Study Abroad - Studying at the University of Glasgow
As an economics student, studying at the University of Glasgow is a real treat. For those unfamiliar with the history of economics, Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, was Scottish and taught at the University of Glasgow in the 1700s. Furthermore, he wrote much of his often overlooked Theory of Moral Sentiments while a faculty member. The university's economics building is called the Adam Smith building and is complete with one of the campus' largest libraries.
The Academics and Term Structure
A criterion for my study abroad was an English speaking country, purely for academic integrity reasons. I desired for my studies to not only not suffer, but actually find new or expanded boundaries. To my delight, this was the case. Glasgow challenged me academically in ways not availabe at UCSD. I took only four courses, all yearlong, that were entirely based upon written evaluation. I wrote a 3,000 word essay in each of my classes at the conclusion of both terms and then took a written final. It took many tedious hours of work to get my writing ability up to par, but the effort was worth it. In particular I thank my father for the literally tens of hours he put into helping my writing through editing. To the right you'll find the fruition of my efforts.
The University of Glasgow divided the year into two terms and a finals period. Each term lasted ten weeks and progressed much differently from a quarter at UCSD (also ten weeks in length). At Glasgow, students were not responsible for material until the final examination five weeks after the second term. However, the aforementioned paper was due at the end of each term. This system resulted in a bizarre time management structure that allowed one to not work for the first five or six weeks of the term and then be locked away for the remaining four or five weeks. This happened to me both terms, but especially during the first when I it took me unprepared. After the second term the student had a five week break to study for the yearlong cumulative exam that took place in late April or May. After spending three of the weeks travelling I returend for two nerve-racking weeks when I studied, but also contemplated the implications of each of the tests: four three-hour exams that each accounted for almost nine upper division, major GPA points at San Diego. (Bear in mind that a quarter at UCSD is four units divided amongst problem sets, midterms, and a final.) But the change of routine was good for my independent work ethic and discipline.
The Prestige
On top of the strength of education I received at the University of Glasgow, the campus was beautiful and full of great people. Founded in 1451, it holds the honor of Britain's 4th oldest univserity (behind Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Andrews). However, it did not move to its current location until the late 1800s. This transition also saw the creation of the gorgeous neo-gothic meets Victorian architecture that now typifies the University of Glasgow.
The spectacular eastern quadrangle; a courtyard found within the main building.