- Visit USA ✅
I was able to visit USA through an exchange program scholarship called CCIP (Community College Initiative Program). CCIP has 3 core values: academic, community, and understanding. In the program, we get to study in the field of study that we chose and may obtain college credit certificates (mine was Business with Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certification), complete 100 hours of community service and 60 hours of internship.
The participants (grantees) are from different countries. In my batch at Miami Dade College, there were 28 students within the area of Business, Tourism and Hospitality studies, 16 studied at Wolfson (Downtown) Campus and 12 at Kendall Campus. They are from Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey. Can you imagine how cool is that? I’m forever grateful to have friends in all over the world.
When I came to Miami it was Summer. The first week, we had some orientations about the program, culture shock, get along, time, money, and health management, etc. It was educative, informative, and fun! They took us in a van and showed us how to get around with public transportation, and shop for daily household needs at Publix or Walmart. Then after that, we were enrolled in an Intensive English Class (ESL – English as Second Language) and it was only for us CCIP MDC students. The classes were divided by levels based on our TOEFL score. Intensive means a class from 9.30am to 1.25pm and continue another class from 2.30pm to 6pm. We basically spent a month from Monday-Thursday for English classes. I was placed in Kendall campus (about 45 minutes from Downtown Miami by public transportation) and lived in The Startford Apartments 88th St and 122nd Ave. But most of the Kendall students were enrolled in Downtown (Wolfson) campus.
On Friday and Saturday, sometimes we have to attend orientation (this was all good, helps us to prevent disorientation), do some community service, obtain our ID card, group discussion, go to the bank (to receive our stipend check – no one will ever complain about this one. We love going to the bank :p) but then after that we go to a nice places, last week we went to the Goodwill. I read a lot about Goodwill, I wish we have one back home. Today, we’ll go to Miami History Museum (something you might do as tourist visiting Miami, right?) and tomorrow we’ll go to the Dolphin Mall. It’s been 3 weeks since the last time I visited a big mall. In my hometown, super malls are everywhere and it’s near to where I live. But anyway, our program coordinator already planned everything for us as a group. Sometimes I feel like I’m in the World Nations Parade and I’m happy about it.
I am thankful because I know there are people who work very hard for us to provide the best for us, to enrich and support us. So for it, I want to thank Nate and Margaret (best program coordinators), Anoush (I love all the times you spent your days with us!), Dean Owles (you’re very fun and lovely, thanks for sharing every important details and your experience). I have 3 best housemates. We want to make the most of this year and have a great moments together.
Have a good Friday!
The Stratford, Kendall Miami
August 2nd, 2013
06.00am
