USTL provides full scholarships to outstanding students from Timor-Leste for two to four years of study at high-quality undergraduate degree institutions in the United States. Scholarship awards include full tuition toward either a bachelor’s degree or associate degree, travel, living stipends, medical insurance in the U.S., and visa costs. USTL is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State.

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Mall of America is the biggest shopping mall in the United States, located in Bloomington, Minneapolis. It took 4 and half hours to drive by Bus from Appleton. This trip was organized by Student Life at FVTC and was open for all students and employees to join. It was also a great opportunity to be able to interact with students from other programs, as well as employees. The bus departed at 7 a.m. and arrived at the Mall around 11:30 a.m.

There were a variety of rides inside the mall, at affordable prices, such as seeing the Wildlife Aquarium, fly over America, Shark Attack, Rock Climbing, Roller Coasters, Virtual reality games, Car chart, and many other amazing amusement rides. We immediately made our way to buy tickets to access Sea Life. The aquarium is on the lowest level, far from hustle and bustle of other visitors. This is a nice exhibit for all ages. I was fascinated by the layout, and the glass tunnel gets me face-to-face with a lot of the sea animals like sharks, fish, and sting rays, who are swimming all around us.

Next, we did Virtual Reality Games, which are located on the third floor. I refused to try this game, because I didn't know what the game was like, however, my friend persuaded me to give it a go. What I like about this entertainment is my immersion in the game. The movements, the atmosphere, and the turbulence I felt in the game were amazing. This is my favorite part of the trip and highlights my day, even though it's pricy. The last thing we did was try the cuisine. I tried the Bahamas Chicken Burger, which is sold on the 2nd floor. It tasted very good! The aroma is seductive and different from other burgers I've tried before.

Another game that is equally interesting and challenging is the Roller Coaster. The height was frightening, so my eyes were closed the whole time I was up there. Everyone in the line seemed excited but frightened at the same time because of the screaming.

It was the first time I saw and tried these kinds of things directly, so I enjoyed it very much. I've only watched it in the movies and never in my wildest imagination did I think I would ever do such things. I still pinch myself wondering if it was real. It was such a great experience, and I am glad I was able to go on the trip. We returned home the same day, so I was still able to do my homework afterward.

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