【推荐1】First Year Learning Communities in University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC)

First Year Learning Communities, also known as “FLCs”, are groups of students from similar programs of study. FLCs focus on building community and working together to build skills for success.

Why Join?

First Year Learning Communities help first-year students to make connections within their program of study while developing academic, career and personal skills. Each year, past participants tell us how the program helped them to get to know their classmates, faculty, staff, and alumni. Students also tell us that the program helped them be familiar with university and enhance their university experience.

About the Program

FLCs meet every two weeks for FLC Meetings, facilitated by their upper-year FLC Leaders. FLCs are divided by program of study, with a maximum of 40 students in each FLC. There is no cost for participating in this program.

The program will begin in early September and will run until April 30. FLC Meetings will take place on campus and in-person. FLC programming may include off-campus trips, special events, and virtual events.

Application Dates & Deadlines

The formal application period will run from June 1 to September 1. Applicants will be notified of their status by September 3.

You can apply at https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ first-year-learning-communities-program-flip.

Applying After the Deadline

Students may continue to apply after the application deadline and throughout the school year. Should you apply outside of this period, you will be added to our waiting list and notified if spaces come available.

Eligibility

To participate in this program, you must be an undergraduate, UTSC student in your first year at U’TSC. Transfer students and students with transfer credits are welcome and encouraged to apply.

The First Year Learning Communities Program is open to the following programs of study:

Arts (Humanities, Social Sciences and Visual & Performing Arts)

Computer Science, Mathematics & Statistics

Physical & Environmental Sciences

Psychological & Health Sciences

【推荐2】Where to Buy Art Online

Buying a piece of art is easier than ever. Now, art is at the tip of your fingers thanks to the internet. Here are platforms available for all prices and tastes.

ArtFinder focuses on selling original and limited edition artwork from independent artists around the world. With 5,700 five-star review son TrustPilot, ArtFinder is a reliable source for affordable art. Buyers like the simple purchasing process and appreciate the accurate representation of the artwork on the website. If you aren't satisfied with what you receive, the platform has a 14-day return policy.

Fine Art America is the world's largest online art marketplace. It is home to hundreds of thousands of artists, photographers and global brands. You can also search thematic collections by high-level brands like Rolling Stone, so it's a good choice if you are looking for a print of a famous photograph. If you aren't satisfied with what you receive, the platform has a 30-day return policy.

If you are looking for a high-end gallery experience from home, check out Artsy. This highly respected platform has over 2 million pieces of art available. Artsy aims to make collecting art easy and allows art lovers to buy artwork and even sell pieces from their collections. Once you've purchased or made an offer, all sales are final.

If you want to purchase from emerging and mid-career independent artists, Saatchi Art is a great option. Saatchi has original pieces and art prints ranging from under $500 to over $10,000. With over60,000 international artists on the platform, there is plenty to choose from. Saatchi has a 14-day return policy for original artwork.

【推荐3】The Best Volunteer Abroad Programs in Africa

Looking for the best volunteer abroad opportunities to join? Here are the best volunteer programs in Africa.

Volunteer in Zanzibar

Looking to unplug from everyday life? Zanzibar program is perfect for animal and nature lovers. As a volunteer traveler, you can live in a beachside bungalow (平房) and regenerate wild turtle populations. Alternatively, you can stay in a forest camp to protect endangered species, such as snakes, lizards and tortoises.

Volunteer in Victoria Falls

Imagine volunteering in a setting where your backyard has breathtaking views over a zebra-filled grassland—Victoria Falls is just that. It is one of the best wildlife conservation volunteer programs, which has been recommended in the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2023. While the volunteer work is physically demanding, you’ll be rewarded with night camping outside the reserve.

Volunteer in Zambia

For those who want to explore the incredible area of Victoria Falls, but also want to volunteer in the community, check this out. Volunteer in Zambia includes construction, teaching and medical care. Thanks to its thrilling activities, this is the “perfect destination for adventure-seekers” according to Lonely Planet! Whether you want to swim on the ledge of a waterfall or take a walking safari (徒步野生动物观光), Zambia is the perfect spot to witness nature at its best while making a positive impact.

Volunteer in Ghana

Volunteers on the Ghana program consistently talk about the immersive cultural experience. The local people you’ll work with will make you feel at home from the moment you land in Ghana. As a volunteer here, you’ll develop a strong sense of connection to your host community and local traditions in Ghana.

【推荐2】Best Outdoor Activities in Orlando

This national monument in Arizona is located within the Sonoran Desert, which spans more than 330,000 acres and is one of the few places in the US where you can see the country’s largest cacti. This “green desert” gets its name from the organ pipe cactus, whose branches mimic the musical instrument. Visitors can explore 31 cactus species and wildflowers through the monument’s many hikes, including the Nature Trail, a short and accessible paved trail. Take your camera, because the area is also home to the Sonoyta mud turtle, desert bighorn, and birds such as the Gila woodpecker and cactus wren.

Located in the center of the state, Red Rock State Park is a popular road trip destination and a must-see attraction during a multi-day trip to the Sedona area. The nature preserve features a visitor center and picnic areas that invite visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arizona red rocks that surround them. With environmental education and conservation top of mind, Red Rock State Park is a primary place that asks visitors to hike lightly, pack out what they pack in and stick to the trails.

Sedona is regularly described as one of America’s most beautiful places. Nowhere else will you find a landscape as dramatically colorful. The towering red rocks and jagged sandstone hills matched against an almost always blue sky have attracted professional and young artists for years. Plus, filmmakers have chosen these burning rock formations in north-central Arizona as the backdrop for such box-office hits as “3:10 to Yuma,” “Broken Arrow” and “Midnight Run.”

On top of all that exciting lake-borne action, those looking for something exciting can take part in OWC’s Aquapark, a group of LEGO-inspired ships with climbing barriers, slides and more that will wear you and more importantly, your kids out! No special skills are required, life jackets keep things super safe, and hours of fun are virtually guaranteed. The minimum age for the Aqua park is six and reservations are definitely recommended.