I’ve successfully completed 2 weeks of uni and 1 out of 2 of my first assignments!
After realizing my time table will never show up right online, downloading and highlighting maps, and having an anxiety attack after missing the only class that will give me credit towards my major, I finally feel like I know what I’m doing (kinda) here at university in Liverpool.
I have 4 days worth of school a week, Tuesdays off because here in Britain they arrange courses so most students have at least one entire day off of school. I’m taking two education classes while I’m here, both are half semester so the other will pick up in the current one’s place mid way through the year.
Taking an education class has given me an interesting insight into the philosophy of UK education and the methods of teaching here. My teachers speak avidly about the opportunities to learn outside the classroom. In education they speak of the things we do to learn from family, friends, the environment, from yourself. But it doesn’t stop there, my art teacher not only encourages but nearly demands we take the opportunities of the city to explore the art and give ourselves an education which feeds our particular interests.
Though they highly encourage outside learning, the classroom is no joke, with three different types of classes to make up my schedule including lectures, tutorials, and small groups. These different formats allow students to converge with different types of students and provide opportunities for different kinds of learning. If you prefer to listen, lectures are vital, while those who learn from engaging will find small groups more stimulating. Tutorials give you an opportunity to synthesize and ask questions while taking part in your own education.
This all comes together in their British version of Blackboard called Moodle which is comprises every teacher and class into one very complicated site that outlines the entire YEAR worth of school for you as most classes do not end in December but continue into the next term to connect all the classes into a broader arch.
I’m taking 5 classes (4 at a time since 2 are half semester), with education on Mondays and Fridays, Art and British Life on Wednesday, and Poetry Thursday and Friday. These classes take place on two different campuses which I take a free shuttle to, but this means I usually need to leave an hour before my class starts in order to make it on time as it’s on a limited schedule.
My education and poetry classes are the more serious, with assignments due for both this week. Unlike the classes I take in the states, these teachers give word rather than page limits, which is more intimidating to me as it causes me to really look at the concision of my writing and question how much wiggle room a teacher may allow.
There are usually only one real assignment for classes, a roughly 2500 word paper at the end of term to determine your overall grade. However a few assignments are still sprinkled in, which frustrate me as they comprise of a measly 5%, 10%, or even 1% of my total grade. Due to their system, it’s important to communicate with teachers how long you will be here so you can ensure you will get assessments that will fulfill your academic obligations in the short time you are at the school.
Though some assignments are more tedious (“Is the UK education system a meritocracy?” how am I supposed to know??), some are really great (keep a sketchbook of the things that inspire and catch your eye around the city and in your daily life). I’m doing my best to embrace these assignments and remind myself that I don’t have as much time as normal students to complete these things.
Make sure you know your schools resources as like most U.S. schools they have writing services, I.T. help, and even counselors (6 free sessions and daily drop in hours!) available for all students. Know your weaknesses and reach out for help, as an international student you don’t have as much time to get on the learning curve and its understood there will be some confusion.
I’m lucky to be at a small school that reminds me of my home university with the teachers informality, humor, and kindness, but as all places you can only get as much help as you’re willing to ask for. So do it, I am.
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