Lauren Wright

Public Relations Senior
Studied abroad at Oxford University

“Studying abroad can change your life forever. Whether it is through a better understanding of different cultures