All Good Things Must Come to an End

A Semester at the University of Oxford, St. Edmund Hall

'ello international students!

I have successfully completed my term at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. It went by so quickly that I am afraid I will wake up and it all will just be a dream. I made many great friends and had countless memorable experiences during my time in Oxford.

View from the River Thames

As amazing as it was, the term wasn't always easy! The Oxbridge system, as it is called, is very different from what I am use to as Boston College undergraduate. First of all, the amount of time Oxford students spend in class was an adjustment. Not only was the term just 8 weeks long (compared about 16 at BC), but I met with my tutors (e.g. professors) for a total of 12 hours the entire term. For those of you who aren't familiar with the American collegiate education system, undergrads spend about 15 hours a week in class. While it may appear as though I had a lot of free time, I spent around 40 hours a week reading and writing essays for the tutorials (sessions with the tutors).

St. Edmund Hall Library

The number of subject areas studied is another significant difference. I took two tutorials, both in the same area, as is common at Oxford and Cambridge. However, at BC, students can take classes in as many as 5 different areas every semester (i.e. political science, psychology, biology, art history, etc.). Not to say that one way is better than the other but, I prefer Boston College's system. Having experienced both approaches, I am confident that the diverse array of courses has made me a more knowledgeable and well-rounded person.

Although the Oxbridge system is certainly different from that of America, it is just one cultural difference that makes England a unique and wonderful place. I think people often assume that the UK is very similar to the US because English is the primary language spoken. However, my time in England has revealed that this is not the case. Everything from fashion to food are very distinct between the countries. I was even told by a five-year-old British boy that I don't "speak English." Despite his naivety, in some sense, I think he is right.

Without a doubt, I will miss Oxford and all the friends I have made. The long walks down the city's winding and ancient streets and the thought-provoking discussions about parliament with Oxford students are memories I will always hold dear. Looking back, it is clear that my decision to study abroad is one of the best decisions I have made thus far. Thanks for reading. Cheers!

 

High Street

XXX
Allie