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RHS Level 2 - Really Distant Learning - Advice?

Last post 19-04-2012 10:32 AM by ukhostland. 7 replies.

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  • 27/01/2012 07:12 PM
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    Hello everyone, I know there's been a lot of discussion about distance learning providers on this forum, but I don't think my situation has been covered. 

    I'm in the USA for a couple of years, and want study for the RHS level 2 certificate.  I've checked out all the providers but I'm not sure which would be best, given the communication problems.   Some seem to do the whole thing by post (slow!) with a bit of email, others offer phonecalls (not likely to the USA!). 

    I'm happy for the materials to be sent by post, but I'd like to be able to send my work back by email and communicate with my tutor by email and skype.  Does anybody have any recommendations or advice?

    Thanks.
  • 27/01/2012 08:09 PM
    In reply to
    • RogerB
    • Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
    • 14 Jan 2009
    • 360
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    I used learning curve for my level 2 course and was happy with them as a provider. Although I did mine as postal they now offer an online version. I can't comment on the course content of the online version but I am sure they would ensure it was comparable to the postal version.(I am now using them for my level 3 studies). There are several other course providers out there so I would suggest checking out their websites to see what they offer and choose the one that you feel best suits you.

    Don't be afraid to email them with questions before you sign up - even awkward questions, you can then add their speed of response as well as their actual reply to your question(s) to help you choose.

    Good luck

    PS I have no idea about Skype

    Give it a go - it might just work!
  • 27/01/2012 08:20 PM
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    Thanks Roger - Learning Curve do seem to be a bit more internet-savvy than some others, but their online package means you get no paper.  I've already sent them a question about tutor contact - but was disappointed when their promised online chat ("available online now") wasn't available, even though I was within their specified hours.  I was hoping that somebody else out there has experience of doing this course overseas. 

    BTW, if you have friends or family you can't see regularly, skype is brilliant.  I was sceptical at first, but am a convert.  Do try it!

    potteringon
  • 29/01/2012 11:39 AM
    In reply to
    • Faraway
    • Berkshire
    • 15 Oct 2007
    • 162
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    Hi there. I did my RHS level 2 by distance studies through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh whilst I was based in South Africa. They initially sent me course notes by post, together with 2 CD's of the same powerpoint presentations they gave to the students who attended class. These were great. After the initial postal package, everything was done by e-mail - I submitted my assignments by e-mail and they sent them back the same way. I could also send as many e-mails as I wanted, at any time, asking questions. My tutor was available by telephone (I never asked about Skype). I would highly recommend this course. See http://www.rbge.org.uk/education/professional-courses/rhs-level-2-certificate You can also arrange with the RHS to sit the examinations in the USA (I did my first one in SA), without problems. Good luck and enjoy the course.

  • 07/02/2012 02:23 PM
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    Thanks Faraway - I just read your post and funnily enough, I decided only yesterday to go with RBGE.  Great to hear that it's a good decision!  P 

  • 09/02/2012 07:39 PM
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    • Faraway
    • Berkshire
    • 15 Oct 2007
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    Enjoy - do you know who your tutor is?

  • 01/04/2012 01:53 AM
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     I am studying Level 2 with learning curve and am now on module 10. I have found the communication really slow. Every time I have sent in an assignment I have had to send a follow-up email a few weeks later and sometimes even a third email before I get any response. Once I waited 2 months without hearing anything. I wonder if it is just me or has any else had the same problem?

  • 19/04/2012 10:32 AM
    In reply to
    • ukhostland
    • central France
    • 17 Dec 2008
    • 21
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     At the risk of shamelessly promoting our own RHS courses, we are based in France and currently have students from Australia, China, South America, all over Europe from the UK to Norway....and several in the USA.

    We communicate easily by email but have been known to telephone students as well. In the interests of balance, no doubt other colleges are able to offera similar level of support as the Garden Design Academy.

    All the best with your studies.

    Colin Elliott

    Colin Elliott
    Web: www.gardendesignacademy.com
    Blog: http://gardendesigncompany.wordpress.com