Study Abroad and Domestic Study Away

Joining Lake Forest College in Fall 2025, as a transfer student, I never imagined my academic interests would take me across an ocean, especially to an institution such as Trinity College, Oxford. With bookstores on every corner, cozy cafes to enjoy when the rains come, and vaulting libraries holding books dating back past the 16th century, I’ve managed to find enjoyment in all the big and little moments during my time here.

As an English Major with a focus on Literature at Lake Forest College, it only made sense to study Gothic Literature and Shakespeare as I’ve always had a passion for both genres. The first days of orientation with OSAP (Oxford Study Abroad Programme) were exhilarating. I got to attend numerous meetings focused on learning the intricacies of the tutorial system, the history of Oxford (both the town and the institution), and how to navigate the city and network of libraries within the Bodleian. One of my favorite moments of orientation was when we had the opportunity to examine the unique architecture in the city of Oxford and visit Trinity College for the first time. While LFC has North, Middle, and South campuses, Oxford is made up of over thirty different colleges spread across the entirety of the city! It’s absolutely expansive, and while I’ve tried visiting as many colleges as I can, I definitely haven’t even seen half of them yet. Though, from what I have seen, the differing architectural styles are breathtaking, and remind me of a mixture of Hotchkiss and Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel.

While I consider myself a fairly introverted person (this is probably not surprising to my closest friends), meeting fellow OSAP students and members of Oxford seemed like a daunting task in the beginning. There’s approximately seventy other OSAP students within my program, and over the past few weeks I’ve gotten the privilege of getting to know many of them. One thing LFC taught me which I’ve made sure to practice during my time abroad is how to balance the three s’s: school, studying, and socializing. Being involved in countless clubs on campus, I learned really quickly how important it is to prioritize my studies in order to succeed while also finding time to see my friends and catch up with my family back home. Studying here is critical in order to succeed in tutorials, as the system here . . . is much different then back in Illinois. In fact, learning how to navigate the tutorial system was exhilarating yet demanding, and definitely the hardest ‘challenge’ I’ve faced.

Courses here are typically called ‘Tutorials’, and I am currently enrolled in one on Gothic Literature (which meets once per week) with the other being focused on Shakespeare’s Roman plays (which meets once every two weeks). Each tutorial is one hour long, one-on-one with my Tutor, and the rest of my week consists of reading novels and plays, visiting the libraries for background readings, and writing essays. Truthfully, the system at Oxford took me half a month to adapt to, as transitioning from midterm essays to two 1,500-2,000 word essays per week was jarring. However, my support system at LFC helped me navigate these hardships and now, I find the workload completely manageable. For anyone wanting to study abroad, I’d suggest that time management is essential, and being enrolled in four courses at LFC is perfect practice for such a thing.

Since being here, I have not only traveled to other countries but also spent time truly experimenting with my newfound independence. I learned how to navigate train systems and subways, visited castles and theaters in London, and even managed to visit places such as Stratford-upon-Avon, which was the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Through this experience, I have not only immersed myself in a new culture, but traveled with both family and friends, tried new foods, and learned how to adjust to an academically strenuous environment. Lake Forest College has been crucial in finding success here, as the guidance from advisors, meetings I had with the Global Engagement Office, and the support from my friends have all motivated me to continue taking my studies day by day. I also want to acknowledge the generous support I received in the form of the Toner Prize. I cannot find the words to express how grateful I am to have been granted The Mary Anne Pickett Toner ’65 Britain Study Travel Fund, but your confidence in my success is incredibly meaningful, and I will remember this generosity for the rest of my life. It truly inspires me, and in making such an impact on my academic journey, I will strive to help other English Majors in the same way going forward. I am thankful to my family for convincing me to study abroad. I am thankful for my friends for continuously checking in on me. I am especially thankful for my advisors and mentors at Lake Forest College, and while I cannot wait to see you all again in person, I will focus on living in the moment rather than worrying about what the future will bring.

Through broadening my bookshelves through impromptu visits to Blackwells and spending time in Oxford’s Writing Society, I want to encourage everyone reading this who may be thinking about studying abroad (but find the idea intimidating, as I knew it was for me) to do the following: submit that application. It is entirely worth it to study abroad despite how exciting or harrowing the experience may be. Studying abroad in another country will teach you important skills when it comes to time management and financial planning, while also being able to experience different cultures and see places entirely different from Chicago. In momentarily escaping the frigid Illinois winters and equally humid summers, I’ve learned to better advocate for myself as I step into adulthood. I’ve learned how I want to spend my time, who I want to spend time with, and am incredibly excited to eventually return to LFC with my newfound confidence.

Overall, I miss you all. I miss Illinois and I miss California. But when I leave the rolling plains surrounding Oxfordshire and see the Isis river for the last time, I know I’ll be coming back with a newfound perspective on the world around me. I am eager to return to LFC, just like I’m eager to continue my studies here. I’ll make sure to enjoy this last month in England, and plan to do more traveling. In briefly alluding to one of my favorite poems, I have many promises I need to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.

See you soon, Foresters.

Cheers,

Alex J. Hanin

All the books Alex had to read for her two classes: