Hi there,
I'm a transfer student from UC Merced. I've posted a link @ ptt3. There's no Taiwanese association @ UC Merced yet. However, there is a CSSA=Chinese Student & Scholar Association.
They have a lot of information on the website which I think might be helpful.
http://cssa.ucm.googlepages.com/home
Are you sure your friend want to come here? I think it's a pioneer school, which was founded on 2005.
There are only 3 classroom buildings here, and you have to consider the Alumni association might not be very useful for future Networking as all the Alumni just started entering the working force.
Honestly it's tough here because we have to figure everything out by ourselves without the consultancy & assistance from any Taiwanese seniors. People are nice and more laid back here though, since it's a country side. Life is very simple, because you have no Karaoke to go and there is only 1 good Chinese restaurant (New Asia) This region is still under development. There's no Chinese supermarket here so you have to drive for at least 1 hours to Fresno to find one. The rent is quite cheep though, compared to other cities or bay area.
The courses here are quite good and of UC level. The quality and reputation is guaranteed.
You can actually really learn something. This school is also aimed for research so you can also participate in some volunteer research to prepare for grad school. Library is new and awesome, but still not many books yet and you can lend books from other UC schools.
If I were you I would apply for other UC schools if you haven't missed the deadlines (just like I did) or having any monetary concerns.
However, I would say the final decision is ultimately up to you.
We should get the best out of our education no matter where we are.
you are welcome to contact CSSA for further questions.
Hope they will be as honest and sincere as I am. :D |