Oxford-July 21

And last but not least is our visit to historic Oxford. Home to CS Lewis, TRR Tolkein among others. Enroute to Oxford to stoped at Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge. I'm so glad we were able to fit this in our busy schedule!  Stonehenge really is in the middle of no where!

We began with a visit to the Exam School and meeting with the international student services adviser, a student leader from the Union and the director of careers service. Internships are a newer component to University life. Because UK programs are 3 years, many complete internships post-graduation. They shared that many employers are asking for my leadership, group and team work skills, that are not commonly found in the Oxford curriculum. The careers service office is now coordinating with alumni, some of the intership experiences for students.

The college system found at Cambridge and Oxford is quite unique to the UK. Students learn much independently and tutorials make up the bulk of teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to get involved, but not to the extent that these experiences assist in their learning.  I wonder when fees increase and more personal investment is made personally by students, if the curriculum will be begin to reflect needs in the marketplace.

While not a type of institution I would like to work, I really appreciated the architecture, the vibrancy of the city. It truly felt like a city that embraces the University and the many wonderful nuances found within.

I loved Exeter College and the Christ Church dining hall. The dining hall has college specific china and beer. Yes, this was the dining room used to film Harry Potter.

Birthday in Bath-July 19

It's my birthday...and we have a back to back visit today!

Our visit today -University of Bath. Our first campus that has a secluded, one-way in, one-way out type campus.  How beautiful...lots of greenery, and field space. We were immediately greeted by 10 staff members from the student services division.  Our conversations went from study abroad and the new UK fee structure to support services for mental health and counseling.  What a fantastic visit! It was great to see that issues that affect US students are also some challenges for UK students.  I was most impressed with the progress and increased support and education there is around mental health support. Most significant was the education and awareness provided for faculty and staff as first responders.  I look forward to researching this information more and sharing this with my colleagues on campus. My running list of ideas/questions/new initiatives from all of these visits has filled 3 pages. I hope my campus allies share my enthusiasm for these ideas!  Additionally, I've decided to change my paper topic to comparing mental health/counseling support services for students. I've been so intrigued by the varying levels of support in the UK that I think a comparative look at legislation and culture will be intersting in the evaluation .

On my short list of UK "must do's", one had to be to the Jane Austen Museum in Bath. A sucker for all things cheesy, this museum did not disappoint. It was quite small, but it was so adorable! I needed to get a Mr. Darcy bookmark and had a great laugh going through the BBC film memorabilia and the many books and movies that are somewhat related to Jane Austen and her work.

My birthday finished with a fantastic Italian dinner and drinks at a local pub!  What a wonderful thus far!(insert pictures later)

Kingston-July 18

Our next visit was to a London campus. Kingston University, just on the outskirts of London represented a multi-campus.  I was probably most impressed with the meeting with two faculty and discussing the support systems and the engaging opportunities for students.  This led to a more encompassing dialogue with members of the accommodations, student union, counseling and disability services.  Not uncommon to UK institutions, was a recognized support for students with disabilities. A similar ADA type bill was passed a few years earlier, so more attention has recently been paid to that area. The opportunity to chat one on one with the deputy director and others are the reasons why this trip is so valuable. I learned a great deal about the institutions goals and aspirations for the future, strategic planning programs and restructuring that will impact the delivery of services. Our early day was not over. We spent the end of the day traveling to Bath in preparation for our visit tomorrow.

While we have seen some very different campuses , for the most part, student issues are similar. How they are supported on each campus is different. As in the States, organization strucuture and mission drive how institutions function and evaluate student services.

Last day in -July 17

All of the running around was catching up to me when I realized at 9am that I forgot to turn my alarm on!  So after a lazy morning, I ventured out to do some shopping!  First stop, Harrods!  It was everything I remembered from my last visit...CRAZY! There were people everywhere and it's quite claustrophobic!  I walked through the Food Hall and realized I had enough. I got my tea and ventured, to find guess what TORRENTIAL rain (anyone detecting a pattern?).  Back on the train, I decided to visit Selfridges. This visit to the Food Hall, I stopped and had some Salted Beef on rye with English mustard. The English do do mustard good!  It was quite filling.  I was able to visit the Jo Malone counter(favorite perfume shop)

The entire group was ending our time in London will a touristy visit, I was say not my favorite of these trip group experiences, none other than the Medieval Banquet. I only think that American tourists were there. I didn't see any English.  There was a family from CT was across from us...a nice reminder of how small the world is.  And at the end, the meal was OK and it was great spending some quiet time with my classmates.  tomorrow was an early day as we ventured to our next campus visit!

