Oxford Study Abroad
I had always been interested in the idea of doing a study abroad program, but I recognized that as an engineer the opportunity might not be possible. After all, if UW has such a great engineering program, why take the classes elsewhere?
However, the opportunity presented itself sooner than I could have imagined. During the second quarter of my freshman year, I received an email from the Honors Program. The email said: "Application Deadline Extended for Honors in Oxford Study Abroad". I thought to myself: "Now extended deadlines are my thing! I can do this!" Since it was a study abroad over the summer, it would not interfere with my engineering coursework, and since it was through Honors, I could get Honors credit too. It was a win win.
However, the opportunity presented itself sooner than I could have imagined. During the second quarter of my freshman year, I received an email from the Honors Program. The email said: "Application Deadline Extended for Honors in Oxford Study Abroad". I thought to myself: "Now extended deadlines are my thing! I can do this!" Since it was a study abroad over the summer, it would not interfere with my engineering coursework, and since it was through Honors, I could get Honors credit too. It was a win win.
Going forward and Backward
My study abroad experience in Oxford was an interesting mix of moving my character forward in some respects while pulling it backward in others.
While the UK is a first world, English speaking country, I still experienced culture shock. I had never been away from home for more than a few weeks, so I was concerned I could get homesick. However, I acclimated almost immediately, and greatly enjoyed my adventure. I got to know the other students in the program fairly well, and developed a great relationship with the professor.
It turns out that my brother Aaron, who was soon to be a Freshman at UW, was able to join us on the study abroad. This was incredibly exciting to me. Throughout my entire life, Aaron had pretty much been my best friend, and it was an interesting growth experience to not have his company for my Freshman year. All that changed in Oxford. It was like bringing a small piece of home with me. That is not to say I did not explore; on the contrary, I explored and experimented more than I would have alone.
I truly learned a tremendous amount about the UK and myself as well. I finished the summer ready for my Sophomore Year.
While the UK is a first world, English speaking country, I still experienced culture shock. I had never been away from home for more than a few weeks, so I was concerned I could get homesick. However, I acclimated almost immediately, and greatly enjoyed my adventure. I got to know the other students in the program fairly well, and developed a great relationship with the professor.
It turns out that my brother Aaron, who was soon to be a Freshman at UW, was able to join us on the study abroad. This was incredibly exciting to me. Throughout my entire life, Aaron had pretty much been my best friend, and it was an interesting growth experience to not have his company for my Freshman year. All that changed in Oxford. It was like bringing a small piece of home with me. That is not to say I did not explore; on the contrary, I explored and experimented more than I would have alone.
I truly learned a tremendous amount about the UK and myself as well. I finished the summer ready for my Sophomore Year.