Of classes and student life
What happens when you take a Law student and throw her into the deep end of Business studies?
Okay, I admit it: I am a keen bean when it comes to being a student. So I was looking forward to studying abroad.
I was at first quite apprehensive at undertaking my studies at Coe, as not only was I aware that classes are taught and assessed differently in comparison to my degree at Queen’s, I would be studying subjects which I had never before studied, namely Business. Considering how rarely I had touched a calculator since completing my GCSE Maths/A Level Biology, I decided to cross my fingers and be prepared for umpteen mathematical challenges. I was excited however at the prospect of smaller class sizes, more one-to-one interaction with professors and the opportunity to gain a knowledge base in such new subjects. Having researched Coe College’s website for the class catalogue which provided additional information on each class offered in the Autumn/Spring semesters for the year, I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to begin my studies.
For my first semester, I opted to study Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Law and Marketing to fulfil the required credit criteria of the study abroad programme. Upon meeting with my advisor of studies, I professed my interest in studying an additional class in Political Science: Political Violence Studies. He kindly worked with me to submit my application to the Academic Board of the college for their approval to study an additional class; and we were both ecstatic when my application was approved. In my second semester, I studied modules in Business Law, Management, Personal Financial Planning and Public Relations. Both semesters provided me with a new educational experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I enjoyed participating in the smaller classes, relishing the opportunity to submit my opinions and having class discussions and debates which I believe increased my educational experience. I have certainly increased my knowledge of Business matters and have also gained new skills in complying business reports and writing case studies; I was particularly interested in uncovering similarities and differences in US Business law and compliance practice. In addition, I have discovered a passionate interest in PR and a new understanding of how entwined law, business and PR are.
Presentations, weekly tests, 'pop quizes', bi-weekly exams... I found myself thinking that US college is eerily akin to NI secondary school. Talk about a blast from the past. At Coe, it was not so much that the work was harder, but rather the time-management aspect was harder. As a result, I believe my planning, preparation and time management skills have been enhanced. I even managed to conquer multiple-choice questions, which I had previously been unused to.
A new educational environment and teaching styles to adapt to did present some challenges during the year. Particularly in my first semester, I encountered some problems in the business-centric classes which tended to use predominately American examples in expanding upon the practical application of the theory being taught. As a result, I was surrounded by American brands, companies, etc. which I did not know. Sometimes the other international students and myself would just shrug our shoulders at each other halfway through lessons. Yet I realised that I could not follow the NI approach of not wanting to be an inconvenience and ask questions. I was already feeling frustrated with my non-understanding and I did not want to be hindered in my learning. As such, I instead adopted an American approach - I was happily going native already - and actively sought advice from the international student advisors, my professors, and my American friends. I then gained the confidence to ask questions in class, engage in external research and several of my professors were kind enough to modify their teaching methods for myself and the other international students. This experience reiterated that true lesson: you are never the only one enduring the problem, as there will always be others.
I noticed that group work was frequently utilised by professors across my classes, and more often than not we were placed into groups by the professors. I have to say this was unusual for me; my home university does not use group work as a means of assignment completion or assessment. I struggled a bit at first, as I often was left with completing a lot of the work. But I eventually adopted a leadership role and ensured all members of my group would contribute.
The learning experience was an intensive, yet rewarding one and I believe it will stand me in good stead upon entering my final year of reading Law.
I am proud to report that:
You can access samples of my writing and work from my classes at Coe via my e-portfolio here.
I was at first quite apprehensive at undertaking my studies at Coe, as not only was I aware that classes are taught and assessed differently in comparison to my degree at Queen’s, I would be studying subjects which I had never before studied, namely Business. Considering how rarely I had touched a calculator since completing my GCSE Maths/A Level Biology, I decided to cross my fingers and be prepared for umpteen mathematical challenges. I was excited however at the prospect of smaller class sizes, more one-to-one interaction with professors and the opportunity to gain a knowledge base in such new subjects. Having researched Coe College’s website for the class catalogue which provided additional information on each class offered in the Autumn/Spring semesters for the year, I was eagerly awaiting the opportunity to begin my studies.
For my first semester, I opted to study Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Law and Marketing to fulfil the required credit criteria of the study abroad programme. Upon meeting with my advisor of studies, I professed my interest in studying an additional class in Political Science: Political Violence Studies. He kindly worked with me to submit my application to the Academic Board of the college for their approval to study an additional class; and we were both ecstatic when my application was approved. In my second semester, I studied modules in Business Law, Management, Personal Financial Planning and Public Relations. Both semesters provided me with a new educational experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I enjoyed participating in the smaller classes, relishing the opportunity to submit my opinions and having class discussions and debates which I believe increased my educational experience. I have certainly increased my knowledge of Business matters and have also gained new skills in complying business reports and writing case studies; I was particularly interested in uncovering similarities and differences in US Business law and compliance practice. In addition, I have discovered a passionate interest in PR and a new understanding of how entwined law, business and PR are.
Presentations, weekly tests, 'pop quizes', bi-weekly exams... I found myself thinking that US college is eerily akin to NI secondary school. Talk about a blast from the past. At Coe, it was not so much that the work was harder, but rather the time-management aspect was harder. As a result, I believe my planning, preparation and time management skills have been enhanced. I even managed to conquer multiple-choice questions, which I had previously been unused to.
A new educational environment and teaching styles to adapt to did present some challenges during the year. Particularly in my first semester, I encountered some problems in the business-centric classes which tended to use predominately American examples in expanding upon the practical application of the theory being taught. As a result, I was surrounded by American brands, companies, etc. which I did not know. Sometimes the other international students and myself would just shrug our shoulders at each other halfway through lessons. Yet I realised that I could not follow the NI approach of not wanting to be an inconvenience and ask questions. I was already feeling frustrated with my non-understanding and I did not want to be hindered in my learning. As such, I instead adopted an American approach - I was happily going native already - and actively sought advice from the international student advisors, my professors, and my American friends. I then gained the confidence to ask questions in class, engage in external research and several of my professors were kind enough to modify their teaching methods for myself and the other international students. This experience reiterated that true lesson: you are never the only one enduring the problem, as there will always be others.
I noticed that group work was frequently utilised by professors across my classes, and more often than not we were placed into groups by the professors. I have to say this was unusual for me; my home university does not use group work as a means of assignment completion or assessment. I struggled a bit at first, as I often was left with completing a lot of the work. But I eventually adopted a leadership role and ensured all members of my group would contribute.
The learning experience was an intensive, yet rewarding one and I believe it will stand me in good stead upon entering my final year of reading Law.
I am proud to report that:
- I have mastered the use of Mac computers, laptops and Apple software in general.
- I am a PowerPoint Queen.
- My ability to stand and chat and present to anyone and everyone stood me in good stead.
- My PR class taught me how to use new software programmes such as Audacity, and new media platforms such as Chirbit: I am now considering creating a weekly podcast and blog on my take on politics and the law.
- I have become nocturnal due to my ability to stay up late, and indeed pull all-nighters if necessary.
- A liberal-arts means of education is fascinating, and I wish I could have had the opportunity to experience it for longer.
You can access samples of my writing and work from my classes at Coe via my e-portfolio here.
Autumn Semester Class Information pdf | |
File Size: | 105 kb |
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Spring Semester Class Information pdf | |
File Size: | 80 kb |
File Type: |