Many exchange students are surprised by the differences between the educational style of their home country and the teaching methods in the United States. In the U.S. undergraduates receive a liberal arts education. A liberal arts education is typically characterized by the development of broad intellectual and cultural interests and by the achievement of a significant body of skills and knowledge. Students normally choose a major field of study after their second year.
Exchange students have the opportunity to take courses outside of their field of study as well.
One of the most obvious distinctions is the method of teaching. There is continuous assessment in each class. Professors provide students with a detailed course syllabus for each course. The syllabus details when exams, papers, class presentations, readings and homework assignments are due. Usually there is an assignment due each class meeting.