by Donald Brown
Xi Kappa Chapter, Mississippi State University
Winner of the 2012-2013 Study Abroad Scholarship
I probably learned more during my study abroad experience at the University of Oxford than I have during my whole time living in the U.S. Learning to adjust to their culture gave me a great understanding of who I was, and who I am, as an American. By the time I was beginning to make Oxford my home, it was time to go back to America. I will, however, be returning next year for graduate studies.
During my time there (Trinity Term), I was able to experience the Oxbridge Tutorial system in which I met with a professor, John Ballam, once a week. I would read a play (e.g., Antony and Cleopatra, Othello, Merchant of Venice, etc), write an essay, and then would meet and discuss the essay I wrote. The intellectual community at the oldest university in the English-speaking world is, to say the least, exceptional.
I also got to travel around England. Stonehenge is amazing. Though I went to London three times, I still feel like I only saw one-fourth of the city. I love visiting museums, and there are tons to go to there. In fact, many of them are free! From Westminster Abbey to Windsor Castle to the Roman baths in Bath, England, the whole country amazed me. However, I must say the most amazing thing about my study abroad time was the pervasive sense of history that looms over England like a warm ghost.
I encourage anyone who has not gone out of the country to do so. You will be sure to learn a great deal about yourself, America, and the world-at-large.
Learn more about Donald’s study abroad experience on his blog, On the Grand Tour.
Applications for the Spring 2014 Study Abroad Scholarship are due April 1.
