Education USA, UK, Australia

Compulsory Education n Free education ages (13 years) n In USA and Australia, the first year is optional –called kindergarten or pre-primary –usually only half a day n The last two years are optional –except in some American states n Some children go to nursery school before age 5 (requires tuition fee)

University n Universities and colleges charge tuition fees; most also receive some money from the government. –but are not government-controlled –each university sets minimum requirements for entry n Acceptance is based on: –high school results –a standardised test (maths and english) eg the SAT in America

University n Most bachelor degrees are: –4 years in USA –3 years in UK and Australia n Final year in UK high school is more specialised than in America –most students study only 3 subjects

University Learning n Less classes than high school –eg. for humanities students: units / semester classes (45min) / unit n A lot of independent study is needed: –humanities students: reading, writing essays, preparing for tutorials –science students: exercises, assignments

University Learning n Lectures –each unit usually has 2 lectures / week n Tutorials –10-20 students + 1 tutor –students discuss questions related to the lectures and the readings n Labs –for science units

University Learning Teaching how to think, not what to think “ Learning here isn't a one-way process in which you simply receive information from your teachers. Instead, you'll be encouraged to read widely, to research thoroughly and to question what you learn at every opportunity. ” (

University Learning: East & West Tutors complain that many Asian foreign students don ’ t participate enough in tutorials. “ Even if your answer is totally wrong, it is much better than I don ’ t know. ” –teachers want to see the process of learning (not only the result)

University Learning n Benefits: –knowledge –critical thinking –ability to argue clearly –self-discipline

Gap Year n Some students choose to wait a year before starting university (after a university offers them a place, they apply to postpone it for a year) –work –travel –volunteer work (often overseas) n Harvard University (USA) even suggests it in their letter of admission

Gap Year n In England, about 1/3 take this option Prince William (volunteer work in Chile)