studentsineurope

Pursuing A Masters at Oxford

by Megan Dragony

Megan and friend at Oxford

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 2007, I made the rather spontaneous decision to move to Los Angeles and get a job in the entertainment industry. I was fortunate in my pursuit and found work at a commercial production company. But after almost two years in the industry I realized that it just wasn’t for me, and I made the decision to pursue my master’s degree. In researching programs I became more and more excited about the idea of studying abroad. The only time I had been out of the country before was during a high school trip with my French class, and what better time to see a new part of the world than while pursuing my degree. The best program for Visual Anthropology, the area I had chosen to study, was at the University of Oxford and I made up my mind that that was where I would go no matter what.

Applying to Oxford was more than a little intimidating. I had done very well in my undergrad, but the thought of attending one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world made me doubt my abilities. I spent weeks revising my application, trying to make myself appear to be the ideal candidate. In the end I opted to just be myself and speak honestly about my motivation for continuing my education. I’ve never been more proud of myself than the day I received my acceptance letter.

With the first hurdle out of my way, I set out to look for funding. Much to my dismay I began to realize that most of the deadlines for scholarships had passed. My greatest piece of advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to begin looking for funding as soon as possible. There is a great deal of money available, but early applications are imperative! Unable to find any grants or scholarships I turned to student loans to fund my education. The lenders were very helpful and I was able to get all of my expenses covered. Everything had fallen into place!

When I arrived at Oxford, all of my worries and concerns faded away. I was sure I had made the right decision and couldn’t wait to begin my education. I spent my first few weeks acclimating myself to my new surroundings. I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to study than amongst the spires of Oxford! It was weeks before I could walk through the city without gawking, open-mouthed at the incredible architecture.

English food doesn’t have the best reputation in the States, and being a vegetarian I was a little worried about how I would maintain my diet in the land of Cornish pasties and fish-n-chips. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes with delicious and eclectic vegetarian cuisine. And every meal I have attended at College has had a tasty vegetarian option.

The education system at Oxford is much different from what I had experienced in the States, but I have found it much to my liking. All Oxford students belong to one of 39 separate colleges. The colleges are made up of students from a variety of departments and serve mostly as a social center. Most students live and dine in their college, and sports teams and clubs are organized by college as well. The academic year is divided into three eight-week terms. During this time you attend a variety of lectures and seminars for your particular course, but as a student of the University you may also attend additional lectures in any department you want. I have spent many afternoons hopping around campus sitting in on Art History or International Development lectures. In exploring other departments I have found new applications and avenues for my studies that I never imagined.

Separating each term is a six-week vacation. While most students will have some coursework to do, there is still plenty of time to explore and enjoy yourself. Traveling through Europe can be done extremely inexpensively. I highly recommend purchasing a young person’s railcard, which saves you at least one third on all train tickets. London is only an hour by train, and from there you can take the tube to Paris in under two and a half hours! The student body at Oxford is incredibly diverse with students from all over the globe, which makes it easy to find eager and informed travel buddies!

The decision to study abroad changed my life more than I could have ever expected. I have made so many wonderful friends and contacts from around the world and have had more new experiences during my short time at Oxford than during the whole of my undergrad. I have been exposed to new ideas and ways of life which have enriched and enlightened me in so many ways.

Megan Dragony

MSc Visual Anthropology

Oxford University 2009