by Zeynep Bayhan

Created on: January 19, 2009

Neither European nor American, I studied both in Europe and the United States. I had my Master's degree in Europe, in Holland; and I'm currently working on my PhD. in the United States. Having seen both sides, I think I have a few words to say about the academic life in Europe and the United States.

I would like to start by saying that I prefer education in the United States I have various reasons. But the primary reason is the following: I believe that education in the United States offers better training in research skills than education in Europe. I had a Master's degree in Europe where I did not have a single class on Research Methods. Although I did not use qualitative research methods in my thesis, there were students around who were struggling with their methods and trying to schedule appointments with professors in order to get ideas and feedback on their research techniques. I

don't like generalizations, and I refrain from stating that all universities in Europe offer poor training in research methods. However, this is the impression that I got from my own experiences and from students that I encountered with at various seminars and conferences. In the United States, on the other hand, research forms a vital component of academic training, especially training in graduate studies. Based on what I said, one should not get the wrong impression that few researches are conducted in Europe. In the realm of social sciences, the realm I know the best, Europe is as productive as the United States.

In addition to decent training offered in research techniques, I believe that American universities provide their students with better chances of socialization through their various student clubs. These student clubs not only help students to socialize but also develop new skills, generate new areas of interest and most importantly to realize their potentials. Having studied at an American college located outside of the United States, I acknowledge the great benefits of student clubs. During my undergraduate studies, I was a member of two student clubs. One of these clubs helped me to improve my writing skills, as I contributed to the biannual journal of the club, while the other assisted me in developing organizational skills, that I highly benefited from when I started working. I was very disappointed when I found out that the notion of "student clubs" was not developed in Europe, at least in Holland. During my doctoral studies in the United States, I became part of two student groups, which provide me with a valuable network, and various opportunities to share and discuss my work with colleagues. Student clubs are the best way to increase your social capital when you are new at school, new in the city, and especially new in the country.

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