[dilanium]

I'm planning on getting my BVSc at Massey (PN). I will have already completed a BS Biology in the US before starting the program.

I was wondering if anyone had taken Uni courses in both the US and NZ. I've heard that the US Unis are much easier than other places in the world. Mind you, I'm not expecting an easier programme (it's a Veterinary degree afterall), but I was wondering if anyone had any general observations they could share with me. :confused:

If I don't get into Massey, I'll probably end up staying in the US and getting a DVM here then going to NZ, but I would prefer going to Massey.

Thanks!
Liz

[swissmissdesigner]

WOW!
"I've heard that the US Unis are much easier than other places in the world.":no

I attended University in Zurich/Switzerland, California at CSUN, at the moment UCLA and some pre courses at Harvard.

I would not say that US Universities are general easier!

Go to Google "top universities of the world" and you will get an idea.

[anna_c]

I haven't studied at both, but I've worked with a lot of American exchange students (undergrad level) from many US universities. Obviously their opinions and experiences vary, but by and large I think that whilst the initial courses are easier in the US, the difference isn't so pronounced once they get onto second and third year.

They do often find things a lot more flexible here, less "hand holding" (I'm quoting, no offence) and sometimes find the level of administrative stuff they're meant to sort out on their own disconcerting, although usually not difficult once they get used to it. On the other hand, they're used to lecturers being much stricter (in most of my courses here, asking for a couple of days extension on an assignment is a non issue, even a week is usually no problem, and that's without a medical note. An American student I spoke to said you practically need a lawyer to get even an hour at his university.)

[sweetpea]

I am getting my BVSc at Massey now (2nd year). I did an undergraduate degree in the States, but didn't take enough science courses to really compare US vs NZ. It did seem, though, that NZ students come to uni with a more substantial biology and chemistry education than US students do. For instance, in pre-vet, we plunged into Cell Bio and Organic Chemistry the first semester. I don't think the BVSc is any harder than a DVM. If anything, it's easier to handle because it's spread out over 4 1/2 years rather than 4.

One thing to be aware of -- Palmerston North has some of the most depressing weather in the country (cloudy, rainy, windy, cold), and it's not in one of the more scenic parts of NZ.

That said, I like NZ a lot, and Massey is pretty cool. If you're into small ruminants and pastoral agriculture, you can't get a better experience.

[dilanium]

I am getting my BVSc at Massey now (2nd year). I did an undergraduate degree in the States, but didn't take enough science courses to really compare US vs NZ. It did seem, though, that NZ students come to uni with a more substantial biology and chemistry education than US students do. For instance, in pre-vet, we plunged into Cell Bio and Organic Chemistry the first semester.
At my school, you take a year of Inorganic Chem before Organic, plus as prevets we're required to take a semester of BioChem too, and (you're supposed to, but I tested out of) A year of basic Bio before you can take Cell Bio, Genetics, or other classes like that.
But then my school is also known as a "party" school locally, so I don't know if they do that just to get rid of the drunkards, or for the better education.


One thing to be aware of -- Palmerston North has some of the most depressing weather in the country (cloudy, rainy, windy, cold), and it's not in one of the more scenic parts of NZ.
Really, I doubt it could be worse than NE Ohio. We get the worst winters ever (I like snow, but 4 months of slush and ice is not enjoyable), and the summers are blazing hot with high humidity, interupted randomly by thunderstorms and possible torandos.

But thank you very much, you've given me a bit of an idea of what to expect. :nice1

-Liz

[swissmissdesigner]

Well, I am also majored in Sciences. BS/Architectural Interior Designer
and MA in Landscape Architecture. Both Universities are credited which very important in the States.

I really have no idea about substantial biology and chemistry education.
I would suggest contacting international students in NZ.

cheers:

anna

[Howie]

I went to uni in Canada, but have also taken some uni courses in the USA and am now enrolled in a post grad program in NZ (all in engineering btw). There is a huge variation in quality of education from US schools. In my opinion, they have both the best and the worst schools in the world, so comparing US to NZ schools is very difficult. It seems as though NZ schools, like Canadian schools have more consistency.
I don't have any course requirements in my current program and I'm studying remotely, so I can't comment too much on the NZ uni. The one big difference I found is that looking at grad schools in NZ I only had the choice of two and it was difficult to find a professor who had the background I was looking for. I found two professors with broad enough backgrounds that I could find some overlap in our interests. NZ profs seem to be more generalists, which has it's pros and cons.
Hope that helps,
susan