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Whimsy and Water Features

~by Samuel Barnett

This summer I have had the extreme fortune of participating in the Georgia Tech Oxford Program, during which I’ve listened to world class musicians, tried new local cuisine, and gazed upon exquisite art and architecture. As someone with a passion for urban development, I was ecstatic that my first stop would be in Barcelona, Spain. That first evening, a small group of us decided to climb one of the many hills tucked in and around the city. Prior to embarking on this program, I was worried about getting to know new people; as I gazed over terracotta rooftops towards the Balearic Sea, I had no idea just how close I’d become with those around me.

One of my favorite class experiences was receiving a guided tour of the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a behemoth church which has been under construction for nearly 150 years. Designed by legendary local architect Antoni Gaudí, the church is nothing short of extraordinary; the exterior is full of intricate figures and detailing, the top adorned with gigantic gothic revival spires. Despite its immense exterior, the interior somehow feels even more vast; in true Gaudí fashion, the interior defies any traditional architectural categorization, with its tree-like supports and chromatic stained-glass windows.

After seven days in Barcelona, we then headed towards Madrid, the capital of Spain, stopping overnight in one of the smaller cities, Zaragoza. Even though it was only one night, my crew was determined to still see the city; we eventually made way for El Parque Grande José Antonio Labordeta, a large rectangular park with gorgeous landscaping and water features; people of all ages meandered along paths or sat in the benches and on the grass, some fanning themselves as if to brush away the last of the day’s heat. We eventually found a nice spot overlooking the long park into the rest of the city; with the fountain burbling below us and a light breeze weaving through the banisters, we watched as the sun fell, peeking behind buildings, slowly melting away.

Though each group had their own share of amazing cities and experiences, one unique aspect of the Spain/Portugal group was spending more time in each city. Personally, I enjoyed being able to savor each city and getting to know it just that little bit better, even if that meant visiting a fewer number of cities than other groups. That extra time afforded us many half days (and even some full days) to explore the city on our own; many of my favorite memories on this trip have come from wandering with a friend with no destination in mind. Albaicin, in Granada, was one such neighborhood through which two friends and I wandered along cobblestone streets up hilly terrain, coming across several “miradors” or viewpoints with superb views of the midsize city. One such mirador looked out towards “La Alhambra”, a massive Medieval palace and fortress with Moorish and Christian influences from its many occupations. On a wall adjacent to the mirador, a small piece of graffiti read:

Tengo la Alhambra en frente y solo te miro a ti.

I have the Alhambra in front of me and I only look at you.

Some may call it saccharine, but I loved this demonstration of feeling; even though this one was (likely) romantic, it reminded me that, more broadly, despite differences in language, culture, and government, many of us face similar joy, sadness, excitement, and, yes, love.

I saw and heard these emotions in numerous influential artworks and pieces of music. My favorite concert was a nighttime open-air historically informed performance (HIP) in the Palace of Charles V in the Alhambra complex. Under the direction of Jordi Savall, a legendary Spanish composer and director, Le Concert des Nations performed works by Vivaldi and Bach using techniques, instruments, and tuning mirroring those used during the time in which the pieces were originally composed (hence “historically informed”). As a musician myself, each of the concerts was excellent, but none quite so invigorating as this one; something about the combination of location and technique captured a sound and feeling unlike any I’ve experienced back in the States.

Anyone who has met me knows of my passion for the art of coffeemaking, so this trip to Europe has been nothing short of fascinating in that regard. I’ve visited easily over three dozen specialty coffee shops, each with unique character and quality – in fact, I’m currently writing from Common Ground in Oxford, sitting across the table from a friend who visited many of these same places with me. I never envisioned that my niche obsession would be appreciated, let alone shared, but introducing these new ways of appreciating coffee to my friends has been one of the unsung highlights of my travels. If you visit these same cities, here are my top spots: Bracafe, Barcelona; Syra Coffee, Madrid; La Finca, Granada; Muy Coffee, Seville; and Copenhagen Coffee Lab, Lisbon.

Though most of my group’s travel time was spent in Spain, the last city on our itinerary was Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. In many ways, it was a fitting last stop – a coastal bustling city reminiscent of our first stop in Barcelona. On one of the last days, we took a half-day trip to Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca), the westernmost point of continental Europe overlooking the Atlantic Ocean (Roca translates to “sea cliff”). Many of us ended up carefully descending the less steep side of one such cliff, eventually coming across a group of boulders; I sat atop one of these in silence, and with the cool morning breeze rushing around us, watched the waves batter at the cliffs below. You make so many amazing memories on this trip that scenes like these are opportunities to just be – and to think, whether back on those same memories, or perhaps something else, something personal. It’s important, in between the rush of it all, to not forget to make space for you.

As much fun as the travel portion may be, many welcome the change of pace during the latter half at Oxford. Here, you’ll have a more “standard” class structure; classes take place Monday through Thursday of each week, meaning you have ample time to travel to new and exciting destinations on weekends. Apart from exploring Oxford and taking several day trips to London, I also traveled to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Amsterdam, Netherlands. Both cities were amazing in their own regard; Edinburgh with its rich centuries-long history and winding cobblestone streets, and Amsterdam with its scenic canals and prolific bike infrastructure.

Thinking back on all these cities and those I’ve met – not just on the program, but the many kind strangers along the way – I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for all the amazing people behind the scenes, both here in Europe and back in Atlanta, who helped make this trip a reality; gratitude for Dr. Ulrich and Dr. Townsend, professors who helped enrich my cultural experiences in Spain, Portugal, and beyond; and gratitude for my fellow students and friends, who’ve demonstrated immense care and kindness and acted as companions in some of my nearest and dearest memories.

[hpoxfordprogram]

Summer in the Oxford Program

~by JP Turney      

This summer I had the amazing opportunity to participate in the Oxford study abroad program. I had never been to Europe or really out of the United States at all, so this would be a completely new experience for me. As part of Group 3 (aka the Italy Group), I would get the chance to travel to many cities in the country including Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice, as well cities in other countries such as Vienna, Leipzig, and Antwerp. While we were traveling around Europe, we would be taking two classes, History of Art and Architecture as well as Music and its Composers. I came in knowing that this would be a life changing experience, but I was still not prepared for all the things that I would see and experience on this trip.

 Our first stop after landing was Rome, which had a ton of incredible places to visit. For example, we went to see the Vatican Museum and Saint Peter’s Basilica, both of which showed the beauty and wealth of the catholic church and their artwork, as well as how big of an influence they were on Italian society. I even had the opportunity to experience a Catholic mass in the Pantheon, which gave me a chance to observe the religious life of the Italian people, as well as see one of the oldest places of worship for the Italian people going back to the ancient Romans.

We continued our journey through Italy by going to Florence, one of the biggest art hubs in all of Italy. We visited the Uffizi Gallery, seeing amazing paintings such as the Birth of Venus and Judith Beheading Holofernes from the renaissance period of Italy, demonstrating how truly incredible the art produced here during this time was. We also got to see more incredible Italian architecture, this time at the Pitti Palace which had incredible renaissance architecture as well as being an art gallery inside with even more art work inside. Throughout my experience in Rome and Florence I was able to see how much respect and importance Italians put on there past and have pride in how it shaped their country and cities into what they are today, which is a lesson that I will continue to take with during me this trip.

Afterwards we continued to Milian, which felt like a more modern city that still retained its historic roots with beautiful buildings such as the Dumomo di Milano and the Castello Sforzesco, as well as showing that it is a developed and modern city, as shown through a lot of modern buildings and having more modern art work such as the art present in the Museo del Novecento. Afterwards for our final Italian city we went to Venice, which had even more beautiful renaissance architecture and artwork in Venice such as the art galleries inside of the Doge’s palace and the grand structure of Saint Marco’s Cathedral. I would say one of the most interesting things about Venice is the unique structure of the city that can’t be found anywhere else due to it being built on the ocean, making the city a whole just as interesting as the individual locations, something that can be lost through the process of going from museum to museum.

After Venice we left Italy and went to the city of music, Vienna. We had been studying music throughout our trip so far, but it really came into focus once we got here. I got to visit the Museum of Music as well as visiting a local piano shop and Mozart’s house. The biggest thing we did though was attending an opera, “Salome”, in the Vienna State Opera house, which had beautiful architecture and was the perfect setting for this experience. It was the culmination of everything we had learned and seen so far in music. It had a large professional orchestra, Opera singers with beautiful voices, and a grand story, a demonstration of the power music has to bring stories to life and to connect people together through the emotions it evokes.

After Vienna we had quick visits to two more cities, Leipzig and Antwerp. In Leipzig we visited a few locations significant to music history such as the Bach Museum, while in Antwerp we had time to explore the city on our own while preparing for finals, which I took advantage of to cycle around the city and try out their food such as Belgian waffles. After this the first part of the program ended, and the second part of program began as we boarded the bus to drive to Oxford.

Once we got to Oxford, we had a day to explore oxford and prepare before we began our classes. Each of the classes I took were very interesting, with The History of Medieval England being particularly interesting as we are learning about history of the country we are studying in, talking about how the Norman invasions changed the landscape of the country or how the various succession wars affected the country and their traditions. This allowed me to engage with Oxford in a unique way that was still able to challenge me academically.

Oxford was a wonderful town to study in as well, with lots of interesting places to visit as almost every building here was built in medieval times or has architecture based on that time period. I had the opportunity to go on a walking tour around Oxford with David Gunnell, which was a wonderful way to learn more about the history of the town and visit some of the wonderful locations in the town. There was also plenty of free time during the week to explore around the city on our own, with some examples of neat places I visited being Oxford Prison and Castle, as well as Christ Church college.

While we were at Oxford, we were also free to travel and explore different places during our weekends, which is one of the best parts of the Oxford portion. I went to a variety of places on the weekends, but my biggest excursions where to Edinburgh and London. At Edinburgh there was lots of Scottish History which I explored through visiting the Edinburgh castle and viewed the beautiful scenery on the top of Arthur’s head, while at London I got to visit the London Bridge, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey just to name a few.

Overall I have learned a lot about myself and about the world while I have been on the oxford program. I’ve learned the importance of learning about different cultures and the traditions and past associated with them and how I can implement these diverse views into my own life. I’ve also learned that there is so much to appreciate in this world and various places in it, from the big grand cathedrals that many people worshiped at for hundreds of years, to the small quiet streets with a local restaurant that serves recipes passed down for generations. This program has been a wonderful experience and it will be something that I will remember and carry with me for the rest of my life.

[hpoxfordprogram]

Stuff Happens at GT Oxford...

~by Phi Cai

When I committed to Georgia Tech just a little over a year ago, I had already been planning to go to Oxford. I had been accepted into the Oxford FYSA program, but ultimately declined to take my HP offer instead, since I found out I could do Oxford this summer. Over a year of anticipation later, here I am!

Coming into this trip, I had two goals: to make friends and to “tourist” as much as I could. Safe to say, I’ve accomplished those goals, but also ones I never sought to do. I am a naturally anxious person, so when during pre-departure, we got warnings from out group leader/professors that this trip would be very mentally taxing and that we would be stressed and disappointed due to plans being frequently changed, I was nervous. When I’m set out to do something, I get pretty determined to do so and do not like it when things don’t go smoothly.

Regardless, the travel portion went pretty much exactly according to the schedule (minus a few paintings we didn’t get to see). What I did not expect was for a massive personal conflict to unfold throughout all of that. What was probably the most distressing moment happened when I got some text messages while up at the Fortress Hohensalzburg during a few hours we had stopped in Salzburg. I cannot say that I wasn’t saddened and upset. But I had no time to dwell, as I ran, camera and all, the 1.2 miles down in 12 minutes to make role call for our Sound of Music tour. This was the one thing I was looking forward to (most of the trip I felt more come-as-it-goes to) and I wanted to enjoy it. I was already upset by the events, but also upset that I had to be upset at this time.

Maybe it was the music of one of my favorite shows, maybe the beautiful landscape around me, or maybe my run right before, but this was the first time in my life that I decided to use my determination as one to enjoy what I wanted to. I decided I wasn’t going to let this hamper my enjoyment of the tour and so I put my phone on airplane mode and temporarily pushed my thoughts out of my mind to listen to the songs that had started playing on the bus. Singing along to “My Favorite Things” with my friend next to me helped rest my anxieties, as Maria made a good point: “When the dog bites / When the bee stings / When I’m feeling sad / I simply remember my favorite things / and then I don’t feel / so bad!”

The tour was a great time, I had so much fun singing and dancing while seeing the beautiful sights of Vienna. When I had to come back to the reality of things, I felt calm, a lot calmer than I normally would be and calmer than I probably should’ve been. What happens happens, and I can truly only have control over my own actions, but also, now over my thoughts and emotions as well. Things in my life had kept happening throughout the rest of travel portion, but I am most likely only going to be able to travel around Europe once, so why let something that has already been done, something that can’t be reversed, hamper that?

When the external circumstances warned about during pre-departure eventually did happen (during my solo travels in Oxford), I was more prepared with this mindset.

The second weekend at Oxford, I had planned a trip up to the Lake District. Amongst the four train transfers, I ended up missing the last one. When I couldn’t get out at my station and the train started moving, I felt my heart rate rising and breathing shorten when the conductor told me I just had to get out at the next station (in half an hour) and get back on the train the other direction to ride back. I was already short on time, spending only that evening at Windermere, so losing over an hour of precious time scared me. But there was nothing I could do but live with it. Knowing this helped my heart and breathing it was what it was.

The next day, I went up and down Scafell Pike, but was waiting for the last bus when I saw a little piece of paper stuck at the bottom of the pole with the timetable, apologizing for the road closure causing the bus to not come to this station that weekend. The bus had taken me there to that stop in the morning, and the official app said it was coming, so I waited more, but accepted that it wasn’t coming. The station it said was the closest stop was an hour walk away, and because this was the last bus, there was no way I would make it in time. The nearest town was over two hours a walk away and the train station I had to get to was over 4.5 hour walk away (I would not be able to make the last train with that time). But I had no choice but to start walking down the empty, single lane path. In desperation, I started sticking out my thumb to the few passing cars. After being ignored, when one of them slowed down and rolled down the window, my heart filled with relief that they were going to help me. The old couple there continued to roll along, just staring and giving disapproving looks to me before picking up speed and driving off. I started to cry as reality set in; I wasn’t going to be able to make it to Llandudno, where my AirBnb was and had nowhere to spend the night. I hadn’t had any food to eat since the night before and had already done a 13-mile hike and was cold and exhausted (more mentally than physically) and had at least 2 more hours to go.

Just then, I got a call from my friend to make sure I was still alive and though we didn’t talk, something about having someone care brought back my determination. I could get to Snowdon tomorrow. Worst case scenario, I sleep in the train station, catch the first train tomorrow, which should still leave time to make the climb if I take the shortest trail. So I kept going.

Miraculously, I did make the last train (a car of 4 college-age guys stopped and let me hitchhike to the nearest town, where I then took a bus to the train station) and still did nearly end up homeless anyways, just in a different town, as the AirBnb owner said he would not let me in after 2am, which was a time I was just barely going to miss and stopped responding. On the train, a dad travelling from China with this 8-year-old son struck up a conversation with me, and I told me he was also about to be homeless the night as well, as their train had gotten delayed, so they missed the last connecting one. When I expressed sympathy, he waved it off, saying that it happens, and he was right. If I am homeless for a night, then so be it. My friend had spent a night alone in a much more questionable train station in France last year, surely being Wales at least was a massive upgrade.

I felt it was weird that I could calmly accept being homeless for 36 hours in a foreign country. (I did end up getting let in by a kind new worker at the Airbnb-hostel though.) But yet I was able to, and after all of that, I think back on times where I would stress out for hours over one missed homework or minor disagreement. But the remainder of the trip, whether it be losing a day due to a cancelled flight, dealing with a man following me at night, or the AirBnb dispute after the owner later scammed me & lied about the previous events, things happened. The world’s bigger than that and there’s plenty more important things to enjoy. This trip has changed how I feel going through everyday life, making for one with much less stress and overall, a much happier one.

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A Whole Lot of Travelling

~by Tanju Ozdemir As my time in Oxford and Europe comes to a close, I’ve had time to reflect on the many experiences I’ve had while studying abroad. As part of Group 1, we visited the most cities (Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Bruges) and countries (Denmark, Germany, Czechia, Austria, Belgium) of the 3 travel groups during the travel portion. (I haven’t even mentioned day trips and stopovers! ) It was a rewarding, exhausting and exciting experience all rolled into one, juggling travel classes, visiting concerts and museum visits while also experiencing the sights and sounds of Europe. 

The two travel portion classes we took were Musicians & Their Music and History of Art II.

Musicians & Their Music covered a whole lot of compositions starting from the Mediaeval period and ending at the 20th century. We listened to a wide range of music from Gregorian chants to Bebop Jazz. I really appreciate how the class exposed me to different musical genres and musicians beyond ones I already knew, broadening my musical horizons. One example of this that sticks out to me is when we learned about Johannes Brahms and his compositions. Though he’s a titan of orchestral music, I knew very little about him and his work. However, that changed at a concert in Berlin, where Hungarian Dance No. 4 was performed. I was enraptured by the performance and the piece! To me, it had the perfect mix of drama, instrumentation and emotion. The composition was stuck in my head for days afterwards, and led me to listen to the rest of Brahms’ Hungarian Dances, giving me a newfound love for his music. 

Brahms Hungarian Dance No. 4 

I had a similar experience in History of Art II, where we covered art from antiquity all the way to the early 20th century (and a lot about chairs sup. One artist in particular that I grew to appreciate was Caspar David Friedrich. Before taking this class, I only really knew him as that one artist whose painting was used in Minecraft. During the course of the class I got to see his paintings in Hamburg and Berlin while also getting to learn more about his work, style and the hidden meaning behind it. Seeing Wanderer above the Sea of Fog in person in Hamburg was incredible. We learned about the concept of the sublime in nature (how intimidating and monumental nature can be to people) and how the painting captured this idea, but when standing there in front of it, you could really feel it and I felt the same way looking at his other works while in Berlin. It inspired me to look into his life and his influences, which ultimately gave me a better understanding and appreciation of his art. 

It’d take a while to write about all the cities we visited so I’ll try and keep it brief.

Copenhagen: Lovely city, very walkable and good public transit but a bit pricey 

Hamburg: Very historic (lots of maritime history), has some unique attractions (check out the Miniature Wonderland)

Berlin: Unique, historic, vibrant city with a lot of contrast still between East and West (I really liked the computer games museum) 

Prague: Everything is really cheap, Old town is aesthetically pleasing, but can quickly get flooded with tourists

Munich: My favourite city, great mix of historic and modern attractions and just a very vibrant place all around (Do not miss out on visiting HofBrauhaus for a traditional Bavarian Experience!)

Salzburg: Small city with lots of musical history surrounding Mozart and the Sound of Music, great nature right next door in the Austrian and Bavarian Alps. 

Vienna: Very interesting place if you’re into history, art and music. It can get fairly hot due to the lack of green spaces 

Bruges: Old town is quaint, but it does quickly get flooded with tourists and things are pricey. 

Two aspects of my study abroad program I really liked were trying different foods and enjoying the natural scenery.

I got to try a lot (and I mean a lot) of food, but I’ve picked out 2 of the best and 2 of the strangest examples of food I tried while travelling. I had the pleasure of trying Cambodian food for the first time while in Copenhagen of all places, and it was fantastic. The dish consisted of a white fish stewed in coconut milk with bamboo shoots and various other vegetables served alongside white rice, all cooked to perfection. It was very flavorful and aromatic.

Cambodian Fish Stew and Rice

Another great dish I had was Cheese Spaetzle, a southern German dish similar to mac n cheese consisting of egg noodles and emmental cheese topped with fried onion, while in Vienna. Savory, rich and delicious!

Cheese Spaetzle 

Two of the strangest dishes I had were a Bismarck herring sandwich (pickled herring, purple onion and lettuce) in Hamburg and Jellied Eels (boiled eels encased in gelatine) with Pie, mash and liquor (a green parsley sauce) in London. The herring was pretty vinegary and had a bit of chew to it, and the jellied eels taste like white fish encased in jello. The pie and mash was pretty good, and the parsley liquor added a nice freshness to everything. I’ll say that these dishes tasted better than they looked (for the most part.) and it was interesting getting to try traditional, historic food from these places. 

Bismarck Herring sandwich

Jellied Eels with Pie and Mash

My first experience with beautiful natural scenery on this trip came when a day trip from Salzburg was organised to hike up the Kehlstein Mountain to the Eagle’s Nest in Southern Bavaria. Though a moderately challenging hike, the effort was well worth it as the views from the Bavarian Alps were incredible. It was a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the cities we visited. 

Kehlstein Mountain, Germany

This hike inspired me to look for more natural scenery to view while based in Oxford, which led me to travel in search of natural wonders. The views I managed to see are ones I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. I would highly recommend visiting rural Scotland and Ireland. Though often harder to get to (public transport isn’t the greatest compared to continental Europe), it’s well worth the effort.

Wicklow Mountains, Ireland

Giants Causeway, Northern Ireland

Scottish Highlands

Loch Ness, Scotland

My advice to anyone who’s thinking of applying: Do it. I can say with confidence that this has been a highlight of my Georgia Tech experience, and that what I saw, learned and otherwise experienced has helped me grow as a person. Since the travel groups are pretty small, you’ll get to know some people really well and form close friendships. Regarding travel advice, I’ve listed a few points below:

Make plans in advance (especially for flights), but also be flexible

Time will fly by fast so make the most of every moment

Keep up with classes, but also travel around while in Oxford (especially if your schedule can accommodate day trips!) 

Try new things and meet new people

Reach out to previous participants (you’ll get a lot of helpful info)

[hpoxfordprogram]

This Trip Changed Me for the Better!

~by David Sparks

Joining the Oxford Summer Study Abroad Program was much more impactful than I would have ever anticipated! Reflecting back on the previous 12 weeks, it almost seems impossible to fit all I have experienced into such a seemingly short period of time. I have become closer to this group of once-strangers than I ever would have guessed, and this program has taught me things about myself I otherwise might not have discovered. I took the opportunity of joining Group 2, which traveled through Spain and Portugal. In total, we visited 6 cities: Barcelona, Zaragoza, Madrid, Granada, Seville, and Lisbon, over our 5-week travel portion. This was my first time ever stepping foot in Europe, and it was all very new to most of us! We visited iconic museums, listened to timeless musical pieces, ate incredible food, and I even got to practice some more of my Spanish (which I thought I’d never use again beyond high school). There are so many things to unpack here, but I’ll try my best to sum up the main points!

Before our travels began, we attended classes in Atlanta on campus for one full week. During this pre-departure portion, I got to meet the people I would be spending the rest of my eventful summer with, and kept busy cramming lots of music and art history! After 5 days of classes, we took our first midterms on Saturday, and by Sunday we were off to Barcelona, Spain!

Once we landed in Barcelona, we were all eager to go out and explore! We dumped our things off at the hotel and took to the streets, wandering to see what was around us. I still vividly remember this, as it was the first time we were truly independent on this trip. This was when I realized how much fun this trip would be, since our huge group of students began cutting up and having a great time, brimming with excitement. In our 7 days in Barcelona, some memorable places we visited were the CaixaForum, the Basilica Church of Santa Maria del Mar, the Picasso Museum, Palau de la Musica, and, of course, La Sagrada Familia. My favorite event was the first concert, since the concert hall was absolutely the most beautiful venue I have ever seen, and the piano concerto blew my mind. I cherish Barcelona as my favorite destination, because it was just the beginning of a huge adventure, and meeting my new friends while sharing experiences with them was so exciting.

Our one-night-stop in Zaragoza was the shortest of all our cities, but nonetheless, we had a good time, seeing a location most tourists typically would not visit. We toured the Aljaferia Palace the day we arrived, and left by the next morning, on our way to our next big city- Madrid!

Madrid was jam-packed with activities, destinations, and amazing food! We visited the Queen Sofia Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, and the Prado Museum. Seeing the art and witnessing first-hand what we learned in class was so interesting to me! My favorite of the 8 days we spent in Madrid was a day trip to El Escorial, which had one of the biggest and most beautiful monasteries I’ve ever seen! Additionally, at the time we were in Madrid, Real Madrid won the Champions League Final 2-0 over Dortmund! Watching the game within the city was an incredible experience, and made me feel very connected with the culture of Madrid, especially when everyone took to the streets, celebrating triumphantly in the middle of the night! We even went to the stadium the next day to see the trophy celebration, and I’ve never been in an environment so energetic and interconnected as that arena!

Our next adventure was in Granada where we would spend the next 6 days. Our time exploring was mainly at La Alhambra, which we went to on 3 different occasions since there is so much to discover at this historical site. The Alhambra is an incredible ancient fortress, containing the Generalife, Museo de Bellas Artes, and the Palace of Charles V! On top of these planned group tours, I went on a day-trip to hike with my friends, and spent a lot of time studying for our second round of midterms, which were on the last day in Granada.

Our last stop in Spain was Seville, which was where we watched an incredible opera, Nabucco. This was my first ever opera, and it was by far the best first experience I could ask for. The entire performance was so strange, interesting, and thought-provoking that I still reflect back to it, and wish I could relive it. We got front-row seats to a fantastic Flamenco dance, which once again taught me so much about Spanish culture. 

Our final destination, Lisbon, was a fantastic way to end the travel portion. Our last concert was, as usual, very entertaining, and contained my favorite piece ever, Ravel’s Bolero. We visited the magnificent Jeronimyte Monastery, ate mouth-watering Portuguese food (which I miss already), and visited an intriguing modern art museum, which actually changed my previously negative feelings about the art style to appreciate it more. 

The travel portion simply contained too many stories to tell in only one blog post, but I think if you were to take away one thing, it was this: every single day contained something new. New foods tried, new Spanish words learned, new locations visited, new art appreciated, new music analyzed, new memories made, you get the jist. We played pickup basketball with random kids in Barcelona. We played hide-and-seek in an ancient castle in Zaragoza. We celebrated with Real Madrid fans in the streets of Madrid like they were family. We stayed up late at night, cracking jokes and laughing instead of studying in Granada. We got scammed by Uber in Sevilla (don’t recommend, still made good memories from it though). We hiked along the westernmost edge of continental Europe in Portugal, and even one of us dropped our phone off a cliff! (wasn’t me).

The travel portion contained so many fun memories and stories to tell, but we were just halfway there by the time we landed in London. The next 6 weeks in Oxford would prove just as exciting! Meeting with the other two travel groups was great, with all of us telling others our individual stories of our adventures from all around Europe, and getting to know one another through classes and the great meals at the beautiful Mansfield College dining hall. Finally settling down into my own room felt amazing, and the accommodations in our dorms were so nice. We had the opportunity to travel on our 3-day weekends, and I ended up going to Athens, London, Paris and Dublin with my friends! 

Reflecting on the entirety of the Oxford Program, I still remember when I was hesitant to sign up. In fact, I procrastinated on making my decision until the very last day before the deadline closed, since I was unsure of how I would make friends or be able to handle a completely new environment like Europe. If I had any advice to give someone who was once in my position, I would say to be bold and courageous! Give it a try, and I promise you, you’ll never regret going on the trip. Above all the places we’ve been, the classes we’ve taken, and the activities we’ve done, by far the most influential thing to me has been the friends I’ve made on this trip. I feel extremely corny for saying that to be honest, but it’s still true. Also, just the experience of being somewhere else in the world is, in itself, life-changing. Being “globally engaged” doesn’t mean just knowing whats happening in the world around you. It means going out and actually living it, and experiencing first-hand what the world is like outside your little comfort bubble. That’s where real growth happens, and I can say that with confidence, because it happened to me.

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EuroSummer 2024

~by Ethan CordeiroReflecting on a summer filled with lifelong memories and incredible cultural exposure has been a fun exercise, and it reminds me of just how impactful my Oxford Program experience will be on my life and worldview going forward.

Immediately upon landing in Rome, Italy for the start of the travel portion, I felt immersed in a lifestyle with an entirely different pace from what I’m used to in the United States. At cafés, I saw businessmen casually paging through files with breathtaking Roman and Renaissance architecture behind them. I noticed how sacred the process of enjoying, not just eating, a meal is to the Italian people. And I discovered that wine does go with everything (if you pick the right one). 

While acclimating to the undoubtedly more relaxed Italian lifestyle, we took in some of the most beautiful Western art and architecture ever created. My visit to the Vatican revealed not only the dedication and skill of the artists that built the holy city, but the equally strong fervor of visiting worshippers from around the world. I was lucky enough to attend a mass said by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square, and it was unlike anything I’ve experienced. Watching thousands of people of all ages, ethnicities, and linguistic backgrounds pray and sing in unison was breathtaking. A highlight of Roman art for me was the Galleria Borghese, where we took in the work of the Borghese family’s most famous artistic clients, including Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova. The image below shows the ceiling of the first gallery, covered by a stunning fresco of The Apotheosis of Romulus by Rossi.

Our exploration of Italian Renaissance art ramped up in Florence, where we visited the Uffizi gallery, where we saw several famous works by the likes of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Titian. The city’s relatively small size and walkability made it easy for us to explore a blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture on foot as well.

Interspersed with our visits to museums and cultural sites, my friends and I took several day trips to explore Italy’s natural beauty. Below is a photo from our 4-mile hike at the Lake Como Greenway, where we took in the serene mountainous landscape, strolled through quaint villages, and even jumped into the glassy turquoise water.

The most impactful cultural experience I had with visual art on this trip was at the Venice Biennale, a cultural exhibition with pavilions exhibiting art from across the world. The theme of the Biennale was “Foreigners Everywhere,” and it was fascinating to see how different countries’ artists approached this theme. The German exhibit (pictured below) included multi-modal depictions of futuristic and apocalyptic scenes and was one of my favorite pavilions. The art confronted viewers with questions about humanity’s shared future – blurring national and political boundaries in the process. This take on the “Foreigners Everywhere” theme contrasted with the Dutch exhibit. The pavilion had sculptures created by the descendants of African slaves depicting the alienation and exploitation their ancestors faced. My time at the Biennale reinforced my perception of Venice as a center of culture, both for Europe and the world at large. The exhibit invited artists from all walks of life to portray what the concept of an “outsider” means to them and presented each of these interpretations as equal. I found this pluralistic approach to culture very moving.

Upon leaving Venice, our tour bus traversed the foothills of the Alps before arriving in Vienna, which was by far my favorite stop on our European tour. I felt as though each new street I turned onto housed some stunning building I couldn’t help but stop and stare at. The metro system was efficient, the locals were friendly, and the bratwurst was exquisite. What I’ll remember most from my visit, though, were our incredible musical experiences.

For our Composers and their Music class, we visited the Vienna State Opera for a performance of Richard Strauss’ Salome, which was eccentric (to say the least) but very technically impressive. The following night, my friends and I scored discounted tickets to Swan Lake, also at the opera house. The performance floored me. Hearing Tchaikovsky’s iconic music brought to life with spectacular dancing was a treat, and I was amazed at how completely I understood the story despite ballets having no dialogue. This performance represented the pinnacle of theatrical art, and my experience seeing it will forever stick with me. I gained an appreciation for how complex ballet is, since a performance involves dozens of skilled professionals—from dancers to choreographers to stagehands to musicians—working in concert to assemble the show. Below is an image of the curtain call for the two lead dancers; needless to say, the crowd was on its feet in rapturous applause for this moment!

Even after Swan Lake, I wasn’t done with incredible music in Vienna. The following night, I visited a jazz club where a band led by Dana Gillespie was performing. Gillespie was a prominent collaborator of many famous artists, (including Elton John, David Bowie, and Jimmy Page) while leading a successful solo career in folk pop and blues. After the show, Gillespie approached me after seeing my Georgia Tech t-shirt and explained that she played a gig at Tech in the 70s. This launched a conversation about her career, involvement with Bowie, and extensive connections to India (my family’s country of origin). This interaction was both unexpected and very interesting; I’ll swear by Vienna jazz bars for celebrity run-ins in the future! 

As the travel portion of our trip came to a close, my friends and I took a day trip from Antwerp to Brussels, where a highlight of my visit was a tour of the European Parliament. During the tour, we learned about the parliament’s function and its interactions with other organs of the European Union. As a geopolitics nerd, I was ecstatic to explore the physical home of European democracy. Though the inner workings of the EU are very complex, the information I learned on the tour taught me how this complexity balances power within the union and ensures that EU law meets every citizen’s needs. My favorite part of the tour was seeing the Parliament Hemicycle (pictured below), where representatives from all 27 member states meet to debate and vote on policy.

I continued to seek out new cultural experiences while in residence at Oxford, both by exploring the city and through weekend travels. Perhaps my favorite trip was to Barcelona, where I spent plenty of time with Antoni Gaudí’s architecture. His bio-inspired designs were unlike anything I’d seen before and brought immense character to the churches, homes, and parks I saw. Below is a picture of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família’s interior, where Gaudí combines traditional elements of Catholic church design—stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings—with elements showcasing his reverence for the natural world, particularly the use of columns that resemble tree trunks. Gaudí’s incredible attention to detail was evident in all his work; I was amazed at how his singular vision for the Sagrada Família was so clear that builders continued following it decades after his passing.

I am so grateful to have participated in the Oxford Study Abroad program this summer and would enthusiastically recommend the experience to HP students considering it. Applying my classroom-based learning by visiting some of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful cultural sites was in itself a treat. Beyond that, though, this trip has allowed me to forge some very close friendships that I know will last well after we return to Atlanta. I will admit, the constant traveling was somewhat mentally stressful (and the cobblestone streets physically stressful), but the cultural awareness and travel habits I developed were overwhelmingly worth it. EuroSummer 2024 will always hold a special place in my heart, and even after being here for 12 weeks, I can’t wait to come back!

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Learning Beyond Borders

~by Jacob Hayes

This summer, I had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Oxford Study Abroad. The program offered me a chance to not only immerse myself in the spectacular academic environment of Oxford but also to travel across Europe, exploring cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, Vienna, Leipzig, Antwerp, London, Budapest, Brussels, and Edinburgh. Each destination added a unique dimension to my learning experience, making this summer truly unforgettable. 

One of the most impactful experiences of my summer was studying the History of Art in Florence and Rome. These cities, known for their rich artistic heritage, served as open-air museums where every corner revealed a masterpiece.

In Florence, we visited museums that were focused on the Renaissance period. Visiting the Uffizi Gallery and seeing works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci in person was awe-inspiring. Standing in front of Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” I could appreciate the delicate brushwork and vibrant colors in a way that no textbook image could convey. Our professor taught us about the artistic techniques and historical contexts that made these works so revolutionary. This hands-on learning experience deepened my understanding of the Renaissance’s impact on Western art and culture.

Rome offered a different but equally enriching experience. The city’s blend of ancient and Renaissance art provided a comprehensive view of its artistic evolution. Visiting the Vatican Museums and marveling at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling was a highlight. The intricate details and sheer scale of the frescoes was spectacular to me. Additionally, exploring the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum took my breath away. To be able to see the spectacular engineering that went into building these megastructures 2000 years ago was impressive. These experiences taught me the importance of context in art history, showing how cultural, political, and social factors shape artistic expression.

From these experiences, I learned to appreciate the interconnectedness of art and history. Seeing the progression of artistic styles and techniques across different periods and regions underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage. This realization has inspired me to advocate for art conservation and to continue exploring the ways in which art reflects and influences society.

Another globally engaged experience that stood out was studying Music’s Composers in Vienna and Leipzig. As a music enthusiast, visiting these cities was a once in a lifetime experience. In Vienna, known as the “City of Music,” we delved into the lives and works of classical composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss.

Attending a concert at the Vienna Opera House, where we enjoyed performances of compositions by Strauss, was an unforgettable experience. The acoustics of the venue and the precision of the orchestra brought the music to life in a way that recordings never could. Our studies included visits to the homes and museums of these composers, where we learned about their personal lives, inspirations, and the historical contexts in which they composed their masterpieces. This immersive approach provided a deeper understanding of their contributions to classical music and their enduring legacy.

Leipzig, the city where Felix ​​Mendelssohn spent much of his life, offered a different but equally enriching experience. Visiting the Mendelssohn- Haus Museum gave me a profound appreciation for his work. We also explored the city’s rich musical heritage, which included connections to other composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Richard Wagner.

These musical experiences highlighted the power of music as a universal language that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. They taught me to appreciate the cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of great composers. This experience also emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and the role of the arts in fostering global understanding and connection.

The second half of the program at Oxford was equally enriching, albeit in a different way. The academic rigor combined with the freedom to explore my interests made the Oxford Study Abroad Program everything I had hoped for and more.

Studying the History of Medieval England provided a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period of history. We examined primary sources and I was able to visit historical sites like the Tower of London and Windsor Castle. These visits helped bring the material to life, providing a tangible connection to the events and figures we studied. Our discussions covered topics such as the Norman Conquest, the development of the English legal system, and the cultural changes of the medieval period. This course deepened my understanding of how historical events shape modern society.

One of the aspects I liked best about the Oxford Program was the sense of community among the participants. We came from diverse backgrounds and had varied interests, but our shared experiences in the program created strong bonds. Whether we were studying together, exploring the streets of Oxford, or traveling to different European cities, the camaraderie was always present. This support system made the experience even more enriching and enjoyable.

One piece of advice I would give to future Honors Program students considering the Oxford Study Abroad is to embrace every opportunity to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s engaging in challenging academic discussions, trying new foods, or exploring unfamiliar cities, these experiences will contribute to your personal and academic growth. The program offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and cultural immersion that is unlike anything else. Take full advantage of it, and you will come away with not only a deeper understanding of your field of study but also a greater appreciation for the world around you.

My summer with the Oxford Study Abroad Program was a journey of discovery and growth. Through globally engaged classroom discussions and cultural immersions in cities like Rome, Vienna, and Leipzig, I gained a deeper understanding of the world and my place in it. The overall experience was transformative, providing me with academic challenges, cultural insights, and lifelong friendships. I encourage any student considering the program to seize the opportunity and immerse themselves fully in this extraordinary adventure. The lessons learned and the memories made will stay with you for a lifetime, shaping your perspective and enriching your future endeavors.

Participating in the Oxford Study Abroad Program has equipped me with a global perspective and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. It has also strengthened my academic skills and inspired me to pursue further opportunities for international education and research. I am immensely grateful for this experience.

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Running Around Europe

~by Michael Rascher Hectic, stunning, exhausting, and endlessly rewarding. My summer at GT Oxford was marked by incredible experiences that I will treasure for a lifetime. The friends I made, the foods I ate, the places I traveled to, and the views I saw were all spectacular. Despite how draining some days became, I truly wouldn’t trade a single one for anything else in the world.

As a member of the Italy travel group, I started my adventures in Rome where I quickly became immersed in the unimaginable amount of history and culture that it has to offer. Our first event together was a tour of the Vatican that ended in the Sistine Chapel! Truly an awe-inspiring space that encouraged wonder at how Michelangelo was able to skillfully paint such a beautiful fresco on the ceiling of a building over 500 years ago. It was also satisfying to connect bits of trivia I had learned from the pre-departure courses to what I was actually seeing in front of my face. My favorite part was seeing several depictions of scenes from the Biblical book of Genesis, especially The Creation of Adam. I’m thankful that I had some background knowledge from these courses so that I could further appreciate what I was viewing in the Vatican, as well as each of the following museums I visited later on the trip.

One of the best features of traveling with GT Oxford was that I got a free day in almost every city to go wherever I wished. On my free day in Florence, I traveled with a group of my friends to Cinque Terre, a gorgeous collection of five colorful coastal Italian cities. We had a short train layover in Pisa for about 20 minutes, and I was eager to quickly visit the Tower of Pisa but my friends urged me that it was still a mile away from the station. Taking this as a challenge, I grabbed a buddy of mine, hopped off the train as soon as it stopped, sprinted to the Tower, snapped a few pictures, and made it back just in time for our next train! It was well worth the effort to see an iconic piece of Italian architecture.

On my next free day in Milan, I took another trip with my friends to Lake Como which was absolutely spectacular. We spent the day hiking around the lake and swimming in the surroundings of beautiful mountain scenery. I would definitely recommend this as a destination for anyone traveling abroad next summer. The architecture was amazing and the views even more so. I even caught a glimpse of the villa where they filmed the Naboo lake house scenes in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, a rewarding pilgrimage for my younger self.

In Vienna, my day trip took me into the Austrian Alps where I hiked in the Rax mountain range, another incredibly rewarding experience.

Now as a distance runner, it’s been a goal of mine for years to run a full marathon. To my amazement, there just so happened to be a festival hosting a race in Belgium on our free day. While the fast pace of travel leading up to our stay in Antwerp left me with only a handful of opportunities for long training runs, I was still determined to compete and finish. So, I took a train with a couple buddies to the small town of Torhout and was immediately shocked at how many people had gathered there in the middle of nowhere to celebrate the Night of Flanders. The town was absolutely bustling and the environment was electric. After embracing the Flemish traditions and enjoying the festivities for a short while, the race began and I was off! Although it became incredibly difficult near the end, I successfully crossed the finish line (in excruciating pain) and completed my very first marathon as my friends cheered me on. Our spur-of-the-moment adventure resulted in one of my most memorable experiences of the entire trip.

Then, after arriving in Mansfield College and settling into my new home for the next six weeks, I was greeted by resident expert tour guide David Gunnell for an HP-exclusive walking tour of Oxford. He was so entertaining and contained a remarkable depth of knowledge surrounding the history of the city with corresponding literature and movie references. The tour was an enjoyable and informative blur that left me filled with wonder at the immense amount of culture contained in and produced by Oxford over the centuries. I developed a further appreciation for the city’s scholarly works in the classroom while learning from my professor in HTS 3032, Modern European Intellectual History. After reading a variety of influential letters and publishings, I can understand how important Oxford – and England as a whole – was in the development of progressive and forward-thinking ideologies. Together, these experiences opened my eyes to a thoughtful, academic world beneath the lovely facades of Oxford architecture.

One of my most memorable experiences in Oxford was visiting other colleges on Open Days, another opportunity I’d highly recommend. As I walked around the city with a friend, we got to tour the Bodleian’s Duke Humfrey’s Library and Christ Church’s dining hall – both incredibly famous Harry Potter filming locations – for free.

Weekends during GT Oxford were another huge highlight of the program. On the first weekend, I took a train to London with a group of friends and we met up with some more friends from the GT Europe program. It was incredible to see so many important landmarks and buildings in such a condensed area. I enjoyed it so much that I’m even going back to London on my last weekend to experience more.

The following week, I traveled to Dublin and Galway City in Ireland to do some hikes and visit the Guinness Storehouse.

Perhaps my favorite weekend was a vacation trip to the Spanish island of Mallorca with a small group of friends. We toured a family-owned orchard and I got to taste the best orange I’ve ever had in my entire life. After spending plenty of time on the beach, we finished the day with some paella. The next day, we had tapas for lunch and then went snorkeling and saw an incredible variety of sea life! The island was beautiful, and even the view out of our Airbnb window was stunning.

Another phenomenal weekend trip took me to Switzerland where I got to hike in the beauty of the Swiss Alps and swim in crystal-clear water. One surprising thing I got to do while staying in Basel was float down the Rhine River directly through the city center. The water was clean enough and the weather was warm enough that there were literally hundreds and hundreds of people gathered for a swim.

Joining study abroad with GT Oxford was one of the best decisions of my entire life and I am so grateful to have made so many new friends and new memories from all of the amazing experiences we shared together.

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My Summer Away from Home

~by Malachi Joseph

During my first year at Georgia Tech, I really wanted to get some of advice as to how to make my college experience as enjoyable as possible. When I asked my upperclassmen and some alumni about this, almost all of them said that the number one thing that they regret not being able to do in college was study abroad. With that in mind, I made the decision that I was not going to make that same mistake, and I ended up having one of the best summers of my life.

Out of all of the museums, churches, castles, and other architectural works that I have seen while traveling abroad, none of them come close to the Chartres Notre Dame Cathedral in terms of mesmerizing me. There could be some bias here, though, because this was the very first church I got to visit since being in Europe, but I still regard it as the best. I have yet to see anything as impressive as Chartres, and I do not think I ever will, so I feel more than obligated to speak on it. Looking at the outside the first time was really coo, especially because I am a Christian myself, so I was able to understand most of the references. For example, there were depictions of the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), Old Testament Kings and Queens, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders spoken about in Revelation, the Virgin Mary, and, of course, Christ. The moment that really took my breath away, though, was when I walked inside. The architect of Chartres Cathedral (unknown) wanted to recreate the Holy City New Jerusalem, and they sure did a great job. It genuinely felt like I was transported into another dimension. I was speechless. The stained-glass windows were so colorful and beautiful. There was an array of stone images depicting the full life of Christ that I found so fascinating. There was an amazing sculpture on the altar behind a golden crucifix that looks as if only the great Michelangelo would be able to create. It was quite the experience, to say the least. What was also great about Chartres is that it gave me a great understanding of what Gothic architecture is supposed to look at, which was a big topic in our Art History class. Features such as Gothic arches, flying buttresses, bifurcated windows, and spires can all be seen on the cathedral. I do not think those details would have been imprinted into my mind as much if I had not gotten to see such a grand example.

During the travel portion, my favorite city that we got to visit has to be Venice, Italy. Venice is a city like no other, which I got to learn very quickly. To get to the city in the first place, we all had to take a ferry, including the bus. When I got to the top of the ship and looked out, I saw, not cars, but countless boats, big and small, taking people where they need to be. Already it felt like I was going to see some things that would never be found in America, which got me excited. Once we touched land, we got to go into the main part of the city the next day. It was extremely crowded, but I was not even upset at that because of how amazing it was. Possibly the most notable structure in Venice would be Saint Mark’s Basilica. I did not get the chance to see the inside, however the exterior was so grand, it was hard to not look at it. Something that is special about Venice is how tight the roads can get. Since there are little to no cars, essentially all of the roads are for pedestrians, which means they can get away with making pathways that go through two super close buildings. Let’s just say I got real up close and personal with a lot of people because of it. It is also ridiculously easy to get lost in Venice. On one occasion, my group had a lot of time to ourselves before we had to go to our next location for class, so me and my group of friends decided that we were going to try to purposefully get lost and see what happens. I kid you not, it took maybe two minutes for us to achieve that goal, and we did not know where we were for a long while. Although it sounds scary, I highly recommend it. It was so fun to just walk around without any plans or references and just take in the city. What I took away from not only Venice, but each European city I got to visit is that you really have to adapt to the culture and customs of other countries if you want to be a traveler. When it comes to public transportation, you cannot expect the boat system to function the same way Uber or the Marta would back home. Sometimes Google Maps is not going to be as accurate as it is back home. You will not be able to get food at any hour of the day like you would back home. These things were a bit difficult to conform to as an American, but I was grateful for it in the end, because now I know what I should expect when traveling in the future: nothing that I am used to.

I chose to do the Oxford Summer Program because I knew that I would have the opportunity to see so much of the world and experience an abundance of different kinds of people, languages, art, food, and cultures in general. If anyone is interested in doing this program, I would say that it is absolutely worth it. It is a privilege that I got to be able to see so many countries at such an early stage of my life, especially since I had peers my age to enjoy it with. I can also come back home with all the unique stories and knowledge that I accumulated and share it with my friends and family. Although it was just a taste, it is one that will forever be engraved in my memory.

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Whimsical Adventures

~by Arya Tadepalli

Deciding to apply for the Oxford Summer Study Abroad program might be one of the best decisions I have made in college. Not only did I learn a lot about the world and was able to embrace different cultures, I also learned a lot about myself along the way as cheesy as that sounds.

I was part of Group 2 (the best group) and our itinerary was as follows: we took a flight from Atlanta to Amsterdam, Netherlands and then another flight to land in our first city Berlin, Germany. From Berlin we bussed to Leipzig, Germany stopping at Wittenberg on the way for lunch. After Leipzig we bussed to Prague, Czech Republic and stopped at Dresden, Germany for lunch. After Prague we went to Vienna, Austria stopping at Brno, Czech Republic on the way. From Vienna we stopped at a cute cabin hotel in the Alps for lunch before going to Lido right outside of Venice, Italy. From Venice we went to Rome, Italy with a quick stop at an Autogrill.

Side note: I am a huuuuuuuuge dog person and every time I saw a dog on this trip I would always squeal and point and say “DOG!” much to the embarrassment of anyone around me. At this Autogrill stop, which is basically what truck stops are called in Italy, I saw this beautiful German Shepherd. I had seen many dogs on the trip, but even with my two years of learning German in school I was not comfortable enough to go up to the dog owner to ask to pet their dog. However, something came over me when I saw this German Shepherd and people speak a lot more english in Italy so I just went up to the owner right before getting on the bus and asked to pet their dog. When they said yes I just started the usual small talk asking what their dog’s name is and how old they are etc. The owner said their dog’s name was Arya!! I then asked the owner how they spelled that name and they said, “A. R. Gamma. A.” I got so excited I said, “Wait! That is my name!” and I even pulled out my drivers license and pointed to my name to show the exact same spelling. Apparently in Italy, they do not have the letter Y so we got over the language barrier by gesturing the letters. Here is a picture of Arya squared.

Going back to the itinerary, when we were in Rome we went to the Vatican City for a day. Then, after Rome, we stopped at Montepulciano in Tuscany for lunch before continuing to Florence, Italy. Florence was the longest city of the travel portion for us and our schedule made it so that we had a half day for independent activities where a majority of us visiting the leaning tower of Pisa and an entire day for independent activities where many of us went to Monterosso in Cinque Terre for the day. From Florence we spent a night in Chamonix, France before leaving for Paris, France the next day. Paris was our last city of the travel portion so we ferried to Oxford, UK after.

I was not sure if I would enjoy the travel portion classes as much because I am more of an outdoorsy person instead of a gallery person, but I now realize those two are not mutually exclusive. I had such a great time learning about the art pieces and artists and then going to the gallery the very same day and seeing the original works of art in person. We went to a variety of famous galleries all over Europe from the Louvre in Paris to the Uffizi and Accademia Galleries in Florence to the Gemaldegalerie in Germany, they were all such cool experiences. The music class was just as fun because we would learn about different aspects of music and then go to a concert in a few cities. There were a variety of concerts that we went to. Our first concert was in Berlin where we saw the Berliner Philharmoniker perform the Turangalila Symphony which is a modern piece. Our second concert was at the National Theatre in Prague where we watched the Czech National Ballet and the National Theatre Orchestra present a spectacular performance of the “Onegin” Ballet which is a more Romantic piece. Our third concert was at the Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna where we watched the Schloss Schönbrunn Orchestra play Mozart, Haydn, J. Strauss, O. Strauss, and Lehár pieces which are more part of the Classical time period. The fourth concert was in the San Vidal Church in Venice, Italy where the Venetian Interpreters played Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons as well as Vivalid’s violin concerto and cello concerto. The last concert was in the Sunset underground part of the Sunset/Sunside Club in Paris, France where Larry Crockett and the Funky Cherokees performed jazz. Each gallery and concert made me appreciate the arts so much more and the talent and dedication that goes into every brush stroke or bow movement.

This trip also opened my eyes to how oblivious American tourists are, especially on public transportation. We are generally the biggest and loudest group, pretty clumsy especially the first day we are in the city, tend to hold people up the most when getting on or off buses and trains, and do not stay to the right side of the escalator to let people pass on the left. But we learned from our mistakes and tried to amend them later on in the travel portion. I mostly learned that I like traveling in smaller groups though. One of my friends and I had a plan to watch the sunrise in every city we traveled to and those were genuinely some of my favorite memories from the trip because it would usually just be the two of us planning where to watch the sunrise and traveling public transportation to get there and enjoy the views. This started during the very first city in Berlin when we ran from our hotel to the Brandenburg Gate for some pretty views.

Leipzig was the only city that we missed. In Prague we watched the sunrise from the Charles bridge. In Vienna we started near the Prater amusement park and walked around the city watching the sun rise. In Venice we watched the sunrise from the beach our hotel was right next to. In Florence we watched the sunrise from a park near our hotel. In Chamonix we hiked at 3AM up the French Alps near Mont Blanc doing a bunch of switchbacks below the Ski Lift that was shut off for the night.

In Paris my sunrise buddy fell asleep on me, but I was determined to maintain the streak especially since Paris was our last city of the travel portion so I mustered up the courage to travel Paris public transportation on my own at 5AM and I went to the Trocadero Square. This was a huge milestone for me because I had never traveled on my own before other than a few city exploration walks in well lit populated places and this experience was a culmination of all the tricks I had learned during traveling and Paris is notorious for pickpocketing so I had to be aware of my surroundings at all times.

I was able to apply everything I learned to my weekend trips I took during the Oxford portion. The first weekend we were told to stay in Oxford so I explored the town. The second weekend I went to Dublin. The third weekend I went to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Brugge. The fourth weekend I went to Wales and London, and the fifth weekend I went to Edinburgh. My favorite place during the Oxford portion was actually a 30 minute walk from Mansfield college and is called Port Meadow. I made it a point to go there every Sunday right after dinner to see the wild horses and cows and enjoy the sunset. It was such a magical place for me especially when the horses would come up to you to be petted because it made me feel like the chosen one.

All in all, the Oxford Study Abroad experience taught me a lot about being a considerate and respectful traveler and gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in the surrounding culture. It also gave me more confidence as a solo traveler and confidence in my ability to handle myself in general under various different circumstances.

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The Journey of a Lifetime

~by Riley Fecker

Two overarching goals govern my life: the first is to learn as much about the world as I can; the second is to travel that world. I chose the Oxford Study Abroad program because I believed it would allow me to work towards both of these goals at once. This program has been a dream come true, and I can wholeheartedly say that it has allowed me to start on my journey of fulfilling these goals.

Our first stop was Paris, and to be completely honest, I had little hope for the city, thinking it a mere tourist attraction, and ranking it very low on my list of cities I wanted to see. It was Paris however, that completely blew my mind and took my breath away, single-handedly making me realize the beauty that the world, and its people could exhibit if they only tried. It was Paris, where I walked by the bank of the River Seine at night and took in the friends, families, and acquaintances, sharing a bottle of wine, or a cigarette beside the river, faces brightly lit with interest and laughter at whatever conversation was had. Not a single phone could be seen. These were simply people, reveling in the moment at hand.

It was Paris, where we climbed to the top of the only hill in Paris, Montemarte, to watch the sunset. There were hundreds of people around us, enjoying the end of their day, talking and laughing. What seemed to be a couple, danced a jig behind a bush just uphill of us, and a street performer juggled a soccer ball between his feet, arms, and head, to the delight of the children below him. A biker gang rode past, to the cheers of all the people around us. Locks (declaring love) littered the fences around us. I remember thinking, this is what it feels like to study abroad. Those moments when you feel like the people around you, and yourself are sharing a moment of significance.

It was that same hill, that we crested to reach Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Entering this church was a truly ethereal experience, you pass from the loud, bustling of a happy crowd outside, to complete and reverent silence. As I walked through the church, I realized something. The reverent respect in this church was not in accordance with any rule, any thought that you were supposed to be quiet and respectful. It was there because people wanted it to be, they chose within themselves to respect what was around them.

There is something beautiful about the culture of France, and the stark contrast I saw in it from the United States. Here, people stopped to chat with each other on the street, every person we met loved their jobs, and children walked to school through the city alone. It was truly a beautiful experience, which showed me a number of things I thought I would never see. The first, was the realization that even in a digital age, we are not all attached to our devices, we can enjoy each other’s company in real-time. The second was that respect, kindness, and enthusiasm for other people, is a concept not so few and far between among the general population, as it may sometimes seem in the United States

Throughout our journey, we encountered more of this culture, and more moments of absolute, ethereal beauty. From the snow capped mountains, rivers, lakes, and pine trees, of Chamonix, to the crowded, narrow streets of Venice, we experienced a mix of landscapes and culture that only the luckiest people get to experience. In Venice, we actually stayed on the island of Lido, adjacent to the main island. One morning, we ventured out to a fruit stand to buy strawberries. However, we couldn’t quite come up with the cash between us. The vendor assured us that it was fine, and we could take them today, and pay him tomorrow. This culture of trust is very prevalent across Europe, and many times we were upheld to a trust system to pay the amount. This was very different to us then in the US. This program abroad has quite literally, restored my faith in humanity.

By far the most beautiful place on our trip was Cinque Terra. The whole group went on a free day the faculty gave to us, and I was able to hike across the cliffs to two different cities. The trails were absolutely gorgeous, and the views out on the towns were unreal. We also passed a few locals going about their days, trying to get from town to town. There were houses hidden up in the hillside beyond gates, and acres of gardens terraced along the slope. At one point, towards the end of the day, we passed an older man handing out free watermelon at the top of a particularly steep slope. Exhausted, and winded, we were incredibly grateful. We surmised that it was the end of the day, and he would have no other choice than to throw them out, however, there was still the thought of giving it to others. A continued exhibition of a culture of kindness and anti-wastefulness.

Munich was another interesting city, not for its beauty, but for the things we got to do there. Germany has a large culture around beer gardens, so we went to one. The sight after dusk is insane. What seems like thousands of people gather at picnic tables to enjoy a (very large) beer with their friends and family. As we walked through, we saw business suits, teenagers, college kids; we were pressed to find seats in the very large expanse of picnic tables.

In Prague, we stumbled upon a peacock garden. As someone who has only ever caught a glimpse of one at a zoo, the opportunity to get up close enough to take a selfie with them blew my mind. We were also lucky enough to witness their mating rituals.

Something I will never forget, and a height of global engagement was seeing the Don Giovanni opera, by Mozart, in Prague. I have never had any interest in going to an opera, and I thought I would struggle to even sit through the whole thing. In stark contrast, I was riveted on my feet for the whole performance, straining my neck to get a better view, completely absorbed in the moment of mental, emotional, and physical engagement. This experience gave me a much more advanced respect for the arts than I had previously had (as the whole program did), and persuaded me to continue to see performances like this back in the states.

Of course, I can’t forget Oxford, an amazing experience at the end of an amazing journey. From punting on the River Cherwell with friends, to walking down Cornmarket street in search of a bite to eat, to a walk in the quiet serenity of Christ Church Meadow and surrounding area, Oxford quite literally had something for everyone. I will never forget the spontaneous trips to London, the Hozier concert in Birmingham (with seats you could never dream of in the US), and driving through the Cotswolds and Bath with my parents.

A highlight of my experience in Oxford, was the opportunity to obtain a Bodleian card, which gave me access to all of the libraries across campus. To walk into the vast expanse of libraries, and browse the shelves, is a realization in how little we as people know, or even know that we can know. This was an eye-opening experience for me, and has both renewed my thirst for knowledge, and made me realize how catastrophic an entirely digitalized library is to our creativity and curiosity.

Overall, the Oxford Summer Program 2023 is an experience that I will never forget, and forever be grateful for. I have no regrets, and can only hope that the program will continue well into the future, offering students the opportunity to experience the culture and beauty that I have experienced.

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Ramblings in Oxford

~by Christopher Kirschner

When we were in Prague, I got to visit Prague Castle. The castle’s history dates back to 880 A.D. when Prince Bořivoj founded the fortified settlement of Prague, which later developed into the Prague Castle complex. In the following centuries, the castle became the seat of power for many Czech rulers. During the 14th century, under the rule of Charles IV, Prague Castle experienced a period of significant expansion and renovation. The construction of the Gothic masterpiece, St. Vitus Cathedral, was initiated during this time and continued for several centuries.

One particular highlight for me was St. Vitus Cathedral. The Gothic architecture was breathtaking, and the beautiful stained-glass windows were unlike anything I had ever seen at the time. When I went inside, I was shocked by how vast the interior was. Something about the exterior made the cathedral look smaller than it was when you stepped inside.

Walking through the Golden Lane was also a treat. The tiny houses with their colorful facades and unique histories brought a sense of charm and nostalgia. I could imagine the bustling life that once filled these small homes, and it felt like I was stepping back in time. When I went inside the little houses and shops, my perspective of what life was like then changed drastically. Not only were the small sizes of the rooms a shock but seeing the primitive tools they had made the difficulty of their life obvious.

However, amidst all the splendor, there were a few aspects that left me slightly disappointed. The crowds at Prague Castle were overwhelming. It was challenging to fully immerse myself in the experience with the constant jostling and the struggle to find quiet spaces to take everything in. Additionally, some areas of the castle felt overly commercialized. The numerous souvenir shops and cafes, while convenient, took away from the authenticity and historical ambiance that I had hoped to find. I longed for a more serene and less crowded atmosphere that would allow me to appreciate the castle’s beauty in a more intimate way.

Visiting Prague Castle is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only was it groundbreaking in its architectural styling but the historical events that took place in the castle single-handedly changed the course of history in Europe. As I walked through the halls, I felt like I was now a part of the history of the castle. Visiting Prague Castle is an experience I will not forget.

The roots of Oxford Castle can be traced back to the 11th century when it was built by Norman baron Robert D'Oyly. The castle served as a strategic stronghold and played a vital role in protecting the city of Oxford. Over time, the castle underwent numerous modifications, with significant additions made during the 14th century. The castle’s striking St. George’s Tower, built during this period, stands tall as a testament to its medieval splendor.

Oxford Castle, with its motte-and-bailey design, consisted of a large earth topped with a wooden fortification and a bailey, an enclosed courtyard where domestic buildings and other structures were located. The castle’s elevated position provided a vantage point for surveillance and defense, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area and acting as a deterrent against potential enemies. St. Geroge’s Tower significantly added to these capabilities upon its addition in the 14th century.

In the 18th century, Oxford Castle underwent a transformation, shifting from a symbol of power to a place of punishment. It was converted into a prison, gaining notoriety as one of the harshest penal institutions in the country. The prison’s imposing walls confined both common criminals and political prisoners, creating a stark contra st between the beauty of Oxford and the suffering endured within its walls.

I was shocked at the castle’s ability to preserve and present its history. The guided tours and exhibitions at Oxford Castle provide a fascinating insight into the lives of prisoners, shedding light on the harsh conditions they endured. Exploring the cramped cells and hearing the stories of former inmates evoke a sense of empathy, reminding us of the importance of justice and human rights.

One cannot discuss Oxford Castle and Prison without acknowledging the harsh realities of its history. The treatment of prisoners and the conditions they endured were undoubtedly brutal. While this is an essential aspect to understand the prison’s historical context, I found it to be very unsettling at times.

Oxford Castle and Prison stands as a captivating historical site, encapsulating centuries of transformation. It is both beautiful and an engineering marvel. Getting the chance to not only visit the castle but to spend my summer next door to it has brought its history to life. With that being said, I cannot ignore the pain and suffering that is so clear. Like with so much of history, I struggle to wrestle with the moral duality that is embedded in the history of Oxford Castle and Prison.

I came into the Oxford program with certain expectations. I thought I was going to spend two and a half months in a magical trance as I saw some of the most beautiful sights the world has to offer. I thought I would become best friends with everyone and that these two and a half months would be the greatest of my life. However, my experience was not as simple as that.

Spending 2 months going to some of the most touristy cities on the planet is not easy. We had to quickly learn to adapt to complicated and sometimes unreliable transportation methods. We had to navigate busy and winding streets as our phones died and credit cards spontaneously stop working. We had to cross vast areas of cities to get to class on time. It felt like at least half of every day was just me and my friends getting to the right location at the right time. At the start, I found this very disappointing. I thought that I was wasting my time and missing out on other things. However, I realize now how valuable those inconveniences were.

Not only did I learn how to successfully navigate a city, but I got to see a side of these cities that you can’t learn standing in the Colosseum, next to the Eiffel Tower, or on a Gondola in Venice. I learned what it is like to live in these massive cities. That is knowledge you can’t get from a picture. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard. There were moments on this trip that were genuinely some of the hardest moments of my life, but those moments of difficulty really made the highlights that much more special. I saw breathtaking views and magnificent buildings. I climbed tall peaks and tunneled underground.

Despite all this, the most important lesson I learned is that there really is no place like home. I have truly loved my experience, but I am glad that it is temporary. I have missed my family and friends back home and some of the comforts we get to experience as Americans. Even simple things like free water at restaurants can be rare on this side of the world. I am very grateful for this opportunity and I would strongly encourage anyone interested to step out of their comfort zone and learn that not all who ramble are lost.

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Ramblin' around Europe

~by Jaiden Miller

Studying abroad has always been a life-goal of mine. Being able to travel the world and see historical and cultural marvels while pursuing my degree is an experience that I constantly looked forward to, leading me to select the Oxford program because it allowed me to travel and study in a wide variety of locations. I am so thankful that I made that decision, since the Oxford program has pushed me out of my comfort zone and reformed me into a more well-rounded person, one who not only pursues scientific passions but also has an appreciation for art, music, and culture.

Starting off the trip in Paris, I looked forward to going to the Louvre, the world-famous museum that houses the Mona Lisa! I couldn’t stop thinking about it on the way over, especially since my family was so excited that I would be able to see the famous painting. However, once I started learning about the other paintings in Art History, I realized how fascinating the other paintings are. My favorite painting was Raft of the Medusa by Theodore Gericault, a Romantic piece about a tragic story of sailors lost at sea for 13 days. Learning about the vast history of the Romantic movement and how this piece rebelled against the previous standards set by the Neo-classical era made me realize how truly interesting this random piece is, which many people pass by immediately to see the Mona Lisa.

A similar experience occurred in the Accademia Gallery in Florence. The entire trip was building up to this one experience. I was constantly hearing about Michelangelo, and how artists for hundreds of years have been responding to his pieces, throughout the trip, and Dr. Kemling’s growing excitement as we neared Florence only heightened our own. Rounding the corner and seeing David drew an enormous smile on my face. I was ecstatic to see this sculpture, bringing out emotions that I would have never had if I had simply seen the sculpture as a tourist without taking this class. These experiences, and all of Dr. Kemling’s other lectures and tours, truly changed the way that I approach museums. I realize how learning about the paintings/artifacts/sculptures/etc. inside a museum before you see it, highlights the experience, turning paintings that you might just pass by and forget immediately into ones that you will remember for the rest of your life.  

One of my favorite experiences during the trip was the concert we saw at the Vienna Concert-house, where the University of Vienna performed Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. Taking the tram to the concert-house, I was dreading the night, since I knew that I was going to have to write another essay about music that I hardly understood. Despite this, when I took my seat and the performers began, I was blown away by the music and singing. The passion of the performers and the beauty of the music came together to form a truly breathtaking experience, a delicious feast for my ears. While I never had much of an interest in classical music before, only listening to Mozart while cramming for finals because I read somewhere that it makes you smarter or something, the concert in Vienna sparked a real interest in and appreciation for classical music in me. I have already bought tickets to go see the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra this coming fall, and I hope to see more concerts in the future.

Dr. Kemling, my art professor during the travel portion, had a simple rule: if he caught you eating American fast food, he would take 5% off your final grade. This threat scared many of us away from eating from any of the prevalent chains that could be found across Europe, and while I grumbled about it at the time, I am so thankful that he pushed us out of our comfort zone. With the busy, chaotic running around the city from museum to museum, it would have been so easy to just go to the old reliable McDonalds or Burger King that I knew, but I was forced to look for other places to eat, pushing me towards finding local cuisine that I loved. Some of my favorite meals during the trip came from running around and finding some random local restaurant/stand to eat at. By pushing me towards new experiences, Dr. Kemling gave me the opportunity to experience the local cuisine of the cities we visited, even though I was out of my comfort zone, forcing me to grow as a person and become more comfortable in new situations.

One of my favorite aspects of the Oxford portion of the trip was the Bodleian Libraries. Spanning 30 libraries across Oxford and existing since the 17th century, the Bodleian libraries quickly became my favorite places across campus, especially during the week leading up to finals, where I used them constantly to study and focus. I almost felt like I was in the Harry Potter universe, a young wizard studying for his magic finals! Not only were they perfect for what I needed them for, as a place to study, but also, they were fascinating to see. Thousands of books lined the maze of walls, and I could have spent hours going up and down the shelves to read all the different titles. Studying in these libraries alongside other students made me truly realize that I was studying in Oxford, and the absurdity that I am living in one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. I would recommend the Bodleian libraries to anyone visiting Oxford, and only wish I gave myself more time to explore the many other libraries that I never even got to see.  

Travelling around Europe with the Oxford Program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Learning about art and music history while visiting the cities where that history takes place gave me a newfound fascination with the arts. Visiting each of these cities in rapid succession also gave me plenty of experiences with a large variety of different cultures, many vastly different than my own, giving me a greater perspective on the world and the people that inhabit it, even if those people are thousands of miles away. This trip has truly changed me, turning me into a more well-rounded, thoughtful, and outgoing person with newfound passions and interest, or as Dr. Kemling put it “turned us from tourists into travelers”.

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10 Countries in 12 Weeks

~by Kathryn Forsyth

As I am going into my 4th year this fall, many of my close friends have already studied abroad, so I knew it would be a valuable experience. Even though I did not come into the Oxford Program knowing many people, I did not want to let that uncertainty keep me from this once in a lifetime experience. So, I took the leap and traveled Europe with a brand-new group of people, and I will be forever thankful that I did. 

One thing I cherished about the Oxford program was the ability to learn about some of the greatest artists in history one day, then see their creations in person the next. One instance of this that will always stick with me was visiting Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny, France. Monet coined the term “impressionism” in 1872 with his work “Impression, Sunrise,” starting an artistic movement characterized by landscapes, visible brush strokes, natural light’s effect on colors, and a fascination with capturing moments. In 1883, Monet moved to Giverny and created an expansive, beautiful garden around his home that still flourishes today. We were able to see firsthand the exact views and nature that inspired some of Monet’s most famous landscapes. Seeing where he lived made me understand how artists describe being stricken with inspiration. To be in this garden is to be moved by natural beauty. I have found that I do not envy Monet’s notoriety nor fame in the art community, but his day-to-day lifestyle. Being here made me realize that my end goal is to live somewhere serene and picturesque, and to make things that bring a smile to my face, just as he did.

This summer has also taught me that some of the best experiences in your life can be unexpected and unplanned. As I mentioned before, I came into this program knowing almost no one. I had assumed I would make acquaintances over the course of the summer, but not necessarily strong friendships. Oh boy was I mistaken because during the travel portion, I was lucky enough to meet my friend Sarah. She is going into her 2nd year this fall, so I am confident that if not for this summer, we would have never crossed paths at all. I could go on and on about what a lovely person Sarah is, but I will sum it up by saying she is confident, funny, and looks out for the people she loves. Sarah had plans to go meet up with her family in Dublin, Ireland and asked me to join them. On our first day there, we took a hike at the Howth Cliff Walk with her family. Sarah, her mom, and I got separated from the others and accidentally started on the purple route, which was evidently far longer than our intended hike. Sarah and I were not in athletic shoes, and we were hiking in what felt like a muddy jungle. Our hike ended up being a whopping five miles and we had to take a bus and a taxi to get back to Howth at the end. Despite the unexpected challenge this presented, it made our experience so much better. We were able to see breathtaking views from all around the island and even some roaming goats. Even though it was not something I had initially planned on, this was one of my favorite experiences from my summer abroad.

By far my favorite art exhibit we visited during the travel portion was at the Upper Belvedere in Vienna, Austria. This was none other than Franz Xaver Messerschmidt’s series of over sixy portrait busts titled “Character Heads.” Messerschmidt explored the range of human emotions and states in this unique body of work.  At first, they seem similar to the traditional realistic sculptures of the time. However, some of the faces are overtly altered and distorted to the point of the grotesque. These were psychological studies aimed to capture the range of human emotions, from extreme joy and ecstasy to pain, fear, and despair. However, the most striking aspect of these sculptures are the exaggerated facial expressions. Messerschmidt portrayed his subjects with grimaces and contorted features, which made them appear eerie and almost otherworldly. Messerschmidt’s legacy is unmatched as these sculptures are considered ahead of their time and have been interpreted as early explorations of psychological states in art. My takeaway from his work is that human emotions are complex and sometimes hard to understand. I see the contourted expressions as representing the emotions we find hard to describe to others, that take on a deep feeling but no name. His work serves to acknowledge the confusion that comes along with being a person moving through life and having experiences that affect you emotionally. When I look at his sculptures, I am being told “it is okay to not know what this feeling is, just feel it anyway.”

The main aspect that drew me to the Oxford program in the first place was the structure. I enjoyed the fact that the planning for lodging, transportation, and museum visits for the travel portion were taken care of up front. I also appreciate that the destinations for the groups were rigid and predetermined, because it forced me to visit cities I would not have on my own. The travel portion also gives Georgia Tech students the unique opportunity to broaden their educational horizons by studying the arts. I consider myself to be a creative person and these classes allowed me to lean into those aspects of my personality. The residential portion in Oxford also comes at a perfect time in the summer. Just as you are getting worn out from the constant traveling, you are met with the luxury of rest at one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world. The residential portion also allows you to fall back into routine, which was something I had missed during the travel portion. I can say with confidence that this will be a summer I remember for the rest of my life, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to have experienced it.

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The Summer of a Lifetime

~ by Kasey Lowe

This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in the Oxford Program. As someone who hasn’t spent much time abroad, I was incredibly excited to spend my entire summer traveling around Europe, and the Oxford Program absolutely lived up to my expectations.

One of my favorite experiences of the trip was when we had a day in Florence with no classes or activities and decided to take a day trip to Cinque Terre. Our Italian music professor told us about a town on the coast called Monterosso, so about thirty people from my group spent the day there. Monterosso was beautiful, and chilling at the beach was a very relaxing break. Since Monterosso is a pretty touristy place, there were a lot of other visitors from many different places, as well as some locals. It was really cool to see and meet so many different people, and I even went cliff-jumping with a girl from Germany! Because so many people from my group were there, I also think this day trip brought a lot of us closer together. Overall, our visit to Monterosso was a great way to spend a day off.

The sea near Monterosso

Another great experience was La Fête de la Musique, a celebration that takes place every year in Paris on June 21st. On this night, street musicians and DJs line every street corner, and crowds of people stop to listen to them perform. The only rule for musicians is that their performances must be free, which makes it a great way to experience a variety of music and get a taste of Parisian culture for free. On the evening of June 21st, our group finished our delicious welcome dinner and then took to the streets to take part in the festivities. All of the performances we saw were great, but my favorite part of La Fête de la Musique was probably when we found a small history museum that had been converted to a little club for the night. The old, ornate architecture and statues combined with strobe lights and thumping house music created a really cool combination of both historic and modern Parisian culture. Wandering the streets after dark and listening to all the different performers was definitely one of the most memorable parts of the trip and something I can’t imagine experiencing anywhere else, so I consider myself very lucky that my group’s schedule lined up with this event.

The Fete de Music

Also in Paris was my favorite museum of the trip, the Louvre. I wasn’t much of an art person before this trip, but the structure of the art class made it much more interesting than I expected. Getting to see the artworks we studied in person made me much more excited to learn about them, and knowing something about the art we saw in museums made seeing it in person a much more meaningful experience. I knew the Louvre was one of the best museums, but nothing really prepared me to actually experience it. It was massive, and it felt like there was a famous painting around every corner. It was really cool to see so many of the works and artists we discussed in class, but I also really liked wandering around and finding cool art I’d never heard of before. The building itself was also really impressive. The Louvre is way too big to cover everything in a reasonable amount of time, but I still got to see a lot of different art. They had one of my favorite paintings we learned about in class, Jacques Louis David’s Oath of the Horatii, and an Easter Island head. Of course, I also had to check out the Mona Lisa while we were there. To be completely honest, I thought she was kind of underwhelming, but the rest of the museum more than made up for it. Getting to see so many well-known and influential works in person while studying them in class has definitely increased my understanding of and appreciation of art.

The Easter Island head at the Louvre

I also did some traveling on the three-day weekends during the Oxford portion of the trip. These trips were definitely very different from the travel portion because we had to plan everything ourselves. Although this was a little difficult at first, having full control over every aspect of our trips was very rewarding because we could focus on things that we wanted to do. One of my favorite weekend trips was when some of my friends and I visited Amsterdam. Amsterdam has been near the top of my bucket list for so long, and it didn’t disappoint. I thought it was a very beautiful and fun city, and I was so glad I got the chance to visit. Planning weekends like this myself showed me that it’s actually not that difficult to organize trips and inspired me to try to travel more even when I’m back in the US.

Stroopwafels in Amsterdam!

Besides getting to experience all these awesome places, this trip also helped me develop a lot of important life skills. Being in foreign places where I didn’t speak the language or know the cultural norms helped me get more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. It also forced me to get better at problem solving, since even seemingly simple tasks like doing laundry could be surprisingly difficult when we were traveling. Solving all these minor problems has made me much more flexible and better at dealing with challenges, and also increased my confidence in myself and my abilities. Also, getting to experience so many different cultures has made me more open-minded and aware of other lifestyles. I’d like to think that I was relatively open-minded even before this trip, but I also think there’s a difference between understanding that other cultures and lifestyles exist and experiencing them firsthand. Since this was my first time really traveling outside of my culture, I feel like it really opened my eyes to how different life can be in other parts of the world and increased my appreciation of cultural differences and variety.

I also formed some really strong friendships with people in my group throughout the course of this trip. When you live together, explore together, and are stuck on a bus together for multi-hour drives pretty regularly, you can form some tight bonds really quickly. All the inside jokes, crazy stories, and shared memories we collected while traveling made it very easy to connect with the people in my group, and even though we were all strangers a few months ago, I would now consider them some of my closest friends.

I had a great experience with this program, and I would definitely recommend trying it if it sounds interesting to you. My biggest piece of advice for people on the Oxford program is to be open to trying new things. This is the perfect chance to try things you wouldn’t normally do, and you never know when or where you’ll find something really cool. Some of my best memories from this trip are from places I never expected to like as much as I did. Exploring new stuff is a big part of the Oxford Program, so don’t shy away from stuff just because it’s outside your comfort zone.

For me, the Oxford program was a once-in-a-lifetime trip and I am very sad that it’s coming to an end soon. Although the summer felt way too short, I know the experiences, skills, and friendships I gained over the course of this trip will stay with me for the rest of my life.

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ATL - EUR

~by Aaron Qiu

I originally didn’t know if I wanted to do a study abroad program until my parents told me I should apply to one. Some of the best times to experience these programs are definitely in your early years of college. After looking at the Georgia Tech Europe program and the Georgia Tech Oxford program, I chose the Oxford program because the opportunity to visit many countries in Europe seemed very cool. After finishing my first year at Georgia Tech in May, I was very much looking forward to a summer in Europe.

One of the best experiences I had on the trip was when I visited the Piazzale di Michelangelo in Florence with four other classmates. After a long day of museums and walking which included the Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, seeing the sunset at the Piazzale di Michelangelo seemed like a great way to end the day. We wanted to get there earlier, so we could watch the sun slowly set, but there were already so many people there even though we arrived forty minutes beforehand. It wasn’t a big deal however as we were still able to get great views of the city and the sun as well. The Piazzale sits at a higher elevation compared to the rest of the city, so there were fantastic views of the buildings and the mountains in the distance. The entire sunset was absolutely beautiful, and it felt like such a great experience with so many people gathered together to watch. Afterwards, we decided to get dinner at a restaurant not that far away. The entire dinner process took around two hours, but it didn’t matter because we were all talking and having a good time. We ended walking back to the hotel with another group of students we met while waiting for the bus. The bus didn't arrive until we had already decided to walk about, so we ended up walking for 35 minutes.

The things that I took away from this experience were that European cities are beautiful, it is nice to enjoy the slower pace of life sometimes, and hanging out with friends is an integral part of human life. The cities of Europe are completely different from American cities because they can be so old and full of so much culture. American cities became shaped by cars while European cities have been able to preserve their way of life while also accommodating cars as well. Regarding the pace of life, it has been quite a stressful time in the past two semesters, so it feels great to have a chance to sit back and relax without worrying too much about class. This trip has also given me a chance to make new friends and have many great meals and conversations with them. The time spent in Florence was definitely a highlight of the trip for me.

I decided to take Statics as one of my two classes for the in-residence Oxford portion of the program. Statics is only a two credit hour class, so it had to be paired up with CEE 2901 which is a one credit class. I honestly didn’t know much about statics until we learned a little about it in Physics I. However, I now realize that statics is prevalent everywhere and it is extremely important in everyday life. For the CEE 2901 section of the class, we were required to complete four “Practical Applications”. These involved us going around Oxford or the rest of Europe and finding real-life examples of statics and relating it to things that we learned in class. The assignments were very helpful because I had to keep my eyes open and look out for things that I could use for class. I now realize that trusses are literally everywhere and they are used for so many things like for bridges, roof supports, and more. I will admit that statics was a challenging class, but I mostly enjoyed it, and I was extremely grateful that it was offered for the summer of 2023.

The Oxford program has definitely been a great experience. The travel portion allows you to experience many different European countries and cultures in the span of one month and you don’t have to worry about housing, travel, or planning activities because those are all planned for you by the program coordinators. There were some initial problems at the beginning of the travel portion as the activities felt a little disorganized but that eventually cleared up after the first city. I appreciated all the places that we visited as a group, but it was very nice to also have a lot of time to do individual activities with much smaller groups of people as well. After a month of spending many hours on a bus and sleeping in different hotels, it was good to have a place to settle down and that being Mansfield College. Oxford itself is a nice city with beautiful architecture, but I was over it after two weeks. The campus was composed of many individual colleges, so it didn’t have a cohesive feel like Georgia Tech’s main campus. There was also a lot of construction around campus and in the city itself which was very annoying as it occurred the entire six-week period. The experience at Mansfield College is nice enough as all your classes are very close to the dorms as it’s a very small campus. The classes themselves can be very rigorous as you’re taking semester-long courses in less than a month and a half’s worth of time. However, as long as you can manage your time properly and get all of your work done on time, you will have a lot of time to relax and travel if you wish. I myself took a trip to Toulouse, France one weekend and I went to Edinburgh, Scotland for another. The rest of the weekends was spent making a couple trips to London and visiting Dover as well except for the first weekend where they recommend you stay in Oxford.

Before applying to the Oxford program, I would consider all the costs and the actual travel portion itself. It can be very exhausting moving from city to city constantly as you only spend 3-5 nights in each city. You have to deal with unpacking and packing your suitcase every time and lugging it off and on the bus. This is along with the estimated 48 hours spent traveling between each city on the bus. As for costs, every hotel provides breakfast, so you’ll have to buy lunch and dinner everyday. In Oxford, the dining hall doesn’t provide lunch and Friday only has breakfast available and Sunday only has dinner available. It isn’t open on Saturday as well. Language barriers were not a big deal outside of Italy as many people speak English in the big cities of Germany, Austria, Czechia, France, and Belgium. It is good to learn some phrases for Italy especially. You should look into a credit card that doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in many countries. It’s also smart to have cash as well as you never know if places are going to accept cards or not. Don’t forget to bring an outlet adaptor beforehand. The EU uses a different plug from the US and the UK uses its own separate plug as well.

Overall, the Oxford program was very fun, and I feel very glad and privileged that I had a chance to do it.

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A Summer of No Regrets

~by Mugdha Daftardar

Spending the summer in Europe with the Oxford Study Abroad program was honestly the most riveting and adventurous experience I have ever had. This summer gave me the opportunity to explore so many countries on my own and also helped me make so many lovely friends along the way. I have seen so many iconic landscapes and monuments, wandered in a variety of museums, and tried many delicious foods. This program forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and taught me a lot on being independent, and for that I am really grateful!

              One city that simply took my breath away was Venice. One aspect that I loved about Venice was were its unique museums. Venice had some of my favorite museums, specifically the Peggy-Guggenheim Collection, which is filled with abstract paintings. Coming into this program, I knew little about Venice other than the fact that it is considered a floating city. I honestly loved using water ferries to commute from the Lido Island to Mainland Venice and seeing the bright blue water up-close every day. Everywhere I turned there was water, which is so different than any other city we explored. I really enjoyed crossing over the small bridges over each canal. It may sound strange, but the narrow alleys that make up Venice were so comforting and cozy to wander in; Venice truly is the city to get lost in. One of my fondest memories was spending half a day in the Burano Island, known for its neon-colored homes. Since Burano is one of the residential islands, it was less touristy and had a peaceful demeanor. At first, I was hesitant to spend so much time on a residential island, but I was quickly convinced after stepping foot there. Calling the houses neon did not give it justice; the homes looked like they came out of a Disney film! It was such a lovely experience to simply roam around the city and stop at every little shop for beautiful Venetian glass creations. 

The most eye-opening experience I had was attending the contemporary ballet show in Prague, called Kylian – Bridges of Time. The stage itself was simply stunning, everything was either covered in velvet or gold. This was the first time I had ever watched a ballet performance, and it shattered any prenotion I had of the art form. I initially thought ballet to be a very up tight and elegant type of dance, but this ballet had a comedic twist to the performance! For instance, two male dancers rolled dress-props into each other making them fall to the ground! I still remember the few seconds of stunned and confused silence from the audience before everyone let out a collective tentative chuckle. The stage set-up was also unconventional; in one scene, the entire stage was covered by the curtains except for the bottom-right corner, where you could only see the bottom-half up the performers dancing. The incredible strength of the performers and perfect rhythmic timing were so mesmerizing to witness. Before the performance, I thought a ballet performance would be boring since I have no prior knowledge about the dance form, but even without much context, the performance was so stunning to watch; I honestly could have watched it for hours. 

What initially drew me into the Oxford program was the travel portion and how almost everything is planned out for you, but you still get plenty of free time to explore each city on your own. Since transportation, parking, and residence is already taken care of, I got to choose how I spent my time in each city, outside of museums and concerts. Most of our humanity classes or museum events took place in the morning, so we would get the afternoon and evenings off! I still remember being in Florence when me and a group of other students spontaneously decided to go to take a train to Pisa! I took some of my favorite pictures with the Leaning Tower of Pisa and got to eat pizza in Pisa! Even though we only get to spend two to four days in each city, every day is packed with activities, so we got to experience much of the culture in each city.

The Oxford in-residence portion of the program also has its benefits! In these six weeks, I got to spend lots of time relaxing in my apartment or hosting movie nights with friends! There is a nice green patch in the center of the college, where I have fond memories of playing croquet or just laying on the field in the sunlight after dinner. There is a lot of more free time during this portion. In fact, Mansfield College is just a fifteen-minute walk away from the bustling main street, which is filled with restaurants and American-fast food chains (which is good if you want a break from European foods)! Also, because we get 3-day weekends at Oxford, you get plenty of time to explore the United Kingdom or even other countries! I decided to spend my weekends exploring the UK, specifically Oxford, London, and Cambridge. London was by far my favorite UK city to explore; my fondest memory is reconnecting with a middle-school friend while having afternoon tea with her in Kensington Palace! 

In general, the Oxford Program is all about learning about a variety of enriched cultures in a pretty fast-paced environment. It also helped me learn a lot about myself and quickly learn different soft skills. For example, I was able to quickly pick up helpful phrases in a foreign country and adjust to subtle but different social norms in every city. I learned how to navigate different public transportation systems, as each city has its own system. I got exposed to so many different historical art pieces and learned to appreciate a variety of musical forms that I otherwise would never have gotten the chance to. I would say this program really made me more open to new experiences; I learned how to take a step back and just appreciate the world around me.