Great Expectations
As a Biology major and aspiring Veterinarian, the whole idea of studying in a foreign country seems irrelevant and pointless to many. Why not attend a marine biology program or spend the summer working on a wildlife reserve? Out of all the places to further my education in science, why choose England? Personally, prior to arriving in England, I found it very difficult to answer these questions. Akin to everyone else, I found my choice to study abroad little more than whimsical and adventurous.
Not until I arrived on campus and rushed head first into a four week intensive science course did I come to terms with my goals. In the UK, academics are approached in a very liberal, independent manner. The students are taught to rely upon and challenge themselves, as well as to get engaged with studies. The professors do not guide you in your learning, but rather share with you the knowledge that they have. Assigned reading and lengthy lectures have no place here. As students, we alone are responsible for maintaining motivation and gaining knowledge from the resources available. No one is there to remind us to focus or to soak up every bit of information. Here, the only way to progress academically is to develop a sense of independence.
Ultimately, I find that being in such an independence-oriented learning environment is extremely challenging. I am learning not to take the opportunities extended to me for granted and to appreciate my freedom to shape my own future. Overall, I expect my semester abroad to teach me how to achieve my ultimate academic goal of becoming a veterinarian without the constant prodding and reminders to focus. In learning to arrive at this goal by means of my own determination and conscious actions, I hope to develop a new sense of self and to gain an appreciation for the driving forces that I possess.