Directions: For this part, you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay on the challenges of studying abroad. You should write at least 120 words but no more than 180 words.

        The number of students who choose to study abroad is on the increase. International students may find it exciting to soak themselves in foreign cultures, but the excitement also comes with an equivalent amount of hardship.

        First and foremost, culture shock is inevitable for most international students even if they have acquired an intermediate language proficiency. There are much more differences between two types of lifestyle, which require students to adapt properly. This process could result in either an unforgettable memory or a lowered expectation on their overseas experience. What is even more difficult than culture shock to overcome is students’ expense. The stereotype that all overseas students are filthy rich is not true, while many of them actually struggle to control their consumption. Meanwhile, accommodation, medical care, food and entertainment can be a burden, teaching students thrift and to work part-time.

        Given the challenges above, studying abroad is undoubtedly a critical period of life. However, these challenges are not fearsome as most of the students are strong-minded enough to overcome them. It is also because of these challenges that makes overseas study an excellent way to grow up and see life and the world open-mindedly.

参考译文

        选择出国留学的学生数量正在增长。国际学生可能会觉得沉浸在外国文化中非常令人兴奋，但这种兴奋也伴随着同等的困难。

        第一点也是最重要的一点，文化冲击对于绝大部分国际学生来说是不可避免的，即使他们的语言水平已经达到标准。两种生活方式有非常多的差异，这需要留学生去努力适应。而且适应的过程既可能带来一段难忘的回忆，也可能会降低他们对海外经历的期望。比文化冲击更难克服的是学生的开销问题。留学生都非常富有这一刻板印象并非真实，而其实很多留学生都因控制开销而苦苦挣扎着。与此同时，住宿、医疗、餐饮和娱乐都会成为负担，并教会他们勤俭节约和勤工俭学。

        由于以上这些挑战的原因，出国留学无疑是人生中的一个关键时期。然而，这些挑战并不可怕，因为绝大多数学生足够坚强去克服困难。而且正因为这些挑战，才使留学是一种绝佳的方式让人成长，并用更开阔的眼界去看待生活和世界。