The Study in Study Abroad
Oh,
the topic I probably should be writing more about. Ya know, the study in study
abroad. First, some students would be glad to know that there are benefits to
classes at The American College of Greece that are better than Loyola (sorry
not sorry Loyola). But, then again there are some downsides. Opinions may vary.
The way the classes are physically structured, are
similar. Meaning they all contain desks while a teacher stands in front of the
class. But, their rules and ways of teaching are rather different. For example,
you get six skips per class but for language classes, you only get 4 skips.
After this, you fail the class. Scary. Another difference is, besides with
language classes, there’s not much assigned homework besides maybe reading for
some classes or recommended work. Some of the classes use powerpoints while
others are merely a lecture class. When it comes to tests, depending on the
level of your class, some classes will have a midterm and final exam while some
of my other classes are just a paper for your midterm and a sit down final exam.
Because
there’s not much homework or even quizzes, your grade relies on your midterm
and final. Also scary. When it comes to the exams, some classes will have it in
their classroom during their class time, while others may have it in a bigger
area mixed in with other sections or even completely different courses. Most of
these professors expect you to attend their class that same day. I’m not
positive if this is for every class, I think it is though, but once you take
your exam, the professor grades it and then another person, with knowledge of
that subject, comes in and grades your exam as well. Like a second opinion. And
they, most of the time, lower your grade from what your professor originally
graded you. That’s what a professor shared, probably to scare us into studying
harder.
At The American College of Greece, I’m taking four
courses and one online course with Loyola. These courses are: American History,
Sociology of Modern Life, Greek Language, and Film Analysis. My online course
is Travel Reporting, hence this blog. My favorite classes I’m taking are Film
Analysis and Travel Reporting, and I’m not just saying that to get a good grade
in this course... unless (kidding...unless). I take my classes on Tuesdays and
Thursdays in order to give myself the option for a long weekend to travel. These classes take
place starting at 9:25 until 4:20 with a university wide break inbetween for
lunch. These classes last an hour and fifteen minutes each. It’s not a bad
setup.
In total, I do enjoy these classes. I also love the fact
that I don’t get assigned any homework, besides for my language class and online calss. This way I’m focusing on
exploring, traveling, getting more cultured, and enjoying life- as one should.
I
realized that while it’s beneficial to have assignments and strict deadlines
like Loyola, I also realized more so than before, that America spends too much
time worrying about school and work instead of enjoying time with friends,
family, and themselves. Reflecting back on my high school career and the past
two years at university, I’ve spent more time with school work, jobs, and
sports instead of taking a breath to take time for myself and others. I’m not
saying I should blow off all my assignments and not care about what grades I
get for the rest of my college career, but I should find a better balance and
not be so uptight with worrying about getting an A on every assignment instead
of going out with my friends and enjoying my days being young. I think I just
switched gears and shifted this blog post to be less about my studies, but I
had good intentions.
Inside the American College of Greece.
(One of the areas where classrooms are.)
Outside the American College of Greece.
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