Studying or working abroad more often than not has a positive impact upon your overall degree and academic skills. However, it is not uncommon for students to find they struggle academically and find it hard to adapt to the teaching and learning style at their host university.
Remember to not suffer in silence and do let your Academic Exchange Adviser know if you are struggling. You can also contact the IPO office at Manchester and we are happy to discuss any concerns you have via email or on Skype if you prefer.
You MUST make sure that you receive approval in writing/email from your Academic Exchange Adviser for the course units that you plan to take during your period abroad, and that you obtain written approval for any subsequent changes that you need to make once you are abroad. Please share this approval with the International Programmes Office.
Academic cultures and systems vary from country to country and from university to university. Do not assume that things will be the same as in Manchester.
Mid-term tests
A midterm test might take place early in the semester while you are still settling and adjusting, this can make them more challenging, but remember that mid-terms are a good opportunity for you to appreciate what areas you might need to work on and they give you the chance to pull your grades up throughout the semester, rather than having to rely on one good exam result at the end.
Our Partners are ranked among the top universities in the world and so it is natural that you might find the workload challenging. Having the experience of being pushed academically will put you in good stead for the pressures of your final year at Manchester. Remember that you do not have the academic background that local students have, so whilst you may need to put in extra effort in some parts of the course you may find yourself ahead of your peers in other parts of your course. Be pro-active in seeking support from teaching staff as well as from your peers. Make use of office hours and study groups and remember that you have an important perspective to contribute.
Make sure you know what is required of you and what work lecturers/teaching assistants expect you to produce. Find out what the various assessments are and worth for each course, so that you can work strategically on improving your marks. As long as you work hard and put the effort into your studies it is very unlikely that you will perform poorly. You can find some useful exam resources here: Exam Extra
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