Academic Differences: Blog #3

Dear Future Students,
       The academic system is similar to Maryville College. Courses are divided between majors and are set in periods of two semesters. At Maryville, the workload depends on the class you select. Usually, tests are given twice a semester, but can also vary depending on certain teachers. Assignments are usually given once a week to test your knowledge on the material. In typical classroom settings, there are about 15 to 25 students. If you have any questions in class do not be hesitant to raise your hand. Teachers usually prefer you to not use your cell phone in class, but taking notes on your laptop is okay. The semester is split in half with a midterm exam and a grade. This is for students to know how they are doing and if they need to improve the next half of the semester. Students are expected to complete any work or readings before class time. Maryville College is special in that the student and teacher relationship is very well formed. If you have any questions that you need to be answered outside class time the teacher has office hours you can visit or personally email them. At my host country, the classroom environment is similar, but the student involvement is different then Maryville College. At the host country, the semester seems to be divided in half as well with a week of vacation in the middle. The assignments and workload depended on which classes you're enrolled into. There is not much reliance on the teacher because it is seen that the student does all the work.
       At Maryville College, the typical classes are worth 3 credits unless you have a lab or an extra day of class which is worth 4 credits. At my host school, most classes are worth 6 credits which are equivalent to Maryville's 3. To be a full-time student at Maryville you must take 12 hours a week. At the host school, you have to take equal to Maryville credit hours. This would mean taking at least 4 classes if the 6 credits are converted to Maryville's 3 credits. At Maryville classes will meet either twice or three times a week; however, there are some exceptions. Unfortunately, letter grades are not equivalent between both schools.
      At Maryville, there are countless ways to receive academic and non-academic support on campus. If there is a problem in the classroom a student can go speak to the teacher or to their advisor, who is there to help in any way. There is also a student assign to each class that will hold study sessions and tutoring sessions in the library at various times. At my host institution there seem to be tutors available upon request, but that is not necessarily free for students.