Andrew Camilleri,
University of Malta
- Psychology Graduate
- Exchanges Responsible within STA at EFPSA
Andrew's Online Study Abroad Experience
How did you find out about the possibility of studying abroad?
During my Bachelor in Psychology at the University of Malta, especially during my last year, several lecturers were willing to give us, students, tips and suggestions on what our next steps should be after we graduate from our Bachelor. One of the options they mentioned was the possibility to enroll in a Masters course, by correspondence, to a University based overseas. It means that you would be studying at a University outside of your country, from your home country, using the Internet.
How did you make the decision to try it out?
Since I had a stable job last year, a job I still occupy right now, I thought it would be best if I try to manage to work full time, while I study part-time by correspondence.
What were you studying and where? Did the programme match the topics in Psychology you are most interested in?
For quite a while, I have expressed interest in specializing in Work and Organisational Psychology, as I really do have work-life balance, and the health and well-being of the workforce at heart. Due to the fact that the University of Leicester in the UK is quite renowned for its online Masters in Organisational Psychology, I decided to apply to read for my Masters with this particular university.
What is the application procedure like?
The application process is very similar to what an applicant is required to provide when attempting to apply for a course which the student attends to on campus. Along with demographic details, applicants are requested to send a motivation letter, together with 3 referral letters from professors or employers, and also proof of undergraduate studies.
What does studying online look like? What was your typical week like?
The course material is mainly located on a virtual blackboard / virtual learning environment. In this blackboard, one can find journal articles and presentations categorized according to the course modules, tests and assignments which contribute to the assessment final mark, schedule for the whole semester, a section for important announcements, and also access to the student’s mailbox. There were a couple of instances where live audio & chat QA sessions were held, but I could not be present for them. However, all the course material is usually posted in the blackboard, and discussions occur in a forum made up of students and professors. I am not sure whether live Skype meetings with professors actually happen, but I would assume that during the thesis, students do communicate with their tutors via Skype.
What made you decide to quit?
Studying and working full time at the same time is not as easy as one would imagine. Since I work until 5:30pm every weekday, I had to go home and try to concentrate on studying. I managed to do so for over a month, but circumstances changed, and I had to make a very tough decision. One of the things that caused the withdrawal from the studies is personal family matters which could not allow me to concentrate on my studies after a hard and tiresome day at work. The second factor is the fact that I realized that studying online is nothing like studying on campus. It is true that concerns can be addressed in the online forum, and professors usually addressed the students’ queries, but the fact that the real life communication between students, and students and professors was lacking, caused me to feel as if I am not a whole part of the course. I also think that people who like to be active in campus life, like me, can find it much more difficult to read for such a course. Therefore, I decided to drop from my Masters, and restart them again when I get the opportunity to do so, preferably, studying abroad, on campus.
During my Bachelor in Psychology at the University of Malta, especially during my last year, several lecturers were willing to give us, students, tips and suggestions on what our next steps should be after we graduate from our Bachelor. One of the options they mentioned was the possibility to enroll in a Masters course, by correspondence, to a University based overseas. It means that you would be studying at a University outside of your country, from your home country, using the Internet.
How did you make the decision to try it out?
Since I had a stable job last year, a job I still occupy right now, I thought it would be best if I try to manage to work full time, while I study part-time by correspondence.
What were you studying and where? Did the programme match the topics in Psychology you are most interested in?
For quite a while, I have expressed interest in specializing in Work and Organisational Psychology, as I really do have work-life balance, and the health and well-being of the workforce at heart. Due to the fact that the University of Leicester in the UK is quite renowned for its online Masters in Organisational Psychology, I decided to apply to read for my Masters with this particular university.
What is the application procedure like?
The application process is very similar to what an applicant is required to provide when attempting to apply for a course which the student attends to on campus. Along with demographic details, applicants are requested to send a motivation letter, together with 3 referral letters from professors or employers, and also proof of undergraduate studies.
What does studying online look like? What was your typical week like?
The course material is mainly located on a virtual blackboard / virtual learning environment. In this blackboard, one can find journal articles and presentations categorized according to the course modules, tests and assignments which contribute to the assessment final mark, schedule for the whole semester, a section for important announcements, and also access to the student’s mailbox. There were a couple of instances where live audio & chat QA sessions were held, but I could not be present for them. However, all the course material is usually posted in the blackboard, and discussions occur in a forum made up of students and professors. I am not sure whether live Skype meetings with professors actually happen, but I would assume that during the thesis, students do communicate with their tutors via Skype.
What made you decide to quit?
