Team projects and no mulligans: features of foreign education

studying abroad is becoming more popular every year. Practice a foreign language, living in another country, a unique experience of international exchange, good climate - it attracts a growing number of students.

There is one more steady trend - the disappointment in the Russian system of education and the desire to buy high-quality and relevant knowledge. So I decided to thoroughly investigate, what is the difference of educational process in Russia and the countries of Europe, Asia and the United States, and find out whether it is true abroad grass is greener.

1. At receipt quality over quantity

The Russian education system is based on quantitative factors of decision-making: the amount of points for the exam scores for the portfolio that have introduced more recently. Yes, and there accounted for a fairly narrow range of your merits and achievements. About any motivation letter and recommendations, and the question.

Abroad also look more at quality parameters: motivation, essays, your resume, volunteering, recommendations. Average examination results and, of course, also important, but the successful receipt and especially for scholarships by 70% depends on your motivation letter and a general profile.

A letter of motivation - a special essay, in which the applicant says, why he wants to study in this university and for this specialty, why should choose him and that he plans to do with the resultant formation. On the one hand, this is a subjective factor, and on the other - a chance for the most motivated students with burning eyes.

2. Flexible curriculum

In Russia, the curriculum make up the university and the Ministry of Education, and almost all subjects are compulsory. You are, of course, some items to choose from, but the proportion is very small. a fixed timetable.

Foreign universities have mostly system academic hours (credits). You need to type in a year a certain number of hours in the subjects for your specialty. Of course, the mandatory minimum is also there, but it is not more than 30% of the total curriculum. You can choose other subjects and makes for himself schedule. So much easier to combine studies with work, for example, to learn the three full days, and others - to work.

3. Less theory, more practice

very much like a theory that in fact no one needs in Russian universities. In many other countries, especially in USA, Europe and even in conservative China, the focus goes to practice, case studies, concrete examples and exercises. Of course, the quality of the material is highly dependent on the level and type of university, but in general, the focus is more on practice and honing specific skills. For example, how do we tell the student, learning the basics of accounting in Russia took place on boring books, and in France - the examples of Nike and Amazon companies.

4. Student important teacher

I think many people who have already received education in Russia or studying now know that university professors are known for not always rational terms and conditions, "Lectures in text form will not give, write in notebooks, pens, pictures can not, for 1 minute late - not I shoot. " In general, it looks like the additional complexity of learning.

The foreign universities (not all, but most) student stands at the forefront. Teachers are required to provide all teaching materials, spread all lectures in sharing. Each of them has open hours during which the teacher is obliged to help students and answer their questions (rather than offering their paid tuition).

In general, the ratio is much more democratic. And those who stand by their "whims" and complicates the learning process can not obtain then students, as all teachers, students eventually appreciate. And this feedback is really taken into account! For example, we have changed a lecturer in Madrid, as many complained about his strong accent, which complicated the understanding of the material.

5. Team projects instead of individual

Most of the tasks and projects are carried out individually in Russian universities. Presentations, term papers, essays - you're doing yourself.

Foreign colleagues also welcomed the work of the team format for the team given the overall big project on the subject, and you are doing it together. Often, students are assigned to teams randomly to stimulate interaction between all students.

6. no seminars

Lecture for the whole stream, and then a seminar for a group - that is what we are accustomed to. Abroad, as a rule, there is no such format as the seminar. Only the lectures which, as mentioned above, and are aimed at the development of the fundamental, and on the analysis of specific case studies and examples from practice. Often the lecture lasted for three hours. Moreover, such a system involves a significant proportion of independent study: 40% of the information given in lectures, 60% of you teach yourself on recommended materials.

7. Nobody writes off

Russian universities during the sessions can compete with the exhibition of innovations: the most cunning "spurs" smartwatch, earpieces... University for its part produces several variants of tasks and can even use mobile jammers communication. A exam fees, in addition to practical problems, be sure to include a few questions on the knowledge theory from a textbook.

International students do not cheat, do not even try. Also in China, if the student notice is written off, it means expulsion.

At first, this is a very unusual one option at all, and all are trying to be honest. The questions themselves more practice-oriented, and memorize the answer without understanding just will not work.

8. no mulligans

In Russia, after littered exam students are given two more attempts to retake it. And not passed - deduct.

Abroad, you just prolong their studies for another period. Retake there, and the course will have to be held again. Thus, the training could last for another couple of years until you will reach the required number of academic hours. By the way, sometimes it is a good option to extend the student visa to stay in the country.

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Of course, we should not think that any European or American university will give you better knowledge than the top Russian universities such as MIPT, HSE and the NES. Making a decision, it is necessary to objectively assess the options and choose the education system that is closer to you.

Ceteris paribus foreign education is much more suitable for independent and active students who have no problems with motivation and discipline. For me, the main advantage is the difference in regard to the student and his or her rights. Still, education - is your primary investment in the future, that you should be the main thing in this system, and not the teacher. Your opinion, desires and aspirations should be taken into account, and not ignored.