One of the biggest culture shocks for me since moving to the U.K. is the university's approach to journalism coursework compared to the U.S. Unlike the rigorous, hands-on environment created back home, Swansea University uses a more laid-back teaching style, paired with fewer assignments and fieldwork to allow students to explore the major on their own terms.
Here are some differences I've experienced in the journalism courses I've taken while abroad:
Courses are less hands-on
As a hands-on learner, I had to readjust my approach to journalism and media classes while in Swansea. Professors tend to rely on lectures and seminars, each offering opportunities for discussion. Professors occasionally hand out worksheets and encourage group work, but it's rare.
Journalism and media courses also do not necessarily tackle important elements of journalism, such as ethics, law and news reporting techniques. Instead, they tend to focus on types of journalism and the media itself.
Little to no writing opportunities
At Ohio University, many courses give students the chance to write and report regularly. Classes like Magazine Feature Writing, Multiplatform Reporting and Opinion Writing teach students how to write in many different forms, provide hands-on time work experience and provide feedback from professors. I miss those courses and I wish I had more opportunities to write and receive feedback.
Interestingly, there is less emphasis on student media in Swansea. There is no active student newspaper and there are not many student media organizations to join. However, there is the Media Studies Club and Swansea Student Media, both centering around creating leisure activities outside of the classroom instead of professional development.
Journalism professors are harder to communicate with
On campus, I rarely run into any of my professors in Swansea, which I'm used to in Athens. Office hours are slim, as many professors only have an hour window once or twice a week to come speak with them. Email is the best way I can communicate any of my questions or concerns, which makes me feel like I'm less connected to them.
In Athens, classroom culture varies, but at least in the journalism school, it's easy to stay after class and talk with a professor one-on-one. In Swansea, most professors leave when students do, making them less approachable. Usually, the only help I can get is in my seminars, which are mostly taught by teaching assistants and not the actual professor.
Journalism isn't seen as a serious major
Back home, journalism is one of OU's biggest and most popular majors. Currently, there are 630 students enrolled in the 2023-24 school year majoring in journalism. Meanwhile, Swansea University students don't view journalism as a serious major, at least based on my conversations with others.
Students in Swansea view journalism and media more as a creative outlet, which it is, but there is less emphasis on career and professional development on campus for the major. Even several of my professors denounced studying journalism, as many of my classes take a skewed stance on it. Instead, professors promote getting a job in media or communications in the U.K., which may explain why there is a lack of student media and opportunities for journalism majors.
