Taking classes in a foreign country and in a new language is definitely a new and distinct experience.   I am taking two classes at some of the local universities. I have a ceramics class at  El Instituto Universitario Nacional del Arte, the national art institute also known as IUNA. I am also taking ahistory class at the Catholic University of Argentina, or UCA.  Some people in my study abroad program are taking classes at the University of Buenos Aires, known as UBA.  There are some significant differences in the college atmosphere here in Argentina versus the United States.

  1. Classes are much more laid back. Teachers will often come into class ten to 15 minutes late. At UBA, if the lecture hall is big enough people smoke during class.  Often times the class lacks organization because the teacher comes in unprepared.
  2. There is much more informal student to teacher relationships. For example, students will get into arguments with their teachers and then carry on with class without any hard feelings.  The students constantly chatter during class and the teacher usually carries on without getting offended.
  3. The student-student relationship is quite different too.  There isn't a sense of competition between students.  This may be due to the fact that all the grades are posted together after a test, so everyone can see all the students’ grades. If  you miss class one day, most of the students are very helpful and are willing to share their notes and assignments with other students.