Of Time and Space and All Relativities in Between

Has it been so long since my last blog post? I am terribly remiss. I was reminded today by Professor Knorr that I do, indeed, have a blog. Wow! I had forgotten. Between my exploits around Ireland and my studies here in Galway I'm beginning to find it difficult to even think of how time is passing back home, when everything here seems to be flying by so quickly.

Since my last post we've been to Connemara, Cork, Kerry, and Northern Ireland. I've seen Blarney (though not kissed it),  learnt a smattering of Irish (Dia Duit!), travelled around the ring of Kerry and seen the Giant's Causeway. I've stayed in lovely B&Bs and creepy hostels and have learned how to find food in a foreign city with astonishing accuracy. I couldn't tell you every adventure I've been on, or every place I've seen, or every joyous or sad feeling I've felt, so I will let the pictures tell you the story and save my words for other matters. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tempichanges

One thing I did want to talk about here is the education system at NUI Galway.  At first when I arrived, I was completely confused by how the credit system worked, how I was to choose classes as an International student, and where I could go for advice in my selections. The first couple of weeks were a bit overwhelming. I was trying to find my footing in a new country, as well as figure out the educational system, and it left me tired and confused most of the time. Yet once classes actually began, everything clicked into place for me. I think I had a bit easier of a time adjusting to NUIG than some of my fellow WU students here because I had been a transfer student to WU sophmore year, having gone to Portland State and University of Findlay before that. Therefore, I felt a little more comfortable in a strange environment, and with the MUCH larger class sizes and professors who felt a little bit more distant.  While NUIG is vastly different to Willamette, I haven't found the educational system (at least in the collegiate level) to be any different from the large schools back in the states like Portland State. NUIG and PSU have comparable class sizes, student attitudes, and professors. Both have large classes that are more suited to auditoriums and theatres, where a large number of students rarely attend. Additionally, I have found the distance some professors put between themselves and their students comparable to large colleges back home. 

The course content also seems to be remarkably easy on many levels. I've gotten used to having to pay attention in class because I know all the information would be vital for discussion, or assignments. Yet here, discussion is rarely asked for (outside of the seminars) and lecture material, for the most part, is a reiteration of the assigned readings. I suppose the lecturers do this because they figure none of the students read the material anyway, but I think it is a disservice to Irish students because, as long as this practice stays in place, they will continue to not read the material because it is not required of them.

This lecture style, unfortunately, leads to most students not attending class at all.  While the students certainly appreciate it, more time for partying, (I can count the number of times my room mate has actually attended lectures using only my hands. Seriously, it has been less than 10. I've kept a tally), I think it ultimately does them a disservice. This attitude could arise from the fact that college education is free for students over here. They don't have to attach a monetary figure to their attendance, so they don't feel like its worth their precious time. I know that for the amount that's being spent on my education back home, I always feel incredibly guilty if I miss a class for anything less than life-threatening situations, never mind the fact that if I missed a class back home I would be irrevocably behind in the material and the professor would probably ask where I was anyway.

Because there is no accountability for students here, be it monetarily, socially, or mentally, they see no benefit in attending lecture.

The one bright spot in this situation are the seminars. They are small classes with usually less than 20 students.  My seminar, studies in 20th century drama, is certainly one of the highlights in my week, because it is discussion oriented and a great place to make some friends, and reminds me of the classes back home at WU. 

But Anyway, I'm off to write one of my many essays for end of term. But I will try to update more before I leave!