The differences between the US's higher education system and the UK's are small but powerful. I received my first grade of my grad school career today, and I've never been so excited by a 68% in my life. In the UK, though grading is still on a 0-100 scale, it is near impossible to get above a 75%, and a 50% is passing and acceptable. I was incredibly pleased to see my score was, in the words of my lecturer, "good and above average!" 

The feedback for my coursework was delivered in a very different language than what I have been used to. 

"Your submission meets the required word length specfication. Your blog is working and accessible. Your post is very reflective, and you demonstrate what you have learned so far on the module, by using the practical examples you undertook in the labs - your understanding of the material is good and you can communicate this knowledge clearly to the reader. One way to improve your learning would be to take this practical knowledge and read around the area a little more - this will provide you with more knowledge of the theoretical background, and will enhance your practical knowledge. You use the Harvard style correctly. The turnitin report demonstrates that this submission is your own work."

This is after three separate people grade the work I've submitted! Now, all my other classes have only one assignment, and it is submitted after the end of the term, just as the next one is starting. Needless to say for someone who is used to grades and feedback during the course of the class, it is a bit scary to not know if you've done well until everything is over and done with. I am, however, really please to know I'm on the right track. 

There is no hand holding in grad school. I have to admit it has been an adjustment, to adapt to the lack of guidance. All throughout my undergrad I wished I had slightly less guidance, and now that I have it, I'm a bit slow to adapt to my new found freedom in directing my own learning.

I am pleased that as my courses progress there is more practical application, and more in class discourse on the topics we are covering. The Brits seem to be used to a strict lecture style, and there are many, many people in class who I have never heard speak. I suppose that isn't so different from my undergrad, on the participation front.

Now to sort out what I am writing my other 3 papers on, and to get cracking on getting them finished before holiday time so I can enjoy winter break at la Bussière sur Ouche in France! I'm terribly excited about getting to spend time out there with my boyfriend's family. You can expect loads of pictures!