Uni

As much as we speak the same language and study the same subjects, school in England is drastically different. For one thing, there is no High School here. The order of school is Primary, Secondary, College, University.

Another difference is that each class only meets once a week. However, some classes have two parts: lecture and seminar. One of my classes has both together. So, instead of two different days my class runs from roughly 9AM until NOON with a short break in the middle. One of my other classes meets for lecture on Wednesday from 11AM until NOON and then has the seminar on Fridays from 9:30AM until 11AM.

Everyday I am done by NOON. Its nice to a certain extent, but there is a lot of down time. Most of this downtime is meant to be used to read the extensive reading list. The reading lists aren't assigned. Its for the student to do on their own, if they choose. Obviously, some students will read more than others and some may not read anything at all. Its all personal choice.

Another thing that is different is how assignments and essays are done. There really isn't that much homework aside from reading and essays. In my English class, there are two essays spread over the term. Each essay is worth 50% of the overall grade, which means no final. In another class I have a paper and an essay and then a final during the Summer Term.

There are three terms per year. The first term is from the end of September through the middle of December and then there is a break. Then from the second week of January through the end of March the second term runs, followed by another break until the middle of April. Summer term is basically finals. That's it. There is review for a week, then a week for studying some more, and then finals. There are not finals after every semester/term.

The way that essays are handled is interesting. They set the date it's due, and you have till NOON on that day to turn it in. You don't turn it in to the Professor, however. Instead, the paper has to be taken to the Faculty of Arts office. There, a form has to be filled out. All this form does is identify which student is turning in the paper and to which course the paper belongs. Then they scan it in and you get an email telling you that the paper has been turned in on time.

Aside from all the differences, its still college, or University, rather. They use different words. For example, in the States I would say, "Yeah, I'm going to college at Western." Here, I would say, "Yeah, I'm going to Uni in Plymouth." And they aren't Freshman or Freshies but "Freshers." And, there are only three years of University here. Its more concentrated and there aren't Gen. Eds.

There are both cultural differences in the education system as well as academic differences. I am learning both, and its making for a very interesting and fun experience.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a strange place. It is magnificent even when the rain is pouring down. There is a certain mystery to the rock formation, and the mystery is what draws people to it. The tour of the city sets up some history and then the bus takes the road to the formation. The bus takes you out of town and out towards the country. Suddenly in the distance you can see it. From the road, you can see Stonehenge. The road actually lies right next to the ancient site. Getting off the bus, there is a path that leads down to the National Trust entry way. From there, a gift shop, a little cafe, and a tunnel are present. The National Trust then gives out little personal walking tour handsets. They are basically used like phones, in the sense that you put them up to your ear and listen.

In the tunnel there are murals on both sides depicting how they think that the stones for Stonehenge were carried to their current resting spots. After walking up the ramp you see for the first time up close, Stonehenge.

Even though it was raining, there seems to be the need to take your time and enjoy the site. It seems to hit you when you see it that you are standing in amongst world heritage and history. For centuries, thousands of people have stood in the exact same place wondering and marveling at the great mystery. No one knows the exact reason or purpose that Stonehenge exists, but that is part of the fun.