ความคิดเห็นที่ 50
The comparison of universities here so far is primarily based on personal perception. Of course, I assume that not many people here have direct experiences in all institutions they are comparing. This assumption could be totally wrong, of course. And I do not say that comparison based on perception is wrong. Everybody has the right to say anything he/she wishes. Let me, however, share my humble experiences and opinions about some of these institutions. I was fortunate to have been affiliated to some of these institutions in the past, in different stages of my life. I am proud of what I have done, and what I say may sound arrogant. Forgive me if that is the case.
I believe I acquired the basic writing skill at Cambridge. Writing essays every week was something new and quite challenging to me, even though English was not really my main problem. The struggle that I had was more related to argumentation and rhetoric. I hadnt been trained to use western, particularly Greek, logic, despite the fact that I had learned English for almost two decades!
At Cambridge, it was very nice to have a class in professors offices, particularly when there were only three students. We would discuss political philosophy for hours without wondering when the class would be over; time stood still.
On the other hand, the courses that I took at Harvard and MIT were more rigorous and helped me develop presentation and analytical skills. Classes were larger, and class discussion could be cut-throat. Those would-be lawyers at the HLS were the most impressive to me. Class discussion trained me to be quick, sharp, and outspoken. But I detest classes where participation level is based on the number of times you speak out, regardless of relevance and contribution.
The financial support that I received Harvard and MIT could not have been matched by Cambridge. They were very generous; I could just go to three or four conferences a year and got fully reimbursed. Things were harder at Cambridge, I was told. (I was not at the stage where I'd go to conferences while at Cambridge.)
Life at Cambridge was nice, however; I felt privileged to listen to the choirs of King's and St John's. Tea at the Orchard was nice. Punting was fun. Kettle's Yard has a nice collection; I even had my favorite corners there. The only thing that I didn't appreciate as much was the formal hall. Candle-lit formal hall at Magdelene and other colleges may sound nice, but somehow I couldn't really appreciate those Latin words. May Balls were ridiculously expensive.
Cambridge, MA, was more dynamic. Life was much faster. I felt like things were happening there, unlike in Cambridge, UK. I could feel the power and confidence, something that only an empire could afford. I do not remember I felt that while in Cambridge, UK. I felt arrogance among Cantabrigians in both places, but those on the Charles seemed closer to power than their peers on the Cam.
The most relaxing years as a student, however, were when I would walk along the Icho Namiki after class on a beautiful autumn day. I was innocent and felt proud like a big fish in a small pond. Yet, I was happy. Despite the little academic knowledge I acquired, the social connection I keep with my professors and friends from the Akamon institution is still invaluable.
There are strong and weak points in any institutions. I've learned, at the end of the day, it really boils down to my own motivation and willingness to learn. Never would I want to become famous and powerful like many people who have been in these institutions. The good thing about these institutions is that you can learn as much as you like, whether or not youd like to become famous and powerful.
I wish one day we will have an institution like that in Thailand. Perhaps we already have one. I wish I were able to attend the Midnight University...
Happy New Year!
จากคุณ :
a former Catabrigian
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29 ธ.ค. 46 05:52:54
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โดยส่วนตัวแล้วเห็นว่าไม่มี Intellectual life ในมหาวิทยาลัยไหนในโลกนี้ที่น่าตื่นเต้นยิ่งกว่า ของ Cambridge Apostles &Bloomsbury group & friends ในช่วงรอยต่อ ศ.19-20 อีกแล้ว สำหรับคนชอบประวัติศาสตร์แค่ดูรูปปั้นที่ Wren Library ก็น่าตื่นเต้นแล้ว คิดว่าการศึกษาแบบ oxbridge ( learning for learning's sake ) ดีเยี่ยมมากเลย จบตรีอังกฤษแล้วค่อยมาต่อที่อเมริกาเหมาะสมมาก อ.ชัยอนันต์เคยเขียนว่า คนจบตรีออกบริดจ์ มีคุณภาพมากกว่าจบ ดร. จากมหาวิทยาลัยในอเมริกาด้วยซ้ำไป (ไม่จำเป็นต้องเชื่อ)
