Australia and New Zealand

The Australia and New Zealand educational systems are based on the British model of education. The student's academic schedule fluctuates between lectures, tutorials (small group sessions), laboratory work, seminars, and library study.  For your class grade you may be expected to concentrate your academic efforts in library research and writing, and it is not uncommon to have a large percentage of your grade based upon only 1 to 2 exams.  The tutorials may require you to prepare materials, present a paper, read articles, or participate in group discussion.  Australian and New Zealand students generally concentrate on their major in the first year since there is not a "general education" requirement like most US four year institutions, and therefore introductory subjects may be more difficult than at AU.  In general, you should be prepared for some differences between the overseas and the US academic systems and be aware that you may experience a period of adjustment.