All set for your first day at your dream university? Edukos Abroad brings you a special University Jargon list that will make your first day even more comfortable! There might be times when as an international student you might not be able to understand a few words or phrases. This is due to the fact that each university has created its own jargon over the years. International students frequently find it perplexing, despite the fact that the current students and instructors are well-versed in it. Therefore, here is a list of terms and expressions most regularly used at universities for your benefit.
There might be some words connected to the grading pattern. These might be used by your professors or in official documents as well. So, here are a few that might help you:
- Credits: Most educational institutions use credits as a unit of measurement to represent and record course completion in comparison to the required minimum scores to be eligible for an academic degree. For completing extracurricular courses to fulfil the requirements for admission, some universities give additional credits.
- Grade Point Average: Universities overseas compute an average grade at the conclusion of the academic year by multiplying the subject grades by the credit hours. This is referred to as GPA (Grade Point Average).
- Adjustment: Once one has achieved the minimum grade necessary for the current course they are pursuing, they earn the opportunity to switch to a better course. Because of this opportunity’s flexibility, it is possible to change grades and choose a different, better course even in the middle of the semester.
- Fellowship: This entails the financial aid given by the government, a university, or a school to a graduate student as a reward for being a very outstanding scholar for further study with no obligatory service in return.
Moving around the campus you might come across some words that might be foreign to you. Following is a list of words that might help you in this case:
- Carrel: For graduate students, the library offers specific spaces that can be reserved. These spaces can be free or offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Dorms: Dorms are the residence halls that the university provides for students to live in and pursue their education. These are like halls of residence.
- Fraternity and Sorority: A fraternity or sorority is a brotherhood or sisterhood formed around common goals and aspirations. These men and women make a commitment to each other for life. The members that form a fraternity or sorority share their efforts, friendship, and knowledge.
- DLI: International students are supposed to be accommodated at Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) in Canada. Only after receiving an acceptance letter from a school with DLI accreditation can you apply for a Canada Study Permit.
- Co-op Programs: One can work in the same field while studying and earn experience in the same area by choosing a co-op program. These co-op programs allow students the opportunity to work and earn and is a great benefit for overseas students, unlike internships, which can be paid or unpaid.
It can be intimidating at first to come from diverse cultural backgrounds and go through a significant academic and social transition. But even a little bit of preparation and flexibility will help you towards making your study abroad experience much more enjoyable.
We advise you to always have this glossary to help you get over the initial days of transition. Wishing you luck for the future!
