As a student fortunate enough to experience both the American and British educational systems, I’ve discovered that the journey of higher education takes on a unique character on either side of the Atlantic. Currently, I find myself in the beautiful city of Bristol, immersed in the academic culture of the University of Bristol through an exchange program, while my home institution, Drexel University in the United States, holds a special place in my academic journey. In this blog post, I’d like to delve into some striking differences I’ve observed between the two educational systems.
Grading Criteria:
One of the most noticeable distinctions lies in how our academic performance is assessed. In the UK, the majority of our grades are determined solely by final exams. There’s a marked absence of graded homework or assignments, which can be quite a departure from what I was accustomed to at Drexel. In the US, the homework assignments and graded projects play a more significant role in shaping our overall grade.
Attendance Policy:
Attendance, in UK universities, is a strictly monitored affair. Attendance portals are set up to track our presence in class, ensuring that we don’t miss any essential lectures. It’s a far cry from the US, where attendance policies tend to be more lenient and often at the discretion of individual professors. Although it is nice to have lenient attendance policy from student perspective, the experience of studying in a small class packed with the students is much more exciting and fun compared to an empty class.
Grading Scale:
Another striking difference is the grading scale. In the UK, a score of 70 is considered exceptional and equates to an ‘A.’ In the US, a score of 70 is often perceived as below average. The grading scale in the UK can be attributed to the fact that final exams weigh heavily in determining one’s grade, making it relatively easy for students to jeopardize their academic standing in one fell swoop. In the US, graded homework assignments tend to cushion the impact on the final grade.
Teaching Assistants and Office Hours:
In my experience, some computer science classes at the University of Bristol have Teaching Assistants (TAs), but these TAs are primarily involved in lab sessions and typically don’t hold regular office hours. At Drexel University, the availability of TAs, along with structured office hours at the Cyber Learning Center, ensures that students have access to additional support outside of classroom hours.
The absence of graded homework assignments in the UK allows students more time to engage in independent study, socialize, explore the city, frequent the local pubs, and pursue personal projects. The pace of life here feels less hectic compared to the US, where the constant juggle between classes, assignments, and office hours can often become overwhelming.
In conclusion, my exchange experience in Bristol has offered me a fascinating insight into the differences between the US and UK educational systems. While each system has its strengths and challenges, it’s been an incredible journey of adaptation and learning. As I continue my studies in the UK, I look forward to embracing the British approach to education while cherishing the memories and experiences I’ve gained from Drexel University.
