On the original topics of this thread:
Advanced subjects
I currently study a number of advanced science subjects. Often the material is a touch of a higher standard than that of standard. Some of the main advantages include:
- better scaling if you are good enough to do it
- more advanced social atmosphere
- subjects with group work generally are a lot easier for advanced students in advanced classes as they don't need to bother with apathetic and less-able standard students. (no intention to be eletist, I have many clever friends who did standard software and this upset them.)
It varies from subject to subject, but usually students with 90+ or upper 90s UAIs will do a number of advanced subjects. Students with particularly good ability in certain subjects may be given exception to do that subject advanced, I think.
You can choose only to do some subjects advanced (although to retain being in the advanced course, there is a prerequisite number) and can drop to standard courses (at any time, I think).
Liberal studies requirements
My understanding of Liberal studies, esp. international is that it is intended not to be just a general do-everything course, but is meant to be of quite a high standard for all-rounders in certain areas.
Therefore there is a credit-average requirement, quite common for scholarship, etc.
Exchange
Exchange is available for all students with requisite marks (often credit average) and who pass the requirements of the particular university and of SU who send you away.
SU has many connections with universities accross the globe.
- Joel