Challenges of part-time as opposed full-time study.

Challenges of part-time as opposed full-time study. In this fast pace technologically driven global society, where higher education forms the fundamentals for the attainment of that perfect career or promotion in your existing career, students are faced with a unique decision towards their educational advancement. Certainly the choices to pursue a part- time or full- time course of study are options that must be considered Therefore, with this in mind, it may be prudent to consider factors such as the length of time required for completion of the program, the need for stress management and the financial factors required for such an undertaking. The time factor for the completion and attainment of either your associate or bachelors degree depends heavily on how many classes you take, part-time programs can take up to four to six years to complete. Full-time programs, on the other hand, usually take two to three years to complete. The decision between the two options often depends on a student’s goals and future plans. If your lifestyle or age does not permit a lengthily course of study, then a full-time or a more strenuous part-time schedule might be more beneficial; given that some companies may give employees time off for long term study you may be able to succeed that way . Weekly time commitment is also a factor in the decision between full-time and part-time studies. Students who work full-time, or have family or social commitments that require a significant amount of their days usually decide on a part-time course of studies. A student who doesn’t have a many weekly responsibilities will find that he or she can decide on full-time course of study. The greatest consumer of time in a part time or fulltime course of study is essentially not passing your exams and having your grade point average fall, the consequence of this usually having to do over courses, which then consumes more time completing a particular subject. Ultimately one may take more time to completing ones degree program. The demands when in pursuing a part time course of study or full time can become very stressful. Careful consideration must be taken, in order for each group to manage their mental, emotional and physical stressors. Notably job schedules and other types of responsibilities interfere with the part time students schooling, resulting in late arrival for lectures, tiredness after a long a day at work, psychologically they are unprepared for class and ill prepared to learn. These stressors may cause many part time students’ general academic performance to be negatively impacted. On the other side of the spectrum although it would seem that full time students might be some what insulated similar stressors, they are non the less also bombarded by other situations such as the completion of numerous assignments, which causes study time and assignment time to collide, moreover the pressures to succeed by teachers and parents can become very stressful to them. The full time students’ regiment takes a toll on their body in that, poor eating habits, eating late or not at all, lack of sleep and lack of exercise is very prevalent, these contribute to stress. On the other hand although the same issues may be prevalent with both full time and part time students, family issues and job issues seem to tilt the balance somewhat, making the part time employed students arguably, operate on a higher level of stress. The financial needs for part time students or fulltime students may differ; however to both, finance is the chief pillar on which the attainment of their goal can be achieved. Full- time students will require more money on a daily basis, to deal with the rigors of travel, meals, payment of tuition and administrative fees. These do surpass that of a part- time student who is employed. At the same time part- time student are usually deeply in depth and are not able to get the kinds of subventions full- time students are entitled to through government assisted programs. They are normally not even qualified for the same benefits as full time student. With the advent of the governmental assistance programme (GATE) the financial burden has some what been eased for both part- time and full time students student in receipt of (Gate) have to be very cautious to keep their grades up or risk payment of entire fees. On the other hand that risk is incrementally less to full-time student whose income source is usually their parents; this causes some to be careless as regards tuition especially for the wealthy that may be able to afford further expenses Consequently there must be consideration of the aforesaid Time, Stress management issues and financial factors which must be carefully deliberated when comparing the options of a part -time or full-time course of studies. There is certainly no easy choice, but all altogether the choice of study as contrasted, may make it easier when as one embarks on his or her career. More than that there are many viable options now in the world of study and these must be explored when considering your options. Both the part time and fulltime choice will have its pros and cons but the choice is left with the individual. Group members Alicia Samaroo Deon Huggins Giselle Maharaj Jesse Seepersad Gerard Griffith