12 Pacing Your Work

The Australian academic system emphasizes individual work and research. Instead of short daily or weekly assignments, you will be required to produce carefully thought out, well-argued term papers, called essays in Australia.* Australian students may give the impression of being casual about their courses, but when Americans are traveling on weekends, Australians are at home (many are commuters), working on their class preparation and essays.

Because of the seemingly relaxed academic atmosphere, American students tend to leave major assignments until the very end of the semester. You will have one week without classes before exams start, but do not leave all your studying until this time.

*The universities are more self-driven and independent. Teachers expect your undivided attention when in class. Rather than busy work, your grade is based mostly on a few major assignments. For example, your final exam may count upwards of 40% of your course grade.