Experience in Eckerd College, United States by Carolyn

Generally, what is Eckerd College like?

Eckerd college is a small (1800 students) liberal arts university. That means the curriculum encourages students to study a broad range of topics outside of their concentration. It is a beautiful campus in sunny Florida right on the water with a great variety of water activities and community clubs.

What are the facilities like?

The facilities vary depending on what you study. If you are in the sciences (especially marine science), you will have state-of-the-art buildings and laboratories. Other faculties are not as well-funded, but all facilities are up to the standard of university classrooms and the school is gradually making its way across campus with technological upgrades.

What are the tutors like?

Because the student body is so small, all students are given a faculty mentor to assist them with their studies. Exchange students are assigned to a special mentor who works specifically with exchange students, so she understands what students are going through and what they can expect. Student tutors are very relaxed and understanding, and happy to work at the students' own pace. They are paid by the school, so students do not have to pay the tutors.

Are the lessons easy in Eckerd College?

Many exchange students from different countries are not accustomed to the workload of U.S. universities. A typical semester at Eckerd involves four or five courses at once with varying degrees of reading and homework assignments. If a student is not accustomed to this, I recommend visiting the Center for Innovative Learning early on to practice study and time management skills.

Does the University organise activities? If so, what are they like?

Much of Eckerd is run by students, and the various clubs on campus are always organizing activities, many of which provide transportation to go off campus. The International Students Association arranges trips to the beach, to Disney World, to the Dali museum, and other fun places in the area.

Do you think there is a good quality of teaching?

The faculty here at Eckerd are experts in their field and are available to talk to outside of the classroom.