Journeying to Oxford

Arriving at the London Heathrow airport alone on no sleep and with limited knowledge as to where I was and what I was doing there was both frightening and exhilarating. I was about to study on a full scholarship for a week with several other international students at Oxford University.

I applied in early January with little expectation of actually getting in, as it is a very selective and unique program. Oxbridge Academic Programs got back to me just a few weeks later with the news that I got in and would be studying World Affairs, my first choice major. With the help and generosity of family, friends, and teachers, I was ready to embark on this incredible journey to Oxford, England.

Driving through the narrow, crowded streets of Oxford, with extravagant gothic cathedrals and grand study halls, I could tell I was in a historically and intellectually significant, not to mention, beautiful, English town. Not only is Oxford University the oldest English-speaking university in the world, but it is home to incredible alumni, such as John Locke, C.S. Lewis, Oscar Wilde, and many more.

Throughout the week, I studied with a group of nine other girls from all different countries in my World Affairs class, being taught by a doctoral researcher in International Relations at the University of Oxford. We learned about the basics of international relations by researching case studies, holding debates, and presenting current events to the class. It was very interesting to be pulled directly out of a high school learning environment and learn the way a college student at a prestigious university would. Instead of being told what to think about and how to think, we were encouraged to create our own thoughts and intellectual ideas. In my presentation and debates, I was given the opportunity to discover my personal stance on certain issues and dig deeper to the root of world issues. I realized that while global issues can seem overwhelming and even intangible, they can be understood and solved. Researching historical and contemporary case studies regarding economics, foreign policy, government, and more gave me an extremely unique and wide perspective of current issues and how they should be approached.

Besides the enriching academic aspect of the course, I was really inspired by and learned many things from my classmates. A World Affairs class with ten girls from India, Australia, Spain, Canada, New York, LA, and Texas, made for an interesting and engaging atmosphere. Being in a classroom with so many different perspectives made the world seem so much bigger. Instead of being surrounded by other students who’ve grown up with a similar culture mindset, I was forced to acknowledge different points of views that are represented throughout the world. Even though not one person had the same background or outlook on the world, we could all get along and learn from each other. One thing I realized was that no matter where you’re from, knowledge and learning is so valuable, and can build strong bridges.

Moreover, the experience I had at the Oxbridge Spring Seminar taught me that learning and discovering new things is a lifelong journey that comes in all shapes and sizes. I learned many things about the world and how it interacts with each other, and I believe that this knowledge will empower me to understand and create change in my community and the world. Traveling to a different country, even one with the same language and similar cultural customs, made me realize how big the world is, and how many more adventures are out there to explore and learn from. Being taught by some of the most intelligent and critical people in the world inspired me to work as hard as I can in my education and community to become all that I believe I can become.