Research The Professor

Many universities have a lot of flexibility when it comes to electives and when you can take a course. Take the time to find out all about whom is teaching the course before you take the course. Find out if the professor has difficulty with the language, how s/he grades, etc. Also, ask others their opinion of the professor as well as the course if they have taken it. Finally, go to the student union office where they can give you the information you need. If the professor has a bad reputation, it may be better to drop the class and take it when it is taught by someone with whom you would enjoy taking it.