1.Modules or Units
In Nairobi as a first year student, I had to take compulsory units (modules) that were unrelated to my degree. These included HIV & AIDS, Communications and IT. I learnt about IT without attending a computer lab session. The remaining three units were related to the degree.
In London, my modules were strictly related to the degree. We relied heavily on using software related to the course to complete assignments and that is how I became proficient in using computer packages such as Stata and The Bloomberg Terminal.
2. Lectures
Lectures in both cities were delivered in the same manner, with hundreds of students in an auditorium or theatre. In London, students referred to lecturers by their first name, which was a culture shock to me. In Nairobi, this was not allowed; they went by Madam, Mrs, Dr and Sir.
Lectures in Nairobi were three hours long. My classes were held on weekday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. These lectures were draining!
In London, lectures were spread throughout the week with the earliest and latest starting at 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. respectively. We also had seminars, which are smaller classes (maximum of 30 students per class) where, whatever was taught in a lecture was gone over again. Homework were also thoroughly checked during these seminar sessions.
3. Tests, Assignments and Exams
In Nairobi, we had final exams that constituted 70% of the overall grade. The remaining 30% were for continuous assessment tests and or assignments. There was a final three-hour exam for each module.
In London, there was a mix of everything. I had modules, just like those Kenya, that were 70% exams. Of the remaining, 20% were solely on essays and 10% for class and seminar attendance. I also had modules that had no final exams, where the final grade was based on monthly online multiple choice tests. Another module had 50% towards class presentations and the other 50% on final exam. The strangest I had was a 70% towards final exam and 20% towards twenty essays, each with a 1% mark.
4. Grading
In Nairobi, our exams were marked and graded by the lecturer who taught that specific module.
For the B.A. in Accounting and Finance, the London university I attended had an affiliation with ACCA, and so our exams were marked externally. This came after the main lecturer marked and graded our papers, followed by another lecturer, so as to minimise favouritism.
Studying abroad can be challenging to international students, especially while trying to adjust to a new lifestyle and balancing it with academic work. Despite the challenges, it is a rewarding risk to take as it gives you a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel, meet people from different backgrounds and to gain a globally-recognised education.