- Week Eight -
We have finally reached the middle of the semester! Our mid-term season is a lot different from back at home, so I thought it'd be a good time to talk about the types of assignments we have to complete throughout the semester and my reaction to the British lifestyle. ASSIGNMENTS If you're planning on taking business classes at the University of Roehampton, most (if not all) courses have two major assignments called the formative (mid-term) and summative (final). Your entire grade is based off your summative, which will usually be a 2000-3000 word paper on a specific topic relating to your course studies. The formative is typically due during Reading Week and will either be an outline or shortened version of your summative paper. Although it's not graded, it'll help you gather feedback from your TAs to make improvements for your final paper. While there are no graded assignments throughout the semester, it's important to be present and engaged in lectures/seminars because all the topics taught in class will need to be applied to your final paper. Here is a list of the types of formative/summative assessments I had for each class: Business Ethics and Responsible Management Formative: Outline of summative Summative: Apply ethical decision making to a case study (3,000 words) Entrepreneurial Development Formative: Pitch a lean start-up business idea (group presentation) Summative: Create a business report/development plan (3,000 words) Global and International Business Strategy Formative: Outline of summative Summative: Analyze an organization involved in an international strategic development (2,500 words) TIME MANAGEMENT Classes in England are structured very differently from Hawaii, where each class is split up into a lecture and seminar session. This gives students a lot more time for independent studying. As a result, I spend most of my weekdays preparing for classes so I have more free-time to explore Europe on the weekends. While it's easy to get caught up in all the fun of being abroad, it's especially important to time-manage and remember that your studies are also a vital part of the study abroad experience. Personally, I've struggled a bit with adjusting to the student lifestyle in England because there aren't consistent assignments to keep me accountable throughout the semester. As a result, I've been trying to manage my time more efficiently by working on parts of my summative papers in advance. This will help lessen the burden at the end of the semester when all papers are due. CULTURE SHOCK Aside from academics, I haven't had major culture shock since living in England. While there are some nuances in language and culture that are different, being open-minded and willing to try new things has really helped me adjust faster to this new lifestyle. Here are some tips I have to help combat culture shock:
Studying abroad is a continuous adventure of new and exciting experiences. Make the most of this opportunity by engaging with your classes and social surroundings!
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It's been around one week since I have arrived in London, England and finally settled down in my new home for the next four months!
REGISTRATION PROCESS
Once you are accepted for studying abroad, you will receive instructions to register directly with the University of Roehampton as a study abroad student. Through this application process, you will be able to select your preferred modules (courses) to take. An offer letter will be disbursed in the following weeks, which you will need to show the immigration officer in order to get a short-term study visa. Approximately two weeks before you arrive in London, Roehampton will send a username and password which will allow you to log into the Student Portal and see a timetable of the modules you have been assigned. Don't worry if these courses need to be changed, since there will be a period for you to add or drop classes during orientation week. The overall process to register was fairly simple, with the most difficult part being understanding which classes transfer over as UH credits. Be sure to check the course equivalencies on the Study Abroad Center's website, along with verifying that the courses you want to take are actually offered at the University of Roehampton. If you need assistance with selecting classes or have any questions about credit transfers, I suggest to make an appointment with Rikki Mitsunaga (Shidler) or Vanessa Chong (Study Abroad) for guidance. HOUSING On-campus housing should be guaranteed for all University of Hawaii students. Your specific house will be assigned to you through email around two weeks before you arrive in London. Something to take note is that the University of Roehampton is split into four colleges - Digby Stuart, Southlands, Froebel, and Whitelands. Whichever housing you are placed in also determines the college you belong to. Digby Stuart and Southlands are closest to the library and the campus main entrance. Although the location is convenient, there is also more noise and traffic in these areas. Froebel is in a quieter block and closer to the Union Bar and Richmond Park. If you're taking business classes, however, be prepared to walk around 15 minutes to your classes since it will most likely be in Digby or Southlands. Whitelands is probably the college located farthest away as it separated from the rest of the University. I was placed in Froebel - Willow House, which has an ensuite (private) bathroom. You can request for an ensuite through the Study Abroad Center, as well as ask to live in a quieter block through the University of Roehampton emails. Although it's a bit of a walk from my classes, I enjoy living in Willow since it's in a quieter neighborhood and has cleaner facilities. You can view a campus map below (excludes Whitelands). |
AKI'm truly grateful for this opportunity to study abroad and would like to share my experiences with all of you! Ranging from pre-departure tips to recommended travel destinations, I hope this blog will serve as a inspiration and reminder to always explore. Archives
December 2019
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