In the previous episode of Students Speak, we covered Vinay Kumar Siramshetti’s research mechanism, student visa experience, English proficiency exams & entrance tests, and the role of SOP and LOR. In this episode, let’s learn about the difference in pedagogy, his experience with the new environment, and how he embraced the new culture.
Key highlights:
- Difference in Pedagogy
- New Environment: Weather, Culture, and Independence
- Building Social Connections and Embracing Multiculturalism
Difference in Pedagogy
According to Vinay, the Indian education system is more theory-focused. On the other hand, UK universities follow a more practical-oriented curriculum. Hence, students have to participate in various projects, study groups, presentations, assignments, seminars, etc., in order to gain knowledge and sharpen their skills. Since there are strict rules against plagiarism, students invest time in making unique study assignments. In India, students are expected to memorise the study material and give answers based on which the moderators evaluate the scores. This is the fundamental difference between the two educational systems.
New Environment: Weather, Culture, and Independence
Students must learn about the cultural differences and weather patterns of their preferred study abroad destinations. It will enable a seamless transition as you settle in your host country. Vinay shared that the UK has cold weather, but Indian students will eventually learn to adjust to the low temperature.
Initially, when you fly to your chosen country, you might miss your family, food and your life back in your home country, but this is how you learn to be independent. You will have to step out of your comfort zone and take charge of the academic, social, and financial aspects of your life.
If you are working part-time and earning some money to support your lifestyle there, it is essential to create a budget and stick to it. Instead of spending lavishly, you must save some moolah and spend wisely. It is crucial to live responsibly and be accountable for all your actions.
Building Social Connections and Embracing Multiculturalism
Vinay shared his experience, where he learned to come out of his shell when he realised that approaching people in the UK proactively and greeting them was a social norm in the UK. Now, whether he is travelling in public transport or studying at his university, Vinay greets people around him, which has helped him build his network, too.
He also mentioned that you will find it easier to settle down if you stay in London or other cities with large Indian communities. Whereas if you live in a town where only a few Indians stay, then you may face cultural differences. However, you must look at this only as an opportunity to learn from your experience to develop cultural competence. He also added that there are plenty of religious places, such as temples, mosques and churches, where you can connect to your roots. Since people in the UK embrace multiculturalism, you will feel safe and secure in the UK.
So, in this episode, we learned from Vinay about the difference in pedagogy, his experience with the new environment, and how he embraced the new culture. In the next episode, we will cover his experience with his education loan provider, his invaluable tips for student loan repayment, and some interesting tips for study abroad aspirants. Meanwhile, if you have any queries, please feel free to connect with us.
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