Once online school began, I had to try to get back into the mindset of being a student. It was admittedly difficult to remind myself that school wasn’t “out”. Just because I was at home and supposed to stay at home does not mean that I didn’t have responsibilities as a student. This process was made even more difficult because of technological issues and the time difference. Most my classes were taught live past midnight. My earliest class was at 2 am and my latest was at 6 am.
Since students were all in different time zones, professors decided to record classes and upload them. Students were responsible for watching the classes and turning in all the assignments based on the updated timeline. I am the kind if student who thrives in a classroom-environment. I need the structure that a physical class provides. I am an activate participant in class and always ask professors questions when I need clarification or help on an assignment. That said, being home with an 8-hour time difference made it hard to communicate with professors and to learn. It was very self-directed and required a lot of discipline, especially when I couldn’t access the recorded sessions due to technological issues.
Fortunately, all the professors and staff have been patient and supportive throughout this process and I have tried to pay them the same courtesy. No one was accepting these turn of events so it’s important to understand that everyone is struggling with the transition and its essential to remain patient. A couple of weeks in, I was able to adjust and communicate with my professors via email. Once I created a schedule for myself, I was able to transition into the student mindset once again. I am incredibly grateful for FEA as well my home university and abroad university for their support.
ZJ Abroad 