Nelson Mandela once said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” I’ve always enjoyed learning new language. So far I’ve learned 11 languages.

German is the first language I started learning completely on my own. I don’t remember clearly why I chose this language to learn, but I remember I had no idea how to learn it. I spent several months reading an old grammar book found in my grandmother’s bookcase. But I quickly lost heart.

Then I saw an advertisement on TV about a language series in 4 languages and decided to give it a go. While using it, I came up with my method: a special technique to absorb (掌握) the basic patterns of any language in a light, natural and fun way. I quickly realized that it was helpful to me.

After using the technique for a year and a half, I met a group of Germans while on vacation. I would always remember their faces as they asked in surprise, “Wie kannst du so gut Deutsch?” This reaction and the resulting special connection were enough to increase my passion (激情) to improve my German. From that moment on, I started reading a lot. The language has become an important part of my life.

The lesson learned: If you find a method that you like and works, you can start learning any language by yourself. There is no best method of learning a language. Find something that is helpful to you. And above all, experiment!

After Donald Trump became the 45th American president, a new video of his granddaughter Arabella went popular once again on the Internet. In this video, the little girl wore a qipao, a kind of traditional Chinese dress. She stood in front of a table to recite(背诵)ancient Chinese poems. These poems are familiar(熟悉的) to most Chinese people and they are often recited by Chinese kids. Arabella made the video to remember Chinese Monkey Year, which ended on January 27th, 2017.

Arabella’s family are interested in Chinese culture. They can even make Chinese dumplings and sing Chinese songs. Arabella began to study Chinese when she was 18 months old. Now she can speak very good Chinese. Early in February, 2016, 4-year-old Arabella, recited a Tang Dynasty poem in Chinese. Her mother sent her video online and won lots of “likes” from all over the world.

On Sonia Weibo, many users thought Arabella was a wonderful and surprising girl. “I’m glad to see the little angel loves Chinese culture.” Wrote a user called “orange”.

“At least her video shows that Trump is serious about education and never closes the door to foreign culture,” said another user named “stAU79”.

I was born in the U.S, but grew up in Greece, experiencing the best of both worlds. I began studying French in sixth grade while in Grece. 【小题1】 I moved to the U.S. at 18 to study at Oakland University. My love of French carried over to college and French became one of my majors. Besides French, I am also majoring in journalism with a dream to travel and write.

【小题2】 I wanted to understand the nature of a culture different from the ones I was familiar with. I wanted to get to know the people and make basic connections. During my stay in France, I maintained a blog and I wrote a lot.

Through my study, I got the chance to talk to the locals and share stories and experiences with my host family. 【小题3】

Classes were long, homework was pleasantly challenging, but there was plenty of time in that one month of July to explore the city and see France. The food and the trips were by far the best part of my experience. I was in homestay and all my meals were home-made, French and delicious. 【小题4】 I also got to see places that I had only ever heard about in my studies. Physically going to sights rich in history and beauty was incredible.

Studying abroad, you will be able to explore the world and become more aware of other cultures. A study abroad experience is eye-opening and fruitful in all aspects, no matter how long the stay is. You will make friends and discover delicious or perhaps strange foods. 【小题5】