Something else I'm hearing a bit about these days is the arrogance which pervades the academic establishment here. My concept of education is not solely imparting theory and developing skills, but also preparing a new generation for life in the big wide world. In doing so, I hope that in some small way the world will become a better place. An altruistic and idealistic aim, but at least I'm trying to do something in my own little way.
I believe that many of my students find my teaching style quite refreshing after having endured the excessive formality of the 'ivory tower' university system here. It's quite a new experience for them to be able to ask questions and to openly discuss their hopes and fears, or so it would seem.
Stop reading, start speaking
Stop translating in your head and start speaking Italian for real with the only audio course that prompt you to speak.
I'm not saying all Italian universities are the same, but certainly several principle ones do seem contain groups of individuals who consider themselves to be mini-gods. 'Zero altruism, maximum power trip', would seem to be their motto. Do not even think about challenging this authority. It must be said that those who are in a position to do something about this really don't have the time to bother dealing with it, because they have businesses and families to run.
In support of what I am ranting about, I would say that I recently heard a story that a certain university was giving all its engineering graduates top marks – that's 110/110 cum laude, until someone stood up and said, 'Hang on a moment. How is it possible that every single graduate is getting the same (top) mark?'.
Of course, the king of the castle is able to do whatever he bloody well likes.