Studying and working full time at the same time is not as easy as one would imagine. Since I work until 5:30pm every weekday, I had to go home and try to concentrate on studying. I managed to do so for over a month, but circumstances changed, and I had to make a very tough decision. One of the things that caused the withdrawal from the studies is personal family matters which could not allow me to concentrate on my studies after a hard and tiresome day at work. The second factor is the fact that I realized that studying online is nothing like studying on campus. It is true that concerns can be addressed in the online forum, and professors usually addressed the students’ queries, but the fact that the real life communication between students, and students and professors was lacking, caused me to feel as if I am not a whole part of the course. I also think that people who like to be active in campus life, like me, can find it much more difficult to read for such a course. Therefore, I decided to drop from my Masters, and restart them again when I get the opportunity to do so, preferably, studying abroad, on campus.
Hello! Tell us something about yourself.
My name is Aslı Bursalıoğlu. I am from İstanbul, Turkey and study at the Koç University. I am currently studying abroad in the United States at DePaul University for one semester. In my free time, I like to play violin, read books, and be with my family and friends (and of course my dog).
What was the best thing that happened to you during your experience abroad?
One of my favorite parts is definitely making local friends. Spending time with people from around here is the best way to learn about a country and in my opinion is necessary to be able to fully explore the culture.
What was the worst experience you had there?
My worst experience so far has been my roommate. We really cannot get along well, and this has been quite the struggle for me since this is a first time I'm experiencing such thing. My way to deal with this is to keep the conversation to a minimum and being able to stay calm this way.
What is your favourite word there?
"Deep-dish pizza". I don't think any further explanation is needed.
My name is Aslı Bursalıoğlu. I am from İstanbul, Turkey and study at the Koç University. I am currently studying abroad in the United States at DePaul University for one semester. In my free time, I like to play violin, read books, and be with my family and friends (and of course my dog).
What was the best thing that happened to you during your experience abroad?
One of my favorite parts is definitely making local friends. Spending time with people from around here is the best way to learn about a country and in my opinion is necessary to be able to fully explore the culture.
What was the worst experience you had there?
My worst experience so far has been my roommate. We really cannot get along well, and this has been quite the struggle for me since this is a first time I'm experiencing such thing. My way to deal with this is to keep the conversation to a minimum and being able to stay calm this way.
What is your favourite word there?
"Deep-dish pizza". I don't think any further explanation is needed.
What is the best food you had there?
The best local food here I think is deep-dish pizza, but I also really liked the Japanese and Italian food I've had here so far. In addition, I am a big fan of the cheesecakes here!
Was there a situation that made you step outside of your comfort zone?
Even being here, across the ocean, is something that made me step outside of my comfort zone, since this is the longest time and distance that I am away from home. In addition to this, even though I enjoy spending time with friends quite a lot, I learned the value of "me time". It used to make me uncomfortable to be alone on my free time, but I figured that exploring a new place and adjusting to a new life style by yourself can be something really enjoyable and it actually teaches a person a lot about themselves.
What is the biggest difference between the USA and Turkey?
The fact that they don't use the metric system here in USA is the thing that made me confused the most. I still cannot understand what the temperature is unless I convert it to Celsius myself.
The best local food here I think is deep-dish pizza, but I also really liked the Japanese and Italian food I've had here so far. In addition, I am a big fan of the cheesecakes here!
Was there a situation that made you step outside of your comfort zone?
Even being here, across the ocean, is something that made me step outside of my comfort zone, since this is the longest time and distance that I am away from home. In addition to this, even though I enjoy spending time with friends quite a lot, I learned the value of "me time". It used to make me uncomfortable to be alone on my free time, but I figured that exploring a new place and adjusting to a new life style by yourself can be something really enjoyable and it actually teaches a person a lot about themselves.
What is the biggest difference between the USA and Turkey?
The fact that they don't use the metric system here in USA is the thing that made me confused the most. I still cannot understand what the temperature is unless I convert it to Celsius myself.
Share your experience with us!
Do you study or have you studied abroad? Yes? Then we're looking for you!
Studying abroad is becoming more and more popular among students throughout the whole Europe, and listening to friend's unforgettable stories often makes us want to try it out ourselves. We made this questionnaire so that psychology students can share their experiences and encourage others to go experience their own adventure.
We can't wait to hear from you!
Studying abroad is becoming more and more popular among students throughout the whole Europe, and listening to friend's unforgettable stories often makes us want to try it out ourselves. We made this questionnaire so that psychology students can share their experiences and encourage others to go experience their own adventure.
We can't wait to hear from you!