I really enjoyed London and planned to spend my last day on this trip back in London to try to sneak in one more show!  The weather wasn't going to deter any of us, and we made the best of what was presented!

Rain, rain, go away! Take 2 or just the London version or

July 16
After a late night "taking in the city" Caitlin and I got up early to venture for day of West End play tickets. I was really looking forward to seeing Pgymalion, staring Rupert Everett. The line for TKTS (discount, day of tickets) opens at 9am and we got there just before 9am. The line was already 50 people deep. We both kept our fingers crossed.  Our vigelance paid off.....not only did we get tickets, but we got 10 rows back!

With tickets in hand, we walked through Trafalgar square to head to Westminster to meet some of our other classmates. And that's when the rained came....and it poured some more.  This was soaked through your jeans, soaked to the bones wet!  It was at that point that seeing the city via the double decker bus seemed like a much more relaxing (and dry) idea!  I was able to see the London Eye, Parliament, Tower of London. And guess what the rain stopped!  I used this opportunity to walk some more. So I got off walked through Regent's Park. We didn't have much time before meeting for dinner and heading back to the West End for the show!!!

Not only was Pygmalion everything I had hoped...we stayed around the back of the house entrance and were able to meet some of the cast! I was able to meet Rupert Everett, and Kara Toinen who played Eliza Doolittle.  After meeting another classmate for some drinks, we called it night. But not before we ran into a hen party on the tube!  The rain wasn't going to ruin this day!

London or Bust

July 15

The ride from Sheffield to London took about 3.5 hours.  And as a group we wasted no time getting out in London!  Armed with 3 day Tube passes we participated in a wonderful afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason near Picadilly. It was a decadent experience, and our service was fantastic!

Will a quick change, we headed out again on the Tube toward participated in the Jack the Ripper Tour. While I did this back in 2004, it was still a great way to see parts of the city and hear the many versions/theories, etc on who Jack the Ripper was and what his motives were.

The evening did not end there as a pub or two, close to the hotel harbored us for the rest of the evening. With one week already over, and one to go, we used this time to get to know each other.  

We are all really looking forward to the days off in London.   

Next Stop: Sheffield (7/14)

As the trip continues, it was quite helpful to remember that like in the US, there are varying types of institutions. From the historic and college system of Cambridge, to the large research institution Sheffield the services for students contrast greatly.

The leadership at Sheffield shared a significant focus on assessment and strategic planning. Their planning and integration with staff is pervasive. I was also quite impressed with the level of support documentation available for both students and staff available on the website. It was also quite evident that staff are

The highlight of student leadership for me had to the visit and discussion revolving around the Student Union. It was quite informative to learn about the completely student driven Union operation.  

Our day ended with dinner at the hotel with 3 members of our host institution. It was great to continue our conversation and learn more about the environment of Sheffield for staff and administrators. Sheffield appears to be a support and educationally purposeful institution. The attention and support services available for students is quite robust. I left Sheffield feeling that the University cares about students and are actively engaging them along with their fellow staff to help their personal development. 

Travel to Sheffield

Wednesday, July 13-Travel Day

On the bus ride from Cambridge to Sheffield we encountered an accident with a truck on the major road, which caused a delay. Those napping, woke up. We had chit chat. We filled the time till we moved again.  At home, in life, and on our campuses we often get derailed from our plans. Working with students is not a science, but an art. Each student brings different challenges and expectations . We as staff are often asked to respond as individually as the request. How do we prepare our staff in the case of our “truck accident”? How do we make sure that the evaluation and assessment tools we envision are carried through? How do we not let what “fills our time” distract from the intentional and operational ways we educate students?  

We passed the accident and continued on our way and many returned to taking notes, listening to an Ipod, or napping. Today's travel day was a nice way to remember about the journey. While each institution will be different, we can learn something from each one that helps us as professionals and in our work with students.

When we arrived in Sheffield a small group ventured out to visit the nearby Sheffield Cathedral. The evening ended with a nice group dinner celebrating a classmates birthday. Tomorrow we visit Sheffield University.

From Cambridge, MA to Cambridge, UK

(Sorry the dates are off...i had some internet troubles)
Monday, July 11th
2 trains, and 1 bus later, I arrived in Cambridge. From the bustling Waverly train station in Edinburgh with commuters heading to work,  and quick train change in Peterborough, I arrived in the educational mecca of Cambridge. I am visiting Oxford later on in my trip, so it's ok I say mecca for now.  Our stay at the Arundel House is a traditional English hotel, which sits right with a river view.

It was fantastic to finally meet my classmates and faculty members in person. Monday afternoon and our course experience began with a fantastic tour of Cambridge and specifically King's College Chapel. King's College is one of 31 colleges with the Cambridge University system. The Chapel construction began under the leadership of Henry VI, but wasn't completed until Henry The XIII (The 100 year War of the Roses stood in the way)

The architecture is amazing!Areas felt strangely similar to Cambridge, MA. The air of scholarly research, rich history, and tradition. The hustle and bustle of people moving along. Like in Cambridge, MA, there are a number of international travelers to the city, studying the English language. Our tour guide shared that many  foreign visitors are attracted to the city because of it's history and so that they can say they "studied at Cambridge!" I have heard that many times about being in Cambridge, MA!  

I've lived in Boston now for over 11 years and love it. I'm hopeful that this trip helps me appreciate my surroundings now and the area in which I live!  

(Again sorry for the delay. Internet has been spotty...and expensive!). More to come!

Rain, rain, go away!

Last day in Scotland....sad day.
I learned why my tour drivers just keep their windshield wipers on....it's because at any time, even when the sun is shining, it might start raining again.

...and that is what happened today on our way to Loch Lomond  and during the boat tour(Loch=Lake). Really pretty, but foggy, so no pictures came out. But after lunch in Aberfoyle, we headed to Stirling Castle....and the sun came back out. What gorgeous views of the city!

On the way back I took an impromptu walking tour (aka shopping) down the Royal Mile, which lead to a small pub when I heard Scottish music being played. A long, round about walk later and I was back at Pollacks Hall at the University of Edinburgh packing up!

Tomorrow is an early day.....good bye Scotland, hello Great Britain! My train pulls right into Cambridge. Our class meets for a quick tour of Kings College and we begin that evening!  I'm thinking the next two weeks are going to go by very quickly.

*Sorry this is delayed. Pictures were slow to upload!

Scotland..."the land of fighters, lovers, drinkers and inventors"

...in that order.
That was proclaimed by Graeme, the tour operator today. He was a hoot!  We went north to Perthshire, and Blair Atholl castle, which has been the home of the Duke of Atholl since 1279. While there I met quite a lovely peacock (see the pictures...he was beautiful).  We stopped at Pitlochry, this really cute village with shops for lunch. Then it was off to Blair Atholl Distillery.  I learned a lot today about Scotch Whisky. Difference between Scotch and Irish Whisky is that single malt scotch is distilled twice, Irish Whiskey is distilled three times.  This Blair Atholl single malt is one the main whiskey's used in the Johnny Walker blended. By itself...it wasn't bad.  I should keep doing research to make sure though!


Scottish weather is something crazy. Today it was beautiful for about 40 minutes, then clouds and some light rain. Enroute to Edinburgh, the sky's opened up ad it was torrential rain again. Then as I neared the end of my journey, soaking wet, the sun came out again.  Graeme told us we could expect all four seasons in one day, and boy was he close!  Besides that, it was a nice day today!


Tomorrow...head to Glasgow to see the Glasgow Cathedral and the Mitchell Library. Then continue west to Loch Lomond Britain's largest surface area of fresh water, for a boat cruise. Then lunch in the village of Aberfoyle . Ad then a visit to the scenic Trossachs. Last stop is the picturesque Stirling Castle. 

Chalk it up to being the travel day....

I was so excited for my trip, that my plan to sleep on the plane so I could be functional today proved difficult. I arrived in  Amsterdam this morning having only been able to sleep about 90 minutes and with an oddly strange pulled muscle in my lower back. Sitting in one spot is kind of difficult. I've taken some Advil and am moving on!  For those interested the in-flight movies I watched were Adjustment Bureau and Just go with it-both were better than expected).

I did arrive in Amsterdam and had the thought: Is it OK to judge a city based on it's airport? For some visitors, the airport pass through is the only time that person sees a glimpse of the city. While I've heard great things about Amsterdam, there are other cities I plan to visit first. So this may be my last time here. I know it doesn't count as a place I've visited (i didn't leave the airport), but if the airport was all you knew about a place, how might the airport and the city not match up? In 2003 I flew through Singapore and thought "the city must be great" the airport was fantastic...there was a botanical garden and the place was spotless and people very helpful.  Anyone know of a crappy airport in a corresponding disappointing city? My verdict on Amsterdam is out. I had a quick layover, the bathroom was clean and I could find a place to curl up for an hour waiting for my connection.

My flight to Edinburgh, like the previous one was uneventful.. The weather upon arrival looked better than predicted, so I decided to take the bus from the airport. I was prepared to share with all that the 1.30 pounds it cost might be the least expensive item of my whole trip! But when the nice bus driver forget that he said he would tell me the best place to get off for a very short walk, I ended up going about 2 miles past my stop (with all my luggage); the low fare and short trip turned into an additional hour. I took the hike back in stride as the weather was gorgeous....but as I  finally made my way to Pollack Halls, the conference facilities on the University of Edinburgh campus, the rain came. My plan was to rest a bit and head out for the FREE 1pm walking tour of the city, have an early dinner and try to get on schedule.  But instead the rains came and I was awoken from my nap to the sounds of sheets of rain, thunder, lightning and hail!!

I've used the time since to get acquainted with my UK phone, gather some maps and do a little schoolwork. I'll take a walk around here, and do an early dinner at the conference facility restaurant as opposed to going downtown. Let me correct that...I flew 3000 miles and ate dinner in the dining hall!  I hope my higher ed friends get a kick out of that! There are a lot of younger student groups here. But...I was able to purchase a glass a wine with dinner (very much needed). It had me thinking about the perceptions Americans have of alcohol and those abroad. I had a glass of wine as a table of 15 year old boys near me couldn't have cared less. In this setting (controlled, dining hall) do we do a disservice in the States by not providing more sanctioned, open areas for alcohol to be served.

But I digress, earlier I did flip on the TV and was shocked to see Two guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place on. Anyone remember that show? If you don't that's OK...it's been off the air since about 2001.. It was where many of us remember Ryan Reynolds...and it takes place in Boston and it references Tufts.

Tomorrow's adventure: Highland Spirit Tour, where I'll head north from Edinburgh, visit castles and end the day at a Whisky distillery. Just what I need after a day like today!

It arrived!

My UK phone arrived this morning via FedEx....I think the delivery guy was a little surprised at how happy I was!  Calling from the US my number is: 044-740-123-2249. If you have international texting...text away. I really needed the phone to have access to the internet. I can use my smartphone as a modem for my laptop. Off to run last minute errands!

Countdown in on!

It's official...Delta has me confirmed for my flight tomorrow evening. So it seems I'm off to the UK whether i'm ready or not.

• My phone (which will also be my lifeline to the internet) has not yet arrived (i'm convinced FedEx is holding it hostage!) I'll post the number. I think I can receive calls and texts for free. Very important for folks to know for July 19th
• Forecast in Edinburgh shows rain likely all 3 days i'm there. Very sad... 

Besides that i'm very excited. Some down time in Edinburgh, Scotland to start and then to England for immersion in British student affairs!

*i'm hoping to visit the castle on Friday afternoon when I take advantage of the free SANDEMANs NEW Edinburgh tour!

Packing done? EEK How am I going to get everything done?!?

2 days before my trip and my packing is pretty much done...i'd say about 98%. Can that be true?  Well, it's true, but I should probably go thru and take out some clothes.  I dont' think i've ever packed for 2 1/2 weeks before. But it feels like a lot. At least I can cross something sort of off the list. In addition to this London course, I'm taking two other higher ed courses- (dumb, I know). 'm trying get as many assignments done BEFORE I go so I don't need to do as much while i'm abroad and maybe even enjoy my down time. In total that is about 7 weekly postings (i'll do the responses while i'm away) and 2 research papers. I'm about half way done with both. Please send along prayers that I have at least the 1 of 2 papers done by tomorrow (7/6) evening. Next post will have my itinerary!