What it’s Actually Like to do a Joint Degree

By Opinion Editor 3 years ago

I uproot my life on a yearly basis and it’s even harder than you might think.

In February of last year, I was stopped at a red light in my small New Jersey town, when my phone buzzed. I briefly glanced at my phone and my heart tightened in my chest. It was from St Andrews: the preview of the email containing the word “Congratulations.”

After reading the email, I found that I’d been accepted into the BA International Honours Programme, something known from the American side as the “Joint Degree Program.” I had a general vague idea that it was prestigious and that my mum thought it was a great opportunity, but I had no idea what exactly I was in for.

The BA International Honours Programme is a degree structure where I effectively earn a diploma from two universities. At the completion of my studies, I will receive my diploma with the insignia of the University of St Andrews and the College of William & Mary. Throughout the course of my studies, I study 2 years in Scotland and 2 years in America. I am required to start my first year in my home university (for me that’s St Andrews, because I was accepted into the programme for that side) and the second year in the foreign university. I can choose where to go in third and fourth year, and I’ve decided to come back to St Andrews as soon as possible. 5 people in my year get into the programme for my subject on the St Andrews side. Somehow, I got lucky enough to be one of those 5.

Photo: Flickr

The programme is competitive and sets ambitious aims for us. An 11 keeps you off academic probation. We have breadth requirements we have to fulfil. We study at each university as if we are full-time students, not transfers or those studying abroad. We have many credits to complete in our 4 years.

This all looks extremely impressive and it feels pretty elitist to be a part of. We even have an official crest.

Moving to the UK has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was born and raised in the same house for 18 years, having never been away from home without my parents for more than a few days. I fell in love with St Andrews at 16 and never really looked back.

When I made the decision to not only move to Scotland but also partake in the programme, I don’t think I completely realised just how difficult it would be. Flying home isn’t feasible more than two to three times a year. Flying back to Scotland when I’m at William & Mary will be too expensive. How does the NHS work? When will I learn to look left before crossing the street? The exchange rate makes me spend far too much money. A 20 point grading system doesn’t transfer well into American GPA. Having too much stuff in my room isn’t logical if I’m just going to be moving back to America next year. I’ll miss my friends. I’ll miss this quaint town.

The point of the programme is really to give us a world-class education and make us even more employable. It’s meant to teach us adaptability. It’s meant to make us experience the academic culture of both universities.

To put it frankly: my experience is uncomfortable. I’m not thrilled about effectively uprooting myself every year. I’m not used to the way things are run on the Scottish side. I’m still bad with the different values of coins. I consistently forget to bring my own bag to Tesco. I haven’t quite yet discovered how to stop spending all my money on cheap plane tickets to Amsterdam or Poland. Despite all of the inconveniences, despite being here and there in my 4 university years, I’m determined to make it work. I’m determined to survive this programme, both here in St Andrews and there in William & Mary.

Comments

comments

Tags: , , ,

82 thoughts on “What it’s Actually Like to do a Joint Degree”

  7. Right here is the right web site for anybody who wants to understand this topic.
    You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually will need
    to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject that’s been discussed for many
    years. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

    Reply

  10. Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It’s always helpful to read articles from other authors and practice
    a little something from their sites.

    Reply

  14. Excellent blog right here! Additionally your web site quite a bit up ery fast!
    What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
    https://tilda97am.medium.com/essay-writing-for-beginners-b96f2aa9f606
    what is the best essay writing service
    what is the best essay writing service
    https://vestbattkers.medium.com/manifest-destiny-essay-9a5a62176a06 https://taibursmars.medium.com/

    Reply

  15. Hi I am so glad I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I was looking on Yahoo for something else,
    Regardless I am here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous
    post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have
    time to read it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds,
    so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic
    job.

    Reply

  17. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to
    give a quick shout out and tell you I really enjoy reading
    your blog posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that go over the same topics?
    Appreciate it!

    Reply

  24. Hello! This can be my first visit to your blog
    site! We have been a collection of volunteers and starting a whole new project in a community inside the same niche.
    Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done
    a extraordinary job!

    Here is my website: MorganIAiava

    Reply
  26. Pingback: mơ đi xe đạp đánh con gì
  27. Pingback: giải mã ác mộng

  35. Link exchange is nothing else however it is only placing the
    other person’s website link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same in support of you.

    Reply

  42. Imust thank you for the efforts you’ve put in penning this blog.
    I really hope to see the same high-grade content by you later on as well.

    In truth, yohr creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very oown website now 😉
    https://myottawa.ottawa.edu/ICS/Campus_Life/Campus_Groups/Blackboard_Info/Blackboard_Blog.jnz?portlet=Blog&screen=View+Post&screenType=next&&Id=44f5a90d-25ef-468d-9124-48f7e33c4f95
    cheap essay help
    cheap essay help https://louleecutie.blogspot.com/2020/12/santa-girl-blogmas-day-14.html?showComment=1607962818628

    Reply

  44. I’ve been exploring for a bit for any high qality articles oor weblog posts in this sortt of area .
    Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled uplon this site. Reading this info So i
    am satfisfied to express that I’ve an incredibly excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what
    I needed. I such a lot certainly will make sure to do nnot forget this
    weeb site and give it a glance regularly.
    https://works.bepress.com/youhavewrittenapaperonthetopicofmotivationforyourpsychologyc/24/
    essay online
    essay online https://www.patreon.com/

    Reply

  48. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing.
    The clearnesss in your post is just spectacular and i could assume
    you’re an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed
    to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please
    continue the enjoyable work.
    https://labelingtheessayparts.wordpress.com/write-my-essay-z
    writing a paper
    writing a paper https://garveyhz4usvm.medium.com/wsu-application-essay-af9f3dbff2f4

    Reply

  49. What’s Taking place i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads.

    I hope to give a contribution & help other users like its
    helped me. Great job.

    Reply

  50. Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues.

    When I look at your bblog in Chrome, it looks
    fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it hass some overlapping.

    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, aawesome blog!

    Reply

  53. of course like your website however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth then again I’ll definitely come again again.

    Review my website: 918kaya agent

    Reply

  57. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your weblog.
    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility issues? A few of my blog audience have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks
    great in Opera. Do you have any solutions to help fix this
    problem?

    my website xe888 game (https://kebe.top)

    Reply

  59. Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude!
    Thank you, However I am going through issues with your RSS.
    I don’t know why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else having the same RSS
    issues? Anyone that knows the solution will you kindly respond?
    Thanx!!

    Here is my web site: xe88 log in

    Reply

  61. Thank you a lot for sharing this with all of us you really understand what you
    are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also talk over with my site =).
    We could have a link exchange arrangement between us

    Reply

  63. Attractive component to content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to
    say that I get actually loved account your weblog posts.

    Anyway I will be subscribing on your feeds or even I
    success you get right of entry to consistently quickly.

    Feel free to surf to my web blog :: xe88 apk ios

    Reply

  65. Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative.
    I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if
    you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

    Also visit my webpage … xe88 game; ncfysj.com,

    Reply

  67. I am not sure where you are getting your information, but good
    topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or working out more.
    Thanks for wonderful info I used to be in search of this info for
    my mission.

    Have a look at my web site :: quick hydration

    Reply

  69. Great post. I used to be checking constantly this blog and
    I’m impressed! Extremely useful information particularly the ultimate section 🙂 I maintain such information much.
    I used to be looking for this certain information for a long time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

    Feel free to visit my web-site cannabis nearest

    Reply

  75. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
    Very useful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info much.
    I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you
    and good luck.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Stand