Studying is studying and remains studying. No matter whether in Germany or Singapore. You would think, but after 10 weeks of a semester abroad at James Cook University Singapore, I can say that this is not always the case. I have learned a lot, not only about the different study systems, but also about myself.
mandatory attendance
First the obvious: In Singapore I have to spend at least three hours at university every day, even if I don't have lectures. This is an order from the Singaporean government. The university has a duty to ensure that international students are actually studying and not working. This is checked with a fingerprint reader. Your fingerprint is saved when you enter and leave the university premises. That sounds pretty daunting at first, but it's not because all students are in the same boat.
I attend four different lectures, each with an associated exercise lesson. So I'm always busy “learning” for at least three hours a day. Since I actually have Thursdays off, but still have to go to university, we often meet here for lunch and chat. With its compulsory control, the university here not only promotes my education, but also my social life. I can imagine worse things.
Small lectures
There may be 100 students in a lecture at James Cook. That's relatively little for a business course. In Nuremberg I and 800 other students tried to follow the professor.
The lessons are of course held in English. At first it was a bit unusual and sometimes difficult to understand the professors. Especially those who come from China. They have their own way of pronouncing and emphasizing English words. But you get used to everything. Today that is no longer a problem.
Dedicated professors
It was particularly unusual for me at the beginning to be addressed by name by the professors. “Good morning, Sandra! How are you today?” This has never happened to me in Germany. And that, in my opinion, is exactly where the biggest difference lies: Here the professors are interested in you and really try to design the lectures in such a way that everyone can get something out of them. German professors can take a lesson from this
More exams
Last but not least: the examination system. This also differs from what I know in Germany. The grade for a subject is made up of at least three different parts of the examination. In Nuremberg I write one exam per subject at the end of the semester. Here at JCU I had to give a short presentation in the second week, which was then graded and contributed to the final grade. Group work is on the agenda in every subject. Especially for the reason of coming into contact with other students from other countries and developing intercultural skills. And it's really a challenge: from the language barriers to different ideas, creating a collaborative work. I never realized that we Germans are really so conscientious, punctual and reliable. It is therefore not easy to work with nationalities that pursue different values. Patience, respect and tolerance are the be-all and end-all here. Regardless of whether in Singapore or Germany.
Sandra Guldner is studying at James Cook University Singapore in the winter semester 2015/2016. During this time, she writes once a month on our website about her experiences, impressions and what else happens to her during her semester abroad.
Previous posts:
September 17, 2015: From Bavaria to the wide world
October 19, 2015: Are you still looking or do you already live?
November 16, 2015: How to party as a student in Singapore