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.
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