American Exchange Student in Australia
Hey, guys! I know it has been a LONG time since I last wrote in here and I missed it! I admit.
But lately I have been performing my duty of a student. Yes. I have been catching up with studying.
Great news is that I’ve been doing that so I can have my last week of death (as my roommate Shani calls it) available :) And the reason why I want my free time is because my very close friend is coming from New York City to visit me!!! And I am SOOO EXCITED!!! :))) A little piece of the New York’s craziness is coming to dip in the Aussie waters of laid back, chilled atmosphere. I still can’t believe it but I am so happy!
Until then I will have to finish all my assignments due the end of the trimester.
Something that I realized is that university education is so different here and in the US. I have been taught to think critically and this is the most important virtue to learn in university. Here though no one wants to hear my own personal opinion and critical thinking. It’s all about citing what other people think. And this is when my appreciation for my home uni comes (never thought I’d say this but…) – I just love it! So I have called the system here copy, paste, paraphrase. And I don’t agree with it even a bit but this is how I got a good grade (80). When I was thinking and giving my opinion and critical understandings, I was getting 60’s. So, no thanks!
But it’s funny how different cultures perceive education. For ones, education teaches you personally to think critically and for others, to think through many other people’s perspective, except yours. I prefer the first one.
Nevertheless, I am very happy to be studying here because I have the coolest gang and living on campus is one of the most amazing experiences ever! I think everyone must try it because you haven’t really been to uni if you haven’t immersed yourself completely to the experience :) Late night chats and discussing life before bed – priceless! :)
Sleep for me now sounds priceless as well so hasta la vista, baby! Will keep you updated, I promise! :P
