Studying abroad is an experience that is both challenging and rewarding. As an exchange student from Hong Kong, I spent one year studying at the University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Pembroke College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, located in the city centre, next to the shopping centre and is very accessible. Pembroke College has a diverse and vibrant community of students and scholars from all over the world, and it is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

 

The college is home to a range of academic departments, including humanities, sciences, and social sciences, and it offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It has a strong academic reputation and has produced many notable alumni, including authors, politicians, and academics.

 

Studying law, or any subject in general, at Oxford is more academic than that at HKU. In law, the downside is that the learnings are rather impractical as the focus of the study is too philosophical. On the other hand, I had a better exposure to the principles and philosophy of laws over the coursework and the academic discussion allowed me to understand better the fundamental nature of the particular area of law. In law, the case law and statute may change radically but the foundation of law will not. As such, I am grateful for the experience.

 

I have taken European Union Law (with a dissertation on EU competition law and patent law on standard-essential patent), Administrative Law, Jurisprudence and Trusts in Oxford. The academic director has asked if I want to take the courses on one-on-one basis with personal tutors so my coursework can be distributed evenly or take it with the rest of the Pembroke law students. I have chosen the latter as I wanted to hear the insights from my fellow tutorial partners and be treated as an actual Oxford student and graded without prejudice.

 

I am honoured to be taught by Professor Julie Dickson in European Law and Jurisprudence. Professor Dickson was an exceptional tutor who was passionate about her subject and dedicated to helping her students learn. She was always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that we understood the course material and had the support we needed to succeed. I appreciated her approachable nature and enthusiasm for teaching, which made the class engaging and enjoyable.

Interacting with international students was also a highlight of my time at Oxford. I had the opportunity to meet students from different parts of the world, including China, Germany, and the United States. It was fascinating to learn about their cultures and perspectives, and I felt that it broadened my global understanding.

 

Overall, my experience with international students and professors at Oxford was a positive one. It allowed me to learn from different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the world around me. It also taught me the importance of being open-minded and respectful of cultural differences.

 

One of the highlights of my exchange experience was joining the College Choir. I have always been interested in music, and being able to sing with the choir was a dream come true. The choir was made up of students from different academic backgrounds, and we had the opportunity to perform in various events, including winter college concert and Turkish fundraising concert. We also recorded two wedding songs for Pembroke alumni’s wedding. The acoustics of the college chapel were incredible, and the atmosphere was magical. Being part of the choir also allowed me to form close relationships with my fellow choir members. We would meet every week for rehearsals, and we would often socialize outside of choir practice. Through the choir, I was able to meet people from different parts of the world, and we would share stories about our cultures and backgrounds. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about different perspectives, and I felt that it enriched my exchange experience.

Formals are a unique tradition that is part of the Oxford University experience. Each college has its own distinct formal dinner. However, one of the great things about formals is that they are not limited to one’s own college. Students have the opportunity to attend formals at other colleges, providing a chance to experience different dining halls and socialize with students from other academic backgrounds. This tradition fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among students, and it is a great way to meet new people and learn more about the diverse student body at Oxford. Attending formals at different colleges also adds to the cultural experience of being an Oxford student, as each college has its own unique traditions and atmosphere.

 

Although my exchange experience was mostly positive, there were some challenges that I encountered along the way. One of the difficulties I faced was adapting to the academic culture at Oxford. The academic standards were much higher than what I was used to in Hong Kong, and the workload was intense. The discussion is very academic rather than practical. Yet, while everyone seems to be having fun travelling on exchange, the burden of writing essays every week is indeed heavy at Oxford. I had to learn how to manage my time effectively and develop new study habits while balancing the social experience of meeting elites at Oxford. I found that seeking help from my tutors and peers was essential in overcoming this difficulty.

In addition to the many positive experiences that come with studying at Oxford, some students may also face challenges related to mental health. One such challenge is seasonal depression, which can affect students during the winter months when the days are shorter and the weather is colder. The lack of sunlight can cause feelings of sadness, fatigue, and irritability, which can make it difficult for students to focus on their studies and enjoy their time at Oxford.

 

Studying abroad at Oxford was a life-changing experience that enriched my personal growth in countless ways. For one, it expanded my worldview exponentially. Being immersed in an international environment exposed me to a kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and ideas that made me appreciate the beauty of diversity and broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. Secondly, my communication skills reached new heights. I made lifelong friends from all corners of the world who would send me hilarious memes and heartfelt holiday greetings long after our unforgettable time together had ended. The bonds I forged were as strong as the memories we created, and I emerged from my exchange experience with a newfound sense of confidence and a more nuanced understanding of the world around me.

 

Lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to the donor who made my exchange experience possible. Without their generosity, the opportunity to study at one of the most prestigious universities in the world would be more costly. This opportunity has had a significant impact on my personal development, and I will cherish the memories and lessons I learned for a lifetime. Thank you for your support and investment in the education of students like myself. Your contribution has made a difference in my life and the lives of other students who have had the opportunity to study abroad.