A different system...

When you go to a different country to study it comes with the territory that you need to adapt to a different system both in terms of the education and in terms of the administration. I have no problems with that, and in fact often it is exciting to see different ways of teaching or organizing!! The problem arises when no one bothers to tell you or explain to you how the system is different. It is incredibly hard to adapt to something you don't understand!!!!!!!!!!!!

Call me crazy but to me it makes sense that when a foreign student arrives someone (maybe the exchange coordinator or maybe a student) gives a brief little explanation of how the classes function and how we keep on top of things going on on campus. Certainly it is to a large our responsibility to figure that out but a little guidance to help us integrate would be so fantastic!

Today I got to class at 8:00 (okay, let's be honest I was a bit late so it was more like 8:15). All the students were there furiously writing away in what looked like exam booklets. Surprise surprise, we have a 'devoir' or a test to do in class. What? You didn't know about it? Let's all stare at you and laugh!!!

Okay - maybe my bitterness is a little harsh. I recognize that we could have taken a bit more initiative to figure things out. We keep waiting for the professors to offer up some course structure about exams and assignments but it just doesn't come and we should have taken that as a sign. But I still find it a bit unfair for the professors and students to assume that we would just fall into the system and understand that OBVIOUSLY the professor doesn't tell you anything in class about assignments or tests, clearly he posts the information at the sociology department office and clearly there is a class representative in ever class who the prof passes information to and then the student passes it on to others (though, curiously, not the exchange students)...

Well - at least now we know (it only took 4 months) and hopefully that means second semester will run a little bit more smoothly without missed assignments and tests. As for the devoir this morning, we decided not to do it and to go talk to the professor about an alternate assessment later today. Hopefully he understands and we can work something out. If not, we will just chalk it up to another experience to be remembered...

Ah man...everyday is full of fun surprises! All you can do is laugh it off and move on...

I have a rendezvous with a friend in the Socio department this afternoon for a full break down of HOW classes function...where info is posted...and how to figure out who your class rep. is...He took pity on my tears this morning! At least the students here are great...if the welcoming committee is a bit lacking :)