I have my exams coming up in a few days, and the biggest differences in the two countries – the US and the UK cannot get more real as I prepare for the exams. I remember studying for a few days before my finals in the US and feeling good about my preparation. I have been studying for a month for my finals next month, and I still don’t feel even close to being prepared. Of course, the fact that the American system is semester based while the UK assessments are over a year’s worth of education contributes majorly to the difference in my stress levels while studying, but that’s not the only factor.
Not once have any of my professors at Northeastern told me what structure they want the answers to be in. In fact, I’d probably even get away for being creative if I submit my take home in a video format! LSE is quite the opposite. We are told exactly what is expected out of our answers, what the structure should be like, and how long to spend on any answer. The structured approach is new to me, and I have mixed feelings about it. While on one hand it’s good to know what is expected out of me, I would also like the flexibility to do what suits me on the other hand.
Although I’m experiencing this swift difference in the systems through my exams most prominently right now, these differences have been a part of my experience throughout the year. Going to restaurants, I’ve forgotten what it feels like to make friends with your waiter and learn all about the cool experiences they’ve had. However, I have also forgotten to take into account tipping while paying my restaurant bills. I will, nonetheless, really miss the politeness that people here have when they’re conversing with you.
I think I have gotten used to these things over the time that I’ve spent here to the extent that I don’t even notice them anymore. I have started sensing the politeness in my tone and looked for the queue the second I enter any place. I feel like such small social etiquette differences exists everywhere and it shouldn’t take too long to get used to them, and even if you don’t, with globalization you are no longer a stranger in the city if you don’t know the customs, since probably a few hundred thousand others in the city don’t know them either. It is therefore more fun than stressful to try and adjust to the nitty-gritties.
