University of Arkansas Office of Study Abroad: Starting School with a Strike #HogsAbroad in England

Part One: Starting School

Somehow I have already finished three weeks of classes! I think now is a good time to update you on how school life has been (better late than never!). I attended my first lecture and seminar during the Thursday and Friday of the first week of classes. Thinking it was odd that my courses began at the end of the week, I discovered (to my horror) that my “timetable” (schedule) wasn’t correct and I had missed classes from earlier in the week. Accidentally missing my class did not create much consequence because I ended up switching it for another class.

I have already noticed many differences between the education systems of my American university and my host university (Sussex Uni). Unlike my classes in America, where I solely attend lectures, here my “courses” include a 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour seminar each week for each “module”. The school related lingo used in England is different and I am constantly confusing simple terms. “Seminars” are like a small break-out group from the lecture class to do more practice examples of what you learn in lecture. It reminds me of a more formal version “supplemental instruction” lessons we have at the University of Arkansas.

Another large difference I have noticed is the way that we are tested. For my classes here in Sussex I have one exam at the end of term that is worth my entire grade for the class. Some classes are like that at the University of Arkansas, but it is most common to have coursework throughout the semester, attendance grades, and multiple exams. I find the method used at Sussex to be more of an independent study: highly driven by the motivation of the student to stay on top of work and prepare accordingly for the one exam that is months away. Naturally, I prefer the ways of my home university because it is what I am used to, but I am learning better autodidactic learning skills by being in this new environment.

Part Two: Strike!

Currently, there is a strike going on at 60+ universities throughout the UK regarding teacher’s pensions. From my understanding, this 14-day strike is taking place because the teacher’s pensions are being significantly reduced. Over a 3-week period, teachers who wish to participate in the strike will not hold classes for a total of 14 days. You might think that it is nice to have a break from class, but a lot of students are upset that they cannot attend classes that they are paying for.

I have talked to many students and seminar leaders and they find this event upsetting – there should be no reduction in pensions and therefore no reason for a strike, no missed class, and no wasted tuition. I was also surprised to hear that strikes are fairly common here, at least one per year from teachers and the education system.

Highlights of my week have included:
Moving houses to be in Brighton city center, a two-minute walk to the seafront
Being the first American someone has ever met
Someone telling me that they love America (and my accent)
Being told that I sound “just like the movies”
Close encounters with a squirrel (pictured below)

What I like about Sussex University:
24-hour library
Fresh produce markets every Tuesday (pictured below)
Free tea and coffee found in social study lounges

What I miss about the University of Arkansas:
The beautiful campus (and Old Main!)
Tuition covering fees like printing and gym membership
Independence of creating your own schedule (timetable)