Study Groups, etc.

Study Groups

Sometimes assigned by the teacher, you can also find them on your own. Use the group to bounce off ideas and get tips but be careful, we’ve heard of a few stories where ones’ fellow students are too competitive.

Sidebar: Dealing with Slackers
Working in a group is fun when everybody works as a team. But have you ever noticed how there is always one slacker in the group and of course, your professors aren’t aware of this happening. In some classes, professors are mindful of this phenomenon and have added group members grading each other. If there’s somebody who is really not getting any work done, and you don’t want to be a tattletale, ask if your professor can add the group grading system to the total class grade.

Eric Franco observed that his classmates had much more work experience, so they were able to put a lot more into the discussion. While Charina Quizon (University of Birmingham, Birmingham), commented that she would often get stuck in a group where no one was a native English speaker. And Arvin Concepcion warns that if you’re one of those diligent Filipino students, you usually end up being a leader in group assignments, so grin and bear it.
If you have visions of sharks when it comes to competition, the people we surveyed had various opinions, ranging from John Alikpala’s (Fordham University, New York) observation that they had healthy competition since they never really cared what grades other people got, to Ningning Achacoso’s (University of Leeds, Leeds) experience with her highly competitive classmates where it felt like everyone had to give their opinion on everything and that your opinion didn’t count.

On a whole, the comments were more positive. Rhoel Dinglasan (Yale, Connecticut) said that in his school the competition was healthy and the environment, very cooperative. Vanessa Go (NYU, Northwestern University, Columbia University) observed that her classmates were all motivated but wouldn’t say they were competitive. Reggie Galang (New York University, New York) reasons out, “There was healthy competition due to the fact that students are graded on a curve. But despite the race for that elusive A, students were generally very helpful. Teamwork was an important part of the whole thing.” Charina Quizon says determining a degree of competitiveness can be quite tricky but these usually came out during case meetings. Bibi Choa (Sophia University, Tokyo) provides an interesting take on her school. Because all the Pinoys and their Asian counterparts were doing much better than the Caucasians, there was the beginning of a bit of discrimination for all the A’s we were getting.

Grades

As graduate students, most US schools expect you to maintain a B average. But do not panic, it is much easier to get an A abroad than back home. John Alikpala says, “As long as you have good study habits, there’s no way you can flunk in the US.” However, Yeyey Cruz describes her classes as small, intense, and demanding in London. She said that though more laidback, it was as demanding as Manila (UP).

Comparison with the Philippines

It’s basically “sariling-sikap” here. You’re left with a great list of reading materials and it’s up to you to read, read and read. If you don’t make an effort, don’t depend on the professor to prod you along.—Vanessa Go, New York University, Northwestern University, Columbia University

There will be differences based on the fact that this is graduate school. Considering that… Lectures here are more thorough, well-supported with graphics (helps a lot when you’re talking about architecture), an amazing library in the university and within the city. Inter-library loans are helpful.—Ma. Victoria Goseco, Columbia University, New York

Heavier workload abroad. No free cuts. Ever.—Reggie Galang, New York University/Stern School of Business, New York

People were a lot more vocal here and not hesitant about flat out saying that your opinion was rubbish. You are also expected to come to class prepared, not so much to learn but to validate your own theories based on readings.—Ningning Achacoso, University of Leeds, Leeds

I actually found it easier than college. Courses have actually have some practical use and the professors really place an emphasis on learning.—Ari Mallare, Cornell University, New York

Internships

If you have time to take an internship, take advantage. Aside from adding something substantial to your resume, it also gives you practical experience of your chosen field. For those lucky enough to get a paid internship, it’s most likely your employer will make full use of your skills. Better yet some students are immediately offered a full-time job graduation. For Students with F-1 visas, paid internships will eat into your one-year of practical work experience.

General Knowledge

-Newspapers
Read the local newspaper so you know what’s going on locally. It might also be a good idea to brush up on the history of the country you’re living in. That way you can intelligently carry a conversation regarding local matters, and understand where your classmates’ opinions are coming from. This is also a way of avoiding faux pas.

-Conferences
Attend conferences hosted by your department. This is a good way to meet people in the same field and learn the latest trends in your field and beyond. Other pluses: freebies and if the conference is prestigious enough, you can add it to your resume.

-Industry Organizations
Try to join industry organizations. You’ll meet people with similar interests and many organizations have special rates for their student members.

-Listserve/Group List
It’s an e-mail newsletter put out by people in your department (not all schools have them though). These help the student keep up-to-date with events at school like conferences, internships, talks, etc.