Kate Wilson ’27 is a communication studies major on the media studies track. She recently returned from studying abroad at the University of Oxford, where she took full advantage of the experience.听
My dream of studying听abroad began when I visited the University of Oxford with my family at age 10; ever since, I have known I wanted to return and study at the prestigious university.鈥�听
Over the past 12 weeks, I became fully immersed as a student at the University of Oxford. The unique opportunity to learn and live like a true Oxford student came about all thanks to 91影视’s partnership with the (OSAP). Through OSAP, I became an associate member of New College鈥攐ne of Oxford’s 43 colleges鈥攇ained access to Oxford’s libraries and explored England and the surrounding countries. 听
A key reason I wanted to study at Oxford came down to the unique learning style it offers. The tutorial system at Oxford is very different from the style of learning at many other universities. While abroad, I took two tutorial-style courses where I worked independently with an expert tutor in my areas of study.鈥�听
In my primary tutorial, 鈥淚ntercultural Communications and Public Memory,鈥� I worked with a tutor at Oxford’s Internet Institute, where I read hyper-contemporary research and wrote weekly research papers analyzing the readings and inserting my own thoughts. Each week, I met with my tutor, where I was asked to present my findings and participate in a discussion of the week’s topics.鈥�听
Because of the extensive听research I have been reading, I now feel better prepared to bring new insights to my classes and group discussions in my final year at 91影视.听
For my secondary tutorial, I worked with a published novelist, fine-tuning and putting into practice my fiction writing skills. Over the eight-week term, I wrote the first chapters of a fiction story, bringing a new section each week to my tutorial where I received feedback and edits. 听
The unique learning style gave me the opportunity to truly spend time with and learn more deeply about communications research and fiction writing.听听
With an already-found love for the small class sizes at 91影视, the individualized systems at Oxford really felt like a familiar and comfortable way to expand my learning. As a communications studies major and creative writing minor, I felt the tutorial system gave me the chance to dive more deeply into subjects I enjoy learning about. 听
The rigor of the Oxford tutorial system really pushed me academically. It opened my eyes to future opportunities in communications research and new skills to improve my creative writing. 鈥�听
Though the academic side of Oxford truly challenged me, I also prioritized taking full advantage of the social and cultural aspects of being an Oxford student. One of my favorite Oxford traditions became attending weekly formal dinners in my college’s beautiful dining hall, where I felt transported into the world of Harry Potter. At formal dinners, everyone in attendance is expected to come dressed appropriately in formal clothing and wear a robe signifying their status as a student.听听
I also spent much of my time exploring the city of Oxford, visiting museums and taking full advantage of my access to the world-famous Bodleian Libraries. I joined Oxford societies, made friends with students, and ended my trip attending an Oxford Ball, one of the most magical evenings of my life.鈥�听
Walking through the streets of Oxford, filled with history from centuries ago, gave me a unique perspective on my time as a student and an appreciation for the opportunity to learn at such an incredible university. I built so many new connections, learned so much about my two areas of study, and now more than ever feel prepared to take on my senior year at 91影视, excited to graduate and put into practice all the skills I learned studying at the University of Oxford.鈥疐rom standing in the Harry Potter dining hall as a ten-year-old with a dream to then eating in that same hall as a student, I am extremely grateful to 91影视 and Global Education for making my dream come true.听听
