Even though my academics were probably not the center and most critical point of my exchange, I learnt a lot about the schooling system while I was there and actually really enjoyed the classes I took while I was there.
First off, I think many of us take for granted how highly regarded McGill is. Not only has everyone heard about it, but it is known to be extremely academically presitigious, even among the students.
What was really cool was that one of my Professors was actually a McGill graduate in Psychology. I heard of this before going to her class and immediately approached her after our first lecture. I found out that we had taken many of the same classes (even thought she was there 20 years ago!!!). I also had the chance to help her our and listen to her research project which was really great. It was nice to have a professor who understood how competitive McGill was and how much I was looking for a break.
The schooling system in the U.K is extremely different than in Canada. A pass is a 40% and rarely do people get over 80's. Having two classes where ONE paper counted for about 100% I was REALLY shocked when I saw my grade. Class is about 10 hours a week and is not mandatory in the slightest.
The weirdest thing I found however, was that NO one had laptops in the classroom! I wasn't sure whether it was disrespectful or if students hadn't thought of it, but I could not believe it! This is the point where I realized just HOW valuable it is to have in the classroom. One of the classes, I thought I would try to conform with the standards and use an old fashioned notebook and pen. I missed half the things the teacher said and found my notes to be highly unorganized. From then on, I didn't care to stand out as the only one with a laptop in class. I even spoke with the professor I liked about it and she too thought it was ridiculous and felt that was why the marks were not as great as they should be.
Overall, despite the fact that exchange was sort of an academic "vacation" if you will, I made sure to maintain my grades and get the credits I needed. I DEFINITELY realized however, just how hard McGill really is!
First off, I think many of us take for granted how highly regarded McGill is. Not only has everyone heard about it, but it is known to be extremely academically presitigious, even among the students.
What was really cool was that one of my Professors was actually a McGill graduate in Psychology. I heard of this before going to her class and immediately approached her after our first lecture. I found out that we had taken many of the same classes (even thought she was there 20 years ago!!!). I also had the chance to help her our and listen to her research project which was really great. It was nice to have a professor who understood how competitive McGill was and how much I was looking for a break.
The schooling system in the U.K is extremely different than in Canada. A pass is a 40% and rarely do people get over 80's. Having two classes where ONE paper counted for about 100% I was REALLY shocked when I saw my grade. Class is about 10 hours a week and is not mandatory in the slightest.
The weirdest thing I found however, was that NO one had laptops in the classroom! I wasn't sure whether it was disrespectful or if students hadn't thought of it, but I could not believe it! This is the point where I realized just HOW valuable it is to have in the classroom. One of the classes, I thought I would try to conform with the standards and use an old fashioned notebook and pen. I missed half the things the teacher said and found my notes to be highly unorganized. From then on, I didn't care to stand out as the only one with a laptop in class. I even spoke with the professor I liked about it and she too thought it was ridiculous and felt that was why the marks were not as great as they should be.
Overall, despite the fact that exchange was sort of an academic "vacation" if you will, I made sure to maintain my grades and get the credits I needed. I DEFINITELY realized however, just how hard McGill really is!
