Exploring the historic Merton Street in central Oxford, just a minutes-long walk from Oriel College, Corpus Christi College and Christ Church Meadow
Author: Maddie Johnson | Majors: Journalism, Political Science | Semester: Summer 2023
Maddie Johnson is an Honors College Fellow from Cabot, Arkansas, studying journalism and political science with a minor in Spanish. She studied abroad at Oriel College, University of Oxford during the August 2023 intersession through the International Studies Abroad program and completed coursework in political theory. She learned both inside and outside of the classroom through the rich, centuries-old history of the city.
As I stepped off the shuttle that had taken us from the London Airport to Oriel College in Oxford, the architecture of the campus, steeped in centuries of history, was nothing short of aweinspiring. We had arrived outside the college’s dining hall for orientation, and despite our classes not beginning until the next day, there was no shortage of opportunity to learn from the sights of history all around, with portraits of figures from the 14th-century founder of the college Edward II to Queen Elizabeth II lining the walls
The opportunity to learn beyond the walls of a classroom through the history of a city was the driving force behind my decision to study abroad during the August 2023 intersession. As a journalism/political science major, I knew I wanted to pursue a program with a focus on politics. After being introduced by the Honors College to the Oriel College Summer Institute facilitated by International Studies Abroad (ISA) and learning more about its course and co-curricular offerings with research, I was eager to apply and decided to enroll in the Summer 3 session, which lasted for the first two weeks of August.
During the program, I completed one course in contemporary political theory taught by a lecturer from the University of Oxford’s Brasenose College. While my degree at the University of Arkansas focuses more on the factual analysis associated with political science, my academic experience at Oxford was different in that it focused on the philosophy behind politics. Conceptual questions like “Who should have political power?” and “Should individual rights take precedence over the common good?” paved the way for each day’s engaging seminar. Our instructor delivered lectures and presented us with a review of the leading perspectives and writings associated with each day’s theme and then devoted the second half of class to facilitating an interactive session, prompting students to share and clarify their own understanding of material. The opportunity to study a facet of politics that isn’t as readily explored at the University of Arkansas was incredibly valuable. It was fascinating to engage in conversations about the justifications behind the role and power of elected leaders, for example, that are foundational to how government operates at any level, and it was beneficial to reflect on past internship experiences in the offices of elected leaders through this new lens.
While walking throughout Oriel’s campus each day after class, another art form quickly caught my attention – this one more recent than the centuries-old portraits that had greeted students upon arrival; chalk illustrations of past college rowing victory results could be found on the stone walls and offered a glimpse into the campus culture and into a pastime that certainly isn’t readily available back home. One of my favorite experiences outside of class was participating in a similar activity during the first week when classmates and I rode along the River Thames and were able to take in the sights of the city. Other notable activities included joining a guided tour of Christ Church Meadow and attending an orchestra performance in the Sheldonian Theatre, a venue in the heart of the city dating back to the 1600s.
As I reflect on my study abroad experience, I feel grateful to have gained a broader perspective on the college experience in a different country. The memories of the beauty and history of the city of Oxford will certainly remain cherished, and I hope to return in my lifetime. Just as importantly, I am grateful for the friendships formed with students from all around the United States – and the world – that I will continue to value. Exploring Oxford together was an experience unlike any other. Other than one other student from the University of Arkansas, whom I met for the first time on the shuttle ride from the airport on opening day, I didn’t know any students prior to the start of the program. For anyone considering studying abroad through an outside program but concerned about the potential challenges of meeting new people and navigating a new city, I would certainly recommend taking the opportunity if available. Being surrounded by the world-famous museums, centuries-old libraries and rich academic history that characterize the University of Oxford and learning alongside new friends from across the world were experiences for which I will forever be grateful.