One of the most enjoyable experiences of my educational journey has been the opportunity to study abroad. When I first came to Oxford, England, I’d prepared for the time zone difference and the transition to a new academic environment, and I expected my classes to push me.
I didn’t think that some of the most valuable lessons would be learned outside the classroom. Studying abroad has taught me that community can be discovered in unexpected ways, whether through chats with classmates, weekend activities, or ordinary moments around town.
Studying abroad has also changed how I think academically. My courses are on independent study, critical thinking, and active discussion. I have been taught to think critically about concepts, ask questions, and engage with diverse perspectives instead of just focusing on memorizing facts. These experiences have boosted my confidence as a student and encouraged me to build skills I know will be valuable long after this semester ends.
The classes have been great, but it’s really the people around me who have made this experience truly memorable. Everyone was adjusting to a new setting at the start of the semester, so it was easy to start conversations and make new acquaintances. Between courses or after a lecture, getting coffee, such tiny exchanges eventually made strange faces into friends. It reminded me that community doesn’t always build through huge events — it frequently starts with just saying “hi.”
Away from academia, I’ve enjoyed exploring the surrounding environment. Walking around old neighborhoods, going to museums, and tasting new meals have helped me better understand the surrounding culture.
One of the best things I’ve done this semester is going to see Shakespeare’s plays with my pals. It’s one thing to read Shakespeare in class; it’s another to watch his plays performed live in England, to see the stories come to life in a whole new way. Whether it was a theater show or talking about our favorite parts afterward, these outings were more than cultural experiences; they became ways to connect.
We discussed different interpretations of the characters, laughed at unforgettable moments, and shared insights we might never have independently. Those chats made me realize that some of the best learning comes from shared experiences.
Some of my best memories outside of Oxford have been from impromptu vacations with pals to locations like Dublin and London. Some of the finest excursions were the ones we didn’t plan too far in advance: catching a train, spending the day exploring a new city, and finding hidden bookstores, cafés, and historic landmarks together.
These visits reminded me that studying abroad isn’t just about where you live, but about taking advantage of opportunities to explore different cultures with the new people you meet. The chats on the trains and the memories we built touring the sites were just as important as the sites themselves.
Every cultural experience has been another piece of the puzzle to what I’ve learned in class. Reading about a country’s history, literature, or culture is one thing; experiencing them firsthand is another. Watching Shakespeare plays, visiting historical sites, and experiencing local customs allowed me to better appreciate the interconnectivity between British history, literature, and daily life. More importantly, these activities strengthened the bonds I was making, creating memories I know will last long after the summer semester is over.
One of the greatest experiences of studying abroad has been meeting students from other countries and backgrounds. Every conversation has taught me something new, whether it was about our academic goals or sharing our home traditions. I have found that while our experiences are varied, we all feel the exhilaration (and at times, the worry) of living in a new place. Those shared experiences have formed bonds I hope last long after this program is over.
Life abroad has also taught me the importance of balance. There is always another book to read or another place to go, and learning how to make time for both has become an essential skill. Being organized has helped me enjoy all that this experience has to offer without falling behind academically.
More importantly, I’ve learned that making time for people is just as crucial as making time for homework. Some of my best memories include impromptu treks around the city, meals with friends, and conversations that went far beyond the expected time.
Naturally, I faced hurdles adjusting to a new country. Getting around on public transit, learning local customs, and adapting to unfamiliar routines all demanded patience and flexibility. At first these moments were daunting, but they were also opportunities for me to become more independent and confident. Every new encounter reminded me that progress often happens when we move outside our comfort zones.
Looking Back
I can see that studying abroad has been about so much more than just academic credit. It’s been about learning in new ways, enjoying new experiences, and finding a sense of belonging far from home. The classroom taught me things, but the people I met (and the things we went through together) gave me something even more significant: a community.
As my time abroad continues, I know I’ll remember the lectures and assignments, but I’ll also remember the laughs after class, the talks that turned strangers into friends, and the moments that made a new place feel like home.
Whether it’s debating Shakespeare after a production or finding new locations together, these experiences have taught me that education is so much more than a classroom. Studying abroad has reminded me that some of the best lessons come not just from instructors and books, but from the communities we build and the memories we make along the way.
This blog was contributed by Aurora Patton, Global Ambassador for Summer 2026. Aurora is a College of Liberal Arts senior participating in the faculty-led program “Oxford Summer Program” in Oxford, England.
