Milwaukee!! The name evokes strong memories of delectable cheese in my mind. Wisconsin Sate wherein Milwaukee is located is “America’s dairyland”, and in the two years I spent in Milwaukee, I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to taste some of the yummiest varieties of Wisconsin Cheese, famous all over USA.
I remember how nervous I was when I went to attend the mandatory orientation for the new students of the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (UWM) fall 2010 batch, organised by the Centre for International Education - UWM. It was a well-co-ordinated programme which gave us an idea of what it took to achieve success in academics, showed how to make friends in a new place, information about the range of facilities UWM had to offer and some practical tips to make our stay exciting there. It was a fun orientation where I had my first brush with authentic American food and I still remember those lip-smacking giant chocolate chips cookies which were served for dessert.
Milwaukee is a beautiful city. The first thought that crossed my mind when I was accepted by the UWM was, the snowy winters, and Milwaukee did not disappoint me. It snows quite a lot in Milwaukee and the cold winter months here are an absolute treat for people who love snow and there is a lot to explore here. For my stay in Milwaukee, I chose the University accommodation for graduate students. This place is located on the trendy East side and is close to a number of restaurants and grocery stores. This place is just a few blocks away from the famous ‘Brady Street’. The 24/7 free shuttle service from the dorms to the campus and back is an added advantage. I would recommend future students to stay at the UWM dorms at least for a year as it provides a very unique experience. Many events are organised at these dorms throughout the year and there was never a dull moment.
Studying at UWM was not only about earning a professional degree, but also moulding my personality. In most of the courses, classroom participation was about 25 per cent of the grade. This meant that I had to read about the topics to be discussed in the class in advance and prepare notes in order to make a meaningful contribution during the class. The university has a lot to offer to all the students in terms of activities and has many exchange programmes with universities around the world, including India. On one such programme, I had the opportunity to travel to Ghana, West Africa. It was an enriching cultural experience I cherish.
The writer is pursuing her MBA at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, U.S.
