Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

This semester, I am studying in Oxford, England. I greatly appreciate English culture, cuisine, and even the weather. The people are great too. Something which surprised me was the great vigor which everyone applies to their studies. Quite literally everyone I have met is prepared at all times to have a serious discussion about any academic subject—often one would think it better to stick to one’s own, and yet they all seem to know so much about so many things. It is quite inspiring. Besides, it is easy to meet students of all levels, from first-years to PhD candidates, whether at the famous formal dinners, at the many pubs (some of which were often visited by C. S. Lewis and Tolkien), or at bus stations. Simply bring up whatever you study, and a friendship has begun. 

I have spent most of my time abroad in Oxford, due to the intense course schedule. Besides this, Oxford is an amazing old town with plenty of culture and endless activities and societies to take part in. I seriously doubt that any vague interest can go unsated here. And, there is always so much more to explore in such an ancient city (ca. 900). However, after Oxford began to feel like home to me, I branched out to other places such as London; Ireland, to see Dublin and Galway; and to Slovakia, whence I’ve traveled on to Vienna. I enjoy being in Europe, as traveling around is quite easy and cheap with the superior public transport, as compared to the situation in the U.S. My favorite city to visit so far besides Oxford has been Bratislava. 

I am very grateful for the opportunity to study abroad at Oxford University, where I am associated with Oriel College in particular. I’d like to thank Mr. William H. Toner especially for the aid of the wonderful scholarship I have received in honor of his late wife, Mrs. Mary Anne Pickett Toner, alumnus of the Lake Forest College English Department.  

Inside of the Bodleian Library: