<p>I'm thinking of studying abroad for a year in India. I was looking at a program through Brown University at Lady Sri Ram College. They mentioned that the "colleges follow a British-style educational system of tutorials and lectures." What does that mean, exactly?</p>
<p>I am currently at a small private liberal arts college (one of the Claremont Colleges). Small class sizes, intimate and engaging. How would Indian (or British, since they seem to be British style) education compare?</p>
<p>Its not liberal-arts, basically. You choose your major from year 1, and most of your courses will be related to your major. Also, your education will be much more theory and textbook oriented.
You’ll find the Indian system terribly boring.</p>
<p>So essentially, just read the material and remember it for the test? That is kind of boring, hmm… but if I’m going for a year, then I’ll still take major-specific courses, right?</p>
<p>I think so. They are not going to modify their courses to suit you. But LSR is one of the most sought after colleges in New Delhi. You’ll have great company and you can explore Delhi and the surrounding areas. If you don’t mind the pain of going through the Indian system for the sake of the other benefits, then you can go ahead with your plan. Best of luck :)</p>
<p>St Stephen’s is arguably the best non-engineering college in India.
If you find the idea of reading from a book and rewriting it verbatim on an exam boring, then India is NOT the place for you.</p>
<p>Hmm, well, it’s not as if I can’t handle it though - it’s just that I wouldn’t prefer it. I mean, I even did that type of thing for high school here in the US…</p>
<p>If I am taking more major-specific classes (not general eds), what are class sizes like? Any idea? </p>
<p>But in any case, what countries would be more liberal-arts-student friendly? XD I’m willing to suck it up and grit my teeth for a less-lovable academic year if the rest of the experience is worth it…</p>
<p>Ah no. You don’t understand. The Indian system is so different from the US system, its ridiculous. I know this, because I study in the US right now, and I’ve studied in India for years. I don’t think you’ll enjoy the experience. You’ll never get the feeling of having learned something at the end of a class. Go to India for a vacation. Just don’t go there to study. The education system is a mess. That’s why I’m here.</p>
<p>I don’t really know what countries are lib-arts friendly. I can only comment on India’s system, because I’m Indian.</p>
<p>I could break it down further, if you wish:
There’s no real school pride, in the American sense. No national level sports that you could cheer for, etc. There is a huge shortage of faculty. The living conditions in the dorm are terrible (though you probably expect that). Classes probably (here I say probably, because I’m generalizing) aren’t as interactive as you’d expect.
If you’re white, you’ll be treated like royalty. If you’re not, then racism is really prevalent, and it won’t be a good experience.</p>
<p>I guess I ought to re-adjust my plans! Haha. But it’s okay; there’s a reason I’m researching/figuring this out now BEFORE I commit to any plans… lol.</p>