“By creating we think, by living we learn” Patrick Geddes
Justin came from James Cook University, Australia on a one semester exchange visit, Sept-Dec 2009.
He writes "Dundee provided excellent educational facilities with four factors standing out in comparison with JCU.
Firstly, the main library was open until midnight seven days a week.
Secondly, the law faculty had its own stand-alone building and library- with law librarians on duty to assist with research queries. However, there was concern amongst the law students regarding reduced opening hours of the law library – especially with respect to the decision to not open on Sundays.
Thirdly, information technology was abundant at Dundee with a remarkable number of computers available for access. Admittedly, the main library was crowded during peak times, but this could be easily overcome by moving to other buildings.
Fourthly, the accommodation at Dundee in the halls of residence contributed enormously to the exchange experience. Essentially, this involved leasing a room in a flat, which was shared with five other students. There were six rooms to a flat (all ensuite) and a common living room and kitchen. The facilities were operated by Sanctuary Management, who provided regular maintenance and security checks."
I studied three subjects at Dundee- two law subjects (Human Rights and Private International Law) and one economics subject (International Finance), with the law subjects outstanding both in content and teaching-style.
There were two aspects of my specific studies that made me somewhat unique amongst Dundee students. Firstly, in the law school, 3rd and 4th year students generally only completed two modules per semester. This was the recommended workload, considered adequate to justify full-time study.
Secondly, a combined law/economics degree is not offered at Dundee. Accordingly, I was involved with two schools- Law and Social Sciences, which were entirely separate entities. At JCU, all the paperwork is handled at the one school- Law, Business and the Creative Arts, which is much simpler.
Initially, I was a little surprised at what appeared on face-value, a reasonably low level of contact hours ie 2 hours per law subject and only 2 subjects. At JCU, a full-time workload normally related to four units and 3 contact hours.
Therefore, when I indicated my intention to complete four modules at Dundee, I was strongly recommended to downgrade my ambitions- preferably to two modules, but at the most three.
Eventually, I was only able to enroll in three subjects that were available during my single semester at Dundee and that JCU were willing to credit. This proved to be quite fortuitous. An increased workload would have detracted from the exchange experience as I discovered that the preparation and input required to adequately prepare for a law seminar at Dundee was significantly more extensive than I had encountered at JCU.
Living on-site at the campus was a positive experience. I really enjoyed not having to be concerned with the hassles of a car. Walking was easy and it was a bonus to be based only 5 to 10 minutes stroll from a lecture room.
Interestingly, I found the younger students partying at night to be less disruptive and disconcerting than the neighbourhood dogs in Pallarenda and Belgian Gardens.
The four month lease on the flat in the halls cost about $4000, or approximately $250 per week. In Pallarenda, my rent for a 3 bedroom house is $300 per week, so the relative cost differences were not too dissimilar.
This fee did not include food or washing. There were a number of on-site washing machines and dryers that I accessed once a week and cost about $12 for the process.
Food is obviously important. We self-catered at the flat. One needed to be a little judicious with grocery purchases; otherwise the living expenses could easily blow out. There was a convenience store/ mini-mart on campus and a large supermarket (Tesco) about 20 minutes walk away. I would budget for a visit to Tescos on a weekly or fortnightly basis and top-up at the Premium mini-mart when required.
It is worth noting that while the cost of everyday items was certainly more expensive relative to Australian prices, the differences were generally not exorbitant. However, the cost of living could be negatively impacted upon by lashing out and eating at restaurants or purchasing alcohol from the pub – a pint of Guinness sets you back about $7 and spirits were even more expensive.
Dundee attracts numerous international students, which combined with the number of UK national students with migrant parents meant that the university had a cosmopolitan flavour. Furthermore, Dundee has a strong connection with North Ireland. More than half of my Human Rights class were from this part of the UK.
Consequently, my exposure to “pure” Scots people was not obtained through the studies, but from my travels!
Three aspects stand out quite clearly when I reflect upon my time at Dundee.
When studying at JCU, I tend to juggle full-time study with work commitments. Therefore, when I studied at Dundee, I transferred this arrangement to a combination of study and travel. Obviously, this plan was adjusted depending on assignment/assessment commitments. In the main, I was able to complete the majority of my study requirements between Monday and Friday and use the weekends to explore Scotland.
I decided early on that rather than using Scotland as a base and attempting to visit bits and pieces of Europe, I would concentrate on discovering Scotland properly. I was pleased with the outcome of this strategy.
The international exchange organizers at Dundee- Christopher Bustin and his team- should be congratulated on organising my residence, for this eventuated into much more than merely somewhere to eat and sleep.
I shared a flat with a mixed bag of post-graduate students – all male but a wide variety in ages and nationalities – from 27 to 44, and I liked to say that Flat 46 was representative of the United Nations with citizens from Greece, England, Uganda, Singapore, Scotland and Australia.
Fortunately, we mixed very well and their company, advice and friendship was a critical element in the outcome of the experience.
Dundee’s methodology for teaching law in 3rd and 4th year is vastly different to that at JCU. I found this alternative approach to be interesting, challenging and rewarding.
Essentially, the reading list for each week’s seminar was provided at the beginning of the semester. We were expected to self-prepare for the forthcoming seminar.
Accordingly, my research skills improved considerably. I found the system of pre-reading, then working through the questions and problems in class with the lecturer or in groups of fellow students to be productive.
I believe this method of learning is supposed to better prepare a student for writing a dissertation and post-graduate work, as it requires a solid effort to prepare properly and contribute during the seminar. The focus is on self-discipline and organisation.
A minor issue was the change in lifestyle regarding exercise, sleep and study.
In Townsville, I am an early riser. The pool opens at 5.30am and breakfast is completed by 8-8.30am. However, in Dundee, the pool and gym would not open until 7am or 7.30am, which pushed the start of the day back. Subsequently, I studied later into the night and went to bed later. This was not a major issue, but did take a little adjusting to.
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