US Academic Culture

I have always wanted to study in an American University because of its unique academic culture. There are three main points about this culture that I appreciate the most.

Education System: US education system is practical-oriented. They are focusing on students understanding by offering them the opportunity to deal with real data, real cases and actual problems. Students are encouraged to voice out their opinion during discussion. Academic studies are considered a training program for students to become independent learners in the future.
Teaching Style: The teaching style for US education is based on student-centered. Being a student in one of US universities, you are expected to play an active role during lectures. Professors expect the students to ask questions and use critical reasoning as part of the learning process. Sometimes, some classes will even include a discussion session where students are expected to participate in an open discussion on a particular topic and where professor may have only a managerial role.
Student-Professor Relationship: The core concept that can describe this relation is freedom. Any student behavior in class is accepted and not judged because is perceived as an individual expression which is a very important American concept. Moreover, professor may have a social relationship with students outside the classroom without mixing work with social time.

My actual studies at Brandeis University reflect completely these core academic culture elements.

Klodeta Janaqi