For example, Indiana University has two large sports complexes with swimming pools and gyms, a large stadium, a library, a huge concert hall, a theater, and several museums. A free bus runs around the campus every 15 minutes, transporting students to the colleges. Students can freely use any university resources, whether it be the library, a Minolta C250 toner<\/a> for a printer, a computer lab, or a wellness center. To do so, they just need to show their university ID (analogous to a student ID, a plastic card with embedded information about you) or enter their password (login).<\/p>
The curriculum at an American university differs significantly from that in Russia. First, it is more flexible: students choose the subjects they want to study. However, there is a set of core courses required to obtain a degree in a particular field. But even these courses can be taken in any semester and in any order. In other words, students plan their own workload and curriculum.<\/p>
Registration for courses usually begins several months before the semester starts. Those who register first are enrolled first (first come, first served). So it's better not to delay. But even if you are late for some reason and did not register for the course you wanted, do not despair: there is a waiting list for such cases. At the beginning of each semester, many students drop the course after attending the first lectures, thus freeing up their places, and you automatically take the freed-up spot. Some courses require a prerequisite course before registration is allowed. Therefore, when planning your curriculum, you need to be very careful and consider the requirements for the subjects you intend to take later.<\/p>
Each university has its own individual requirements for students. For example, at my university, full-time students pursuing a master's degree (graduate students) must take at least four courses per semester. Each completed course corresponds to three credit points and is a step toward obtaining a degree. To earn a master's degree, you need to accumulate at least 48 points, i.e., take 16 courses.<\/p>
A special grading scale is used: "A" is the highest possible grade, corresponding to four points. "F" is the lowest, corresponding to zero. If a professor wants to especially distinguish a student, they may give an "A+", but in quantitative terms it is still four points. In America, it is common to calculate the grade point average (GPA) over the entire period of study. It is calculated simply: all grades are summed and then divided by the number of grades. A GPA above 3.50 is considered good.<\/p>
Academic performance is assessed based on exams, tests, projects, presentations, homework, etc. As everywhere, there is an element of subjectivity. If you disagree with a grade, you can challenge it. Each professor has designated office hours during which they are required to receive any students who come to them. Some prefer to communicate with professors via email – it is much faster and more effective. Teachers also actively use email to distribute supplementary materials (handouts) and remind students of deadlines for various assignments. In America, it is very important to submit everything on time. Late work will either not be accepted at all or will receive a lower grade.<\/p>
The semester is usually divided into two parts. After the first part, there is a midterm exam; after the second, a final exam. The exam may be taken in class or given as a take-home exam. In the latter case, it is naturally much more difficult. Discussing the exam with other students is prohibited. If the professor finds out, the student risks not only getting an "F" but also being expelled from the university.<\/p>
Another reason for expulsion from the university is plagiarism. In America, using someone else's materials without citing the source is considered plagiarism and is severely punished. A student caught doing so may be immediately expelled from the college regardless of their previous achievements.<\/p>
A distinctive feature of American universities is the large number of group projects. Students form groups and jointly study a problem. Based on the research, a paper is usually written and a presentation is prepared. A presentation is always an important and exciting event. It is customary to come in a business suit and look, so to speak, sharp. Unexpected questions may be asked during the presentation, and your grade largely depends on how you comport yourself and answer.<\/p>
In professional schools (business schools, public administration and public affairs schools), the emphasis in teaching is often on so-called cases – real problems that company managers and government officials face. Each case is discussed in class. The discussion is preceded by many hours of work in the library, laboratory, and sometimes at a real enterprise or government agency. Typically, a short memo is written based on the analysis. A case may not have a single correct solution. In that case, the professor evaluates your approach to solving the problem, your thought process.<\/p>
Students in America spend much less time in lecture halls than our students. However, this does not mean that studying there is easier. The academic workload is enormous. You have to study a lot on your own and read a huge number of articles and textbooks. It is no coincidence that university libraries are open around the clock during exam periods. Many even sleep there: on sofas or on the floor, using a backpack or sweater as a pillow.
The relationship between teachers and students is interesting. Professors are very friendly and open. Many play basketball, soccer, and even organize joint parties with students. However, no matter what your relationship with a professor is outside the university, it will not affect your academic performance. The only criterion here is your knowledge. The attitude towards international students is exactly the same as towards domestic students. Everyone is equal.
The Internet plays a special role in the learning process. With its help, students register for courses, pay tuition, exchange messages with professors and classmates. Many professors post their lectures on the university website. Only students who have registered for the corresponding course have access to them. Grades are also communicated to students via the Internet. The work itself is placed in the student's mailbox, or, in the old-fashioned way, distributed before the start of the next class.
The technical equipment of university lecture halls is beyond praise. Every lecture hall has a computer, projector, video projector, VCR, and audio equipment. It is not surprising that many professors accompany their lectures with PowerPoint presentations. The university's computer labs are open 24 hours a day. There is no security at all. There are only coded locks: you enter the code and you can study until morning. Wireless Internet works throughout the campus.
In conclusion, I note that education at American universities is, of course, paid. The cost can range from $1,500 to $50,000 per semester depending on the chosen specialty and university. Despite such high cost, our compatriots can be found in many American universities. Most of them receive either a university scholarship or a scholarship from some foundation or program (Muskie, Fulbright, etc.), but there are also those who pay for themselves. Students from CIS countries adapt quite easily to the American education system and achieve good results. After obtaining a master's degree, many are kept in doctoral programs (Ph.D students) and are actively involved in teaching.
