Europe Good and Bad! (for Students)

Studying abroad. It happens all the time. In fact, there are probably a large number of people who have already studied abroad in your county at the moment. But the question you need to ask is: why? Why would someone want to go abroad for education, or anything, when we’ve got it all here in the US? Well the answer is simple really: expanding your mind.

Studying internationally is something that is a rich and fulfilling experience. Going to Europe itself, the home of many of our ancestors, is an entire new ballpark compared to America. Europe has architecture that’s hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. It has some of the finest Art Galleries in the world; it also has some of the finest colleges in the world. Oxford and Cambridge are two Universities that accept International Students. Arguably, the two best Universities in the UK, which will allow you to learn in their environment, surrounded by history and social class.

Studying abroad is an experience that we all need to have; however, there are many differences between the US and Europe in the terms of study. Even in the different countries of Europe, there are many different styles of teaching; it’ll be a culture shock for some, and a breath of fresh air for others. So here are a few facts of the UK teaching style:

·	Students are accepted for a particular course before they start.
·	The departmental resources fix the number of placements for students for a course.
·	The entire course is planned out in advance.
·	If a student doesn’t adhere to the planned schedule, then they can be thrown off the course entirely.
·	Support for learning is by the staff. Further, students meet once a week in small groups or pairs and discuss the troubles they are having, with a member of staff. However, not all Universities have this method of study, owing to cost.
·	Textbooks will usually support the entire course.
·	Examinations will vary, but the usual is around a three hour written exam. With a variety of practical exams, if your course needs it.
·	After three or four years your Bachelor Degree (in either Arts or Science) is complete. You can then move onto a postgraduate level of study.
·	Most Universities will comprise of 18 – 23 year olds, although this will vary.

These are just a few of the facts that are related to learning abroad, in this case, in England. It’s fairly similar to the US style of learning, with a lot of textbook work. Each University is slightly different. With different styles that are independent with the different Universities.

The biggest area about your international studying will be the difference in lifestyle. If you’re in the UK, most likely, England for your studying, then you’ll see the way the English students live, as you’ll almost fall under that category. You’ll be going to your lectures, then partying the night away, and then going to your next lecture at whatever time it’s on. You’ll be surrounded by open-minded people who aren’t afraid to wear bright orange pants and green sweaters! Or at least that’s the stereotype of the English student by the English media! In actual fact, Universities for English students are harder than ever, owing to the ease of the examinations that precede them.

As an international student studying abroad, you should have a greater ease than the English students, as to get to the stage you are today, you’ve had to go through a lot more stress than English students do. Although English students do have major examinations decided by the government every two or three years; however, they have no need to get points to pass High School. They either pass or fail their final exams and they graduate regardless of that grade. So, as an international student, you’ve got the upper hand. You’ve just got to deal with the differences in vocabulary. Although English and American are alike, there are many phrases that only exist in one language. Like bangs are called a fringe in England. Such silly little phrases will cause major confusion between you and your friends in England.

Yet, overall, studying abroad, as an international student, is something that you’ll be able to tell all of your friends when you get back “I went to Europe and lived there for a few years.” It will also open your mind to such things that you would never have experienced in the US, such as seeing Big Ben or the Houses of Parliament. Which is something that you’ve got to see!