2020-08-05
316
At the very beginning I would like to say that our school system differs from the university one a lot. That is why entering the university is like entering a new and completely unknown world, which is full of unfamiliar things. It is accepted that as soon as young people become students they step into adult life. Besides that, they get higher education, they are taught to be independent and self-disciplined. But before they adapt to a new system they have to come across with some difficulties. Therefore, every university has the so-called “Orientation Week”, during which the freshmen have the opportunity to get used to the university life.
Since all universities are different, so, they have various programs of “Orientation Week”. Well, while at Stanford University the freshmen are immersed in a great number of events, for instance, they are involved in such recreational activities as barbecues or bathing on the beach, we don’t have such outdoor activities at all. What is more, unfortunately we don’t have any pre-arranged discussions with upperclassmen, which might be rather helpful. However, there are some similarities in the activities that are organized in both universities. As well as at Stanford University the freshmen of MSLU have a wonderful opportunity to meet the dean of their faculty personally. Furthermore, several special lectures are organized at the assembly hall, during which the students are given the information about the location of all the libraries, listening and reading halls and canteens in the university. Besides, they are informed about the rules which must be followed at the university.
As for me, I consider such activity as “Orientation Week” extremely useful for freshmen in any university, because it really helps them to get involved into the university life during the shortest period. Apart from that, it allows students to save time and efforts afterwards. It also gives a wonderful possibility to meet your future teachers and ask them some questions which interest you which is very important because they are people who will be together with you for five hard years.
Speak about the Open University and the reasons people have for studying there.
The main difference between OU and casual University is that you learn at home, not at a full-time college. Once you’ve earned your degree, you’ll be much more valuable to an employer, either current or future. BA degrees from the Open University carry the same value as those from “Oxbridge” or any red-brick university. Moreover, you’ll have the self-satisfaction of having reached a personal goal and you will probably discover new things about yourself.
Since it was started, about fifteen years ago, over 65,000 people have been awarded degrees. The subjects range from arts, social sciences, education, to mathematics, science and technology. The University genuinely is open to everyone. It doesn’t matter what your background is, nor do you need “O” or “A” levels. Everyone is equal at the OU and previous academic achievements are not necessary. All we ask is that you are 21 years or older and that you live in the UK.
The majority of courses will come through the post – specially commissioned, high quality teaching materials to help you study at home. There are TV and radio broadcasts and home experiment kits for some of the subjects. There are over 5,000 part-time tutors around the country and one will be assigned to students. The OU also has local study centres and a national network of fully staffed regional offices. Some courses even have a one-week residential summer school.
People study for different reasons. Some purely for the broadening of their knowledge or the developing of their minds; others because they wish to further their career. More than half of our graduates have reported a significant career benefit since gaining their degree. And practically everyone acknowledges the new confidence and awareness the OU study experience has given them. You could start to share that reward this year. Places on the courses are limited and it’s essentially first come, first served.
Speak about children’s attitude to school
No doubt that school is our second home. We spend a lot of time at school acquiring deep knowledge, which can help us to understand our life better. It plays an important role in our life. Each of us has our memories of school years. Someone remembers his first teacher, someone first love, and someone ugly uniforms and meals in the canteen. And there’s no doubt, that there is nothing more magnificent than school years, especially now, looking back on it. I wonder why, when we were still learning at school, we didn't appreciate that time, but wanted to grow up faster and enter adult live. We thought that the school was too difficult, uninteresting and boring.
Interviewing a couple of public school students, we can see that the guys were disappointed with school uniforms, eating in the dining room, and mandatory visits to acdemic lessons, just like we are. However, they had an opportunity of all-round development, in addition to standard items, they are offered a range of exstracurriculum activities: playing guitar, piano and any others. However, students of private schools, seemed to be dissatisfied with their position more than any other! Yes, certainly, a diploma of such school will help them in the future better than a simple school diploma, but students find it difficult to stay away from parents and homely atmosphere. And what is more they don’t have enough freedom, because even hobbies are chosen for them, no matter they like this or not. Therefore, many foreign students as well look forward to put an end to this "terribly long school
