopt. Secondly, the way American peers moving into the campus was like they were moving their house. They seemed to bring all their belongings. I just name a few we do not usually get to see in Malaysia - television, games console, microwave, refrigerator, futon, carpet, a lot of clothes, socks and shoes. Wherever I go around the dorm, I can hear the sound of the speakers blasting on my ears. I come to realize that western people really know how to enjoy their life; while eastern people work hard to thrive, and even to survive. This is really one of the main cultural differences. I know we should maintain the balanced lifestyle.
I do not really notice many similarities between University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire (UWEC) and Malaysian students. However, I would like to pinpoint some notable ones. The first similarity is both education systems also stress much on extra curricular activities. UWEC has 200 over student's clubs and organizations. I think my home university (National University of Malaysia - UKM) also has close to 200 student's societies. This is a good platform where great leaders are made. What is more? Both UWEC and UKM have a very condusive environment for study. The universities do have a beautiful campus, where you can trees, rivers and hills. The air is fresh, and the view is splendid, especially UWEC. Besides, they are equipped with excellent facilities and amenities. This is what makes me so grateful.
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