Things I observed about the US Education System
It was the first time that I ever stayed alone for a very long time. I was in Syracuse, New York all the way from Delhi, India to study Communication and Rhetorical Studies at the College of Visual and Performing Arts. I was very excited and happy to be there but I was having a tough time as firstly, I was away from home, my family and friends. I missed them a lot and sometimes got homesick. But I soon came to realise that what I am facing, many other international students might be also facing the same problem. We are all in the same boat.
Secondly, in India the education system is very different from that of the US. In India the system is based on ‘rote learning’ rather than ‘open-mindedness’. Furthermore, the Indian system is ‘teacher centered’ rather than ‘student centered’. In India, you are not allowed to ask questions to the teacher in between the lecture or just walk right up to them and discuss your problem. But here in the US, you can do so. I was pleasantly surprised when I was not clear about my assignment and I mustered up courage to ask my professor a question. He not only willingly helped me but also was warm and welcoming. He also encouraged me to ask questions when in doubt. I realised then that you are allowed to ask questions to the professor without any hesitation and you can just walk right up to them and discuss whatever problem you may have.
The US education system is very different from the Indian education system that we are used to and leaves one with the skills of critical thinking, responsibility, open mindedness and being creative.Studying or living in the US also makes one independent since one does chores and tasks that one would never dream of doing whether it is carrying a crate of water bottles to your hostel room that is a 2km walk from the store to your hostel, making your own bed, cleaning your own clothes or even throwing out the trash. These are the everyday things that we in India are likely to take for granted.
Despite everything, I am happy that I chose to study in the U.S and not in India.
Written in the year 2014