Student Testimonials
Here are some thoughts from the past students and interns who successfully accomplished this course:
“My experience as a LAS100 facilitator was interesting because it was very different from my expectations both in good and bad ways. I was able to meet a lot of amazing students as previous semesters but because the class was larger and had more diversity of opinions and characters, it was hard to lead discussions in a particular way. The lesson plans were never followed through but sometimes that meant we were discussing things that meant a lot to students. I like the flexibility of LAS100 because that is what makes us closer to each other compared to other courses.”
— Naomi Kainuma (Fall15 LAS100 intern & Fall16 LAS199 facilitator)
“The Best/ Worst moment discussions are the best. The warm and relaxing atmosphere makes me love LAS100.”
— Fall 2016 LAS100 student
“The main difference between LAS 100 and LAS 101 is that in the former class, I feel that I am more treated as a unique and distinctive self instead of a “study machine” or just any random person: my thoughts, emotions, and experience are truly cared and appreciated. LAS 100 is a course specifically designed for international students—its instructors, facilitators, and interns understand what kind of challenges we may meet in our study and life in UIUC and try their best to help us. Besides, the course content is not as simple as introducing the campus and its resources; however, more importantly, it challenges our rooted stereotypes or biases and cultivates our capability of critical thinking as well as leads us to contemplate what is the purpose of the liberal arts education and the meaning of our own education. ”
— Xinxin Chen (Fall15 LAS100 student & Fall16 LAS199 intern)
“LAS 100 meant more than a class getting international students ready for the college life. I learned how to appreciate the different cultures, to seek out the meaning of education, and to step out of my comfort zone. I sincerely appreciate the course director, instructors, facilitators, interns and my peers who made LAS 199 one of my favorite classes. “
— Hyunjoon Oh (FALL 16 STUDENT)
“LAS 100 not only assists my transition to college life but also totally changes my view towards the liberal art education itself. I used to think it was an abstract idea that not worth talking about, but now I know what I’m learning every day. ”
— Xiaoxiao Wu (Fall15 LAS199 student & Fall16 LAS199 intern)
“This is a great experience that changes my perspectives on cultural influences on individuals. ”
— Hanyu Lu(Fall15 LAS100 student & Fall16 LAS199 intern)
“I really enjoy the discussion about the value of education. I also like the interns of LAS100.”
— Fall16 LAS100 student
“LAS100 was the place where I learned to be most proud and accepting of my identity as an international student. It is easy to feel small in this vast of people, especially if you are a minority and your culture is so different from the norm, but if you start accepting the differences as beauty, you will truly cherish yourself, your culture and your surrounding. At least, that was the case for me. ”
–Alia Radzi (Fall15 LAS100 student & Fall16 LAS199 intern)
“Las 100 helps me make the transition to the college life better. We have small group discussions in class, have chance to do a group project and also need to write a paper in the end. All these skills are important and useful. It is an introductory course that helps me develop skills instead of just giving an orientation. ”
–– Wenyulin Li(Fall15 LAS100 student & Fall16 LAS199 intern)
“I have been participating in this LAS course since the day one; I was taking LAS100 at my first year of college, met Dr. Lamers and my instructors Sophy and Ga Young while I was taking the course. Decided to stay in following semesters and continue work with Dr. Lamers and Sophy as an intern in LAS399. Both LAS100 & LAS399 have been inspiring me a lot; I met many interesting people and learned a lot from both classes.”
— ZiDian Zhang (FALL 2014 STUDENT & FALL 2015 INTERN & FALL 2016 FACILITATOR)
“Friendly teachers and classmates.”
— Fall16 LAS199 student
“No exam!”
— Fall 2016 LAS199 student