EXTRA, EXTRA - READ ALL ABOUT IT! Do not worry, have no fear! St. Joseph's College students take on England this year! In July 2016, fifteen undergraduate students have had the extraordinary chance to take part in a study abroad program offered by St. Joseph's College in both Brooklyn and Long Island campuses. This program allowed the students to gain a knowledgeable opportunity and to explore the depths of Oxford and its' renowned academic reputation. The program also invited students to delve into the realms of historical cities, such as the countryside Salisbury and the tourist-friendly London. I, myself, am proud to admit that I was included as one of the fifteen to engage in this wonderful opportunity. Lasting for the duration of two weeks, the Oxford Experience has paved way for new and exciting experiences that one simply cannot take for granted.
Prior to arriving in England, I was overwhelmed with excitement due to this being nearly a 5-year goal of mine to visit England. I was nervous as well due to the fact that this experience would be my first time traveling without my family. However, to my surprise, I was not homesick at all during the trip, because I was having entirely too much fun. I remember my mom calling to ask me: 1. How I was doing 2. If i was okay and 3. If I miss my bed. My answers usually followed this template: 1. I'm good, 2. Yes, I ate. and 3. Of course, I do! However, even though I missed my bed as compared to St. Hilda's not-so-homey bedroom, I didn't complain as mush as I could have because it couldn't even fit my schedule! Each day, my agenda was filled with so much to do and so many sights to see that the only time I thought of my family was when I bought souvenirs or received a call from my mom. I enjoyed my time in all three cities I have visited, and if I am ever granted the chance to go there another time, I would not hesitate to pack my bags. Overall, the Oxford Experience has taught me not only about names from a book, but also simply about how I enjoy learning. My learning experience was much more different at Oxford University over the course of two weeks than it has been at St. Joseph's College for the past three years. I learned that I would rather much enjoy learning based on hands-on experience, where I can learn about something in a textbook and THEN see it in person. It is one thing to read something from a textbook, but when you are actually there, you can truly appreciate what you just learned for what it's worth. The Oxford Experience has also taught me that independence is acceptable, and in fact, key to essential learning. Back at home, i'm used to taking course trips with classmates and professors. However, travelling independently without professors can also be beneficial in different ways. For example, one can get to know their way around the area on their own or with a friend without following the guide of a teacher. Also, I became more independent in that I was responsible if I lost any item causing me to cautiously take better care of my property, such as my I.D., passport, or key to the dorm. Travelling without my parents served as a major factor that enabled me to become more self-reliant.
The Oxford Experience study abroad program really allowed me to broaden my horizons and to make a bunch of new friends that I've grown close to in just a short amount of time. That's what Oxford does, unite people of different interests by engaging in intellectual conversation. My experience in England was a time well-spent!
