Academics Abroad

Americans tend to value knowing a little bit about everything. Most foreign universities do not have a system of “general education” as is common in the U.S. While you are abroad you may find that in some classes you will be expected to examine a topic in depth throughout the entire semester. Furthermore the depth study and research that will be expected of you may be much greater than you have experienced here. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! You can’t wait until the last week of the semester to complete a project or paper that was intended to be completed over the course of the semester.

American professors tend to provide several “checkpoints” during the semester to ensure that students are keeping up with the content of the course and that they will understand the material that is being presented. Language courses abroad will usually utilize an approach similar to the U.S. teaching style, but, as mentioned above, in other classes the entire course grade might be based on only one major project, paper, or exam. Don’t make the mistake of interpreting the lack of regular assignments to mean that you have an “easy” semester abroad. 

Also, Americans are used to being told exactly how to do an assignment. Students in U.S. universities are used to being told how many pages, how many sources, exactly when the assignment is due, the format to be used, etc. Such specific guidelines abroad are not typical. It may be advisable to seek tutorial assistance or check with knowledgeable students. In your courses at the foreign university, you may be encouraged to think much more freely and independently. You could possibly feel as if you have been given a very vague assignment; you should visit with your professor to clarify your ideas, even if it is not stated in the class. Generally, you will be expected to think on your own much more independently than you may have been pushed to in U.S. classes (especially at the 100 and 200 levels). You may welcome this change or you may feel that you are not receiving adequate instruction or sufficient support and guidance. 

Sometimes the amount of time you are given for an assignment reflects the depth of the assignment. There is another reason for the longer amount of time — availability of resources. At some study abroad sites, you may find that the resources are very inconvenient, and are not at your immediate disposal like they are in the U.S. We take for granted that resources are at our immediate disposal – library services, copy facilities, and readily available textbooks via the bookstore, textbook rental or online resources. Resources abroad may not be as readily available as you are accustomed to in the U.S. This can be a mere cultural adjustment or a complete nightmare. Bottom line is, don’t put off locating resources, printing papers, etc. until the last minute. 

You may be used to calling a professor by his or her first name or feeling like you can chat after class about your personal life, etc. Different degrees of formality and respect are expected abroad. Be sure to step back and watch how other students address and interact with the professors before you break any rules.