The British School System

I can't believe that I am half way through my semester abroad. I have only had 5 weeks of classes but for England that concludes the first half of your semester. I have found the one thing I do not like about London. I know I didn't think there would be anything I didn't like about London. But I did and it is the school system.

Classes are so much different out here. It is hard to explain but I will do my best and try not confuse you. They are more self driven then classes in America. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the self driven structure. Doing readings on my own I do anyway. There is just not much guidance when it comes to assignments and class time can be pointless. I have a seminar and a lecture for each class. Lectures I find pretty pointless. For some of my classes, I can get the same amount of information out of reading the slides myself in my room than I get sitting in an hour and a half lecture. Seminars are better and a little more like classes in America. It gives you more one on one with your tutor. The seminars are helpful with group work that I have for two of my classes but often times the tutor just goes over what was discussed in the lecture and you get no extra detail.

I only have 2 assignments for each class usually including a presentation and a paper.. No tests, quizzes or any other type of assessment. I have found it very hard to learn with this system. As annoying and stressful as tests can be, they at least make sure that you are staying on top of your studies and understand the material. Papers and presentations focus on one topic that we may or may not have covered to a large extent in class.

My level 5 classes are better than my level 4 class. My market research class is my favorite real class that I am taking here. I actually feel like I am learning something from the lectures and within my group and during the seminar. It is a good thing I am actually learning something from class because this class actually counts for my market research credit back in Plymouth. Global markets isn't horrible but it can get pretty boring. I have not learned much in that seminar or with the group work. The Role of a Manager is the worst class I have ever taken. I have not learned anything in this class and always leave frustrated with my tutor. We do the same thing each class with a different article that ends with the same result. My theater class is definitely my favorite. It is fun to go to shows and I actually feel like I am getting something out of this which is funny because this is strictly a study abroad student class.

I find the British school system confusing. They do not guide you through your assignments and assume you understand the project. It is not easy to ask questions or get help with your assignment. This makes it more frustrating and stressful. It seems to be a general consensus of American students that we learn more at home and like the American school system better. I have been thinking of doing my masters program out in London but the more I get into this semester and learn about the school system I don't think I actually will. I will not get the proper knowledge if I take my classes out here. It is slightly disappointing because I love living in London and being in Europe. I still have time to think about it but it seems like getting a masters out here would not be the wisest decision.

I have mentioned before that my finals are different then the full year students. It is quiet bizarre to me that finals are in May for your fall courses.  It seems that in a sense study abroad students have it easy for finals and only have to write papers and not take tests. I say that now but if my other papers like the one I passed in today I will definitely have a stressful last two weeks of classes.

I know I came out here to study so it is kind of unfortunate that I don't like the school system, but don't think that I regret my decision of doing a semester in Europe. I am learning much more from this experience between traveling, meeting people from all over the globe, and being in London in general. I would never take back this experience. It is still the best decision I have ever made. I still think that everyone should take a semester abroad because you really do learn so much outside of the class room. I am glad in a way that my work load is lighter. It gives me extra time to travel and explore. I just wish classes had more guidance and that I actually felt like I was learning something. Who knows I could finish out the semester and learn to like how they do classes or I could get back to Plymouth and miss the light work load and "joke" classes. But that I will not find out until I get home. I only have 5 weeks of classes left. I am sure they will fly by just as fast as the last 5 have unfortunately but maybe I will get lucky and everything will slow down for the next 7 weeks.

Well that is the British school system. I work much harder at home and learn much more. Teachers are nicer and much more helpful and understanding when you do not understand something. I hope I didn't confuse to many people on how their school system is. I will be curious to see how the last part of my semester goes and I will be sure to update you when I am done.

Cheers,
Allie