Academics Abroad: Adjusting to UofT’s Teaching Style

By Zarina Patel, University of Toronto, Canada

Despite being the underlying purpose of why you are there, the actual process of studying at a university abroad isn’t talked about enough! Being a student at the University of Toronto has been the most academically enriching opportunity of my life.

I speak from my experiences as a UofT Psychology exchange student. Nevertheless, my advice is generalised, to help smooth the transition from studying at UoM to your host uni.

1. Be open and flexible to new uni systems

The first difference I experienced was using Canvas: an alternative university platform to Blackboard. Secondly, I quickly learned the assessment styles at UofT were quite contrasting from what I was used to at UoM (see point 2). Also, sometimes I was required to use a different referencing style from what I was used to at UoM.

My best advice would be to set yourself up as best you can from the start. Read all of your emails, attend any exchange orientation sessions and, crucially, pay attention in your welcome lectures and things will become clear.

2. Difference in workload?

UofT is one of the more academically rigorous universities; the workload was probably equivalent to UoM from my experience, but also highly dependent on the modules you take. However, keep in mind, my exchange year was pass/fail so personal priorities differed compared to when I was at UoM! The study culture at both universities is equally intense, with highly aspirational students eager to fulfil their academic potential. 

At UoM: Psychology modules at UoM often consist of one piece of coursework and one MCQ or essay exam at the end of the semester. 

At UofT: It was common for classes to have smaller weekly or biweekly assignments, similar to school ‘homework’. In addition, most classes had a midterm and a final exam. For multiple choice questions, we used scantrons and for written questions, we used a pen and paper – how invigorating!

3. Attendance and participation are easy credits

Attend all your timetabled classes! Alongside social benefits of going in person, often simply turning up can contribute to your grade, with bonus points for participating. Accent privilege is also so real in your classes; everyone will love that you’re from the UK!

Despite being labelled as “lectures”, my timetabled classes were interactive. Being enrolled in mostly third year courses, they were more similar in style (e.g. put-your-hand up discussions) and size (between 25-50 students) to British secondary school lessons compared to large 100+ student lectures I was used to at UoM. Although it might sound daunting, do not let this put you off in the slightest! I wasn’t expecting to enjoy interactive classes as much as I did, since I didn’t previously see myself as someone brave enough to contribute to lectures. But, UofT has since proved me wrong! (see point 4)

4. The student-professor dynamic felt more intimate and less intense than at UoM

Thanks to the smaller classes, there was room for the professor to really get to know the students and vice versa. This meant teaching felt very tailored to the class’s needs. This informal classroom atmosphere facilitated hugely productive discussions and I really enjoyed learning off world-leading professors. It was super easy to contact your professor via drop-in office hours, discussion boards or email. I also found it helpful to introduce myself as an exchange student to your professors. 

5. Don’t be shocked by 3-hour lectures :0

These fly by due to their conversational, collaborative and overall engaging nature. I actually much preferred having one longer lecture each week, rather than having two shorter ones!

6. Evening classes are not unusual – some were 6-9pm at UofT!

When building your timetable, there is such great flexibility with class times. At UofT, this is to accommodate the whole of the student population’s needs (e.g. part time students). Definitely a unique experience that you’re unlikely to have in the UK! 

7. Embrace every academic opportunity that comes your way!

Studying abroad brings about such unique experiences. One example is from my Organisational Psychology module, when my peers and I were given the opportunity to undertake a Case Consultancy project. In a group of 5, we stepped into the role of organisational psychologists to give a virtual presentation to a UNICEF representative, applying what we had learnt to help solve UNICEF’s real-life problems. 

Overall, I came to love my modules which had group work (e.g. presentations or book groups) because it was the perfect structured opportunity to get to know classmates. Also, the marking on group presentations was much more lenient I found, so it tended to bring everyone’s average up. These academic opportunities enhance your future employability so make the most of them!

8. A highlight for me was taking a non-Psychology module each semester. 

If allowed, take one or two modules unrelated to your discipline. There are several benefits of doing this. It is refreshing as it offers variety in what you are learning, the styles of teaching and assignments. As well as allowing you to explore your campus by having classes in different buildings, taking first year political science courses unlocked a whole new pool of classmates for me with vastly different university experiences, which I loved. 

When undertaking an exchange year, it is easy to overlook the importance of the university whilst considering other factors. Ultimately, your host university is at the heart of your experience, providing you with structure and a sense of normality whilst you are away. It is your formal support system! 

Do bear in mind how varied the partner universities can be. The teaching styles, workload and general study culture is VERY specific to the partner university. So, make sure you do your research and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!