DU Abroad

With a large number of students heading from DU to study abroad in the UK this fall, here I write about my experiences studying in both the UK and the US academic systems.Studying in the UK will expose you to a number of differences in academic culture. Below, I’ve highlighted some of the most significant.

Generally you can expect to have fewer hours of class in the UK. In the UK many full time juniors or seniors might have just three or four hours of class time, compared to 15 hours at DU.

The time you spend in class will be much more lecture-based than at DU. Don’t be surprised to find little student participation in your classes in the UK. Often only the Professor will speak for the duration of the class. Instead, student participation is reserved for “tutorials”. Typically, these are one hour seminar/discussion sessions with the Professor, sometimes in their office with just five or six other students.

Photo Credit: cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com

Given this, there is a much greater focus on independent research outside of class and you will be expected to conduct your own research. In many cases this means picking your own books and articles to read from a list on the syllabus, rather than being assigned specific readings for each class as you are at DU. This means that if assigned a particular essay, many students will answer it very differently based on the differing reading that they have done themselves based on their interests. To get strong grades, incorporating this individualized reading into your papers and exams will be important.

Generally, there will be fewer assessments than at DU. For many classes you might find that your assessment comprises either a single exam or a single paper, or perhaps an exam and paper due together at the end of the quarter/semester. Consequently, it is unlikely that there will be a participation grade, quizzes or midterms. Some students like the fact that they have less stress across the quarter, others don’t like that all their assignments may be concentrated at the end of the quarter.

Photo Credit: www.ed.ac.uk — Photo Credit: http://www.ed.ac.uk

This system means that there is more ambiguity and less structure in the UK system as a whole. The Professors will see you as more of a self-starter. Often, a Professor might never mention the assignments for that class and will instead expect you to read the syllabus, see what the assignment is and do it without guidance.

In the UK, particularly in England and Wales, most students only study for three years to earn their degree. The three year degree means that there is no common curriculum. In college, students only take classes in their major and therefore usually only from one department. Therefore, most students choose their College major whilst in High School at the age of 17. A DU Junior studying abroad should be aware that local students taking third year classes in the UK will most likely already have studied as many as ten classes in that major.

Given these differences, it will be important to adapt quickly by setting your own learning plan, making sure to meet with your Professors and by disciplining yourself to work throughout the term in order to disperse your workload rather than leaving all your work until the final weeks of the semester.

-Callum Forster, DU Study Abroad Peer Advisor

The first time visitor to Kingston, Jamaica is often bewildered, or even frightened by constant yells for attention and the strange language that is spoken. A young man like myself is often referred to as; “rude bwo,y” “brown man,” “soulja,” “my yout,” or even “ugly bwoy.” The reason for this is that in Jamaican tradition physical or imagined attributes are used to pick one out in a crowd or even provide a name. However, for first time visitors this becomes your introduction into the world of Jamaican Patois.

One way to describe Jamaican Patois comes from my aunt, who along with my father were born and raised in the country. She says, “we speak forward, backward, inside out and upside down.” You’ll hear the locals cut letters off words, rearrange sentences, pronounce things differently or use a word unknown to the English language.

At first you might think you know what is being said, but in reality you have no idea. For instance, what does “if a egg natty inna di red” mean? Or, “young bud nuh know storm.” Or,“one one coco full basket.” These are widely used phrases that sound like English, use English words, but are extremely hard to interpret.

Jamaican Patois is a play on words, combining the Queens English, various West African languages, Spanish, French, Hindi and Chinese. It has a rhythm and texture that can quickly excite, anger or sadden with impunity. One must be quick with the tongue, responding to insults with artfully crafted comebacks and praises with playful flirtatious humor. The average visitor fails to understand these facts, preconceiving Jamaicans to speak English. Which is true, it is the official language. But, Patois is the language widely used between friends, family, acquaintances, at the market, on the street, in music and a whole host of other unique cultural identifiers. Jamaican Patois is the mixture that is Jamaica.

There is no way to formally study Patois and there is no written standardized form. That fact gives it some magic. Metaphors are constantly used, which provides a deeper meaning to what is being said. Imagination is important and visualization helps interpretation. Most importantly, Jamaican Patois is used with humor, helping to alleviate stressful situations, rooted in Jamaican’s violent history.

So, when you make your first trip to the island and explore the market and you hear “hey yardie,” smile and take it as a complement.

Translations:

If a egg natty inna di red – I am centrally involved in anything and everything

Young bud nuh know storm – Experience teaches wisdom

One one coco full basket – Every little bit adds up

Yardie – Refers to someone from Jamaica

-Pablo Hester, DUSA Graduate Peer Advisor

Author: DU Abroad

The Scoop on the UK University Experience

Jamaican Patois