What are the differences between studying in Indonesia and studying overseas? Are they significant enough to affect our study if we don't follow them exactly? What will happen if I make a cultural mistake?

These are some of the questions that are often asked by students who are going to study overseas. One thing to remember is, there will be other overseas students on your course as well, and your teachers are aware of the difficulties faced by you and your peers. If you're not sure - ASK.

Three major areas that you will need to consider are:

• the expectation of your teachers for you to be independent
• you hand assignments in on time
• you follow the conventions of naming sources

Independence:

The role of your supervisor/teacher is to guide you, advise you, and help you evaluate your work. They will not expect to make choices for you, but to encourage you to reach your conclusions by yourself. They will not be there for you every minute of the day and therefore it is important to be alert during consultations with them. Also don't expect them to re-write your work in better English - they won't be happy!!

Punctuality:

You will be expected to be punctual for lectures and tutorials, and to attend without being chased up! Policies with regard to assignments can vary from faculty to faculty, but a deadline is usually meant to be met, and penalties can be enforced if you are late with no good reason (i.e. hospitalization).

It is very important that you do not copy from published sources. A certain amount of direct quotation is permitted provided the author is clearly stated. Paraphrase and summarizing are essential, and all sources must be clearly referred to within the text and fully in a bibliography section. It is a crime to copy - we don't want to visit you in jail!!

(Liz Hunt, IALF Bali)

During the first week of the semester, Orientation Week as it is usually called, the campus was abuzz with activity - performers, free food tastings, competitions and even free hair cuts, as the numerous clubs and societies set up their colourful stalls and tents to try and attract new members. There was certainly something for everyone, from films, music, debating and environmental issues to political causes. There were even some off-beat clubs going under the name of the Curly Hair Club and the Fairy Floss Fan Club - I'm not quite sure what their activities were!

Another not-to-be missed event of week one were the Library Tours, running every 30 minutes to cope with the demand. The library was also offering free lunch-time or evening workshops on

The campus soon became a lively, bubbly place to be, although patience was definitely a necessary virtue in the canteen, bookshop and bank as students queued to eat, get their reading list materials and open bank accounts.

Every available wall space and tree trunk soon became plastered with notices advertising accommodation vacancies, counseling services and social activities, so keep an eye out for free concerts! In addition, the notices are a great place to pick up a bargain as they abound with adverts offering second-hand books, furniture, rice-cookers, lap-tops and cars.

Having enjoyed the fun and festivities of week one, students were then catapulted into "reality" as lectures and tutorials began. This was when map-reading skills became essential. I lost count of the number of students I saw wandering around with a copy of the campus map desperately trying to find Lecture Room F9B or their tutorial in X5C - it might be a good idea to use Orientation Week to do some geographical orientation too!

(Caroline Bentley, IALF Bali)

Featured Topic - Cultural Differences in Teaching and Learning English

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