Believe it or not, people that come to study abroad actually have to, get this, study. This has been a recent shock to me, seeing as how I hadn’t touched a schoolbook since December. Anyhow, it is almost a quarter of the way through the trimester and I have yet to discuss Deakin and the classes in any kind of detail.
My situation here is pleasantly unique, I truly only have one class I need to pass in order to graduate after this term. Teachers, do not fret, I am only describing my rare situation that I have been afforded. I will still, of course, give the same dynamite work that has been expected of me in semesters past.
Because I am in the second semester of my 5th year, most of credits and core classes have been completed. I only need my one Communication class here, Principles of Public Relations, to satisfy my degree. This incredible anomaly has left the rest of my schedule open for three other classes of my choice. And I, in noble fashion, decided to take a few Australian history classes. What better way to become acquainted with a country’s culture than to divulge in its rich history?
Note: When in an Australia history class, Americans are expected to know the complete American history. Ex. “What was happening on the other side of the world during 1892? Mr. Washington would you like to tell the class?” Um.
Nevertheless, this is what I have observed about Australian classes thus far:
Classes are split between lectures and tutorials. Lectures are usually in a large auditorium setting. Tutorials are the follow-up to lectures. They are in smaller classrooms with fewer students. The tutorial is a great way to reinforce what was taught in the lecture, and in a more personal setting (the lectures are about 60-100 people and the tutorials are roughly 15-30 people).
Much like in America, classes are based on a good amount of reading. And, much like in America, it is easy to be tempted by various vices (i.e. naps, catching rays, beer, the Australian version of “The View”) and fall behind in the readings. By following the readings, it becomes much easier to participate in class. Although on the other side of the world, classes still remain similar to those at Old Dominion.
And now, please come along on a pictorial walking tour of Deakin Uni
The traffic I must cross everyday. Hmm looks a bit like Hampton Blvd.
Entrance #2
The Cheese-grader, a staple of Deakin.
Just some quad.
Einstein’s aka the uni bar.
Fantastic library.
The glorious B building. Home of my classes.
A walkway
Another great cafe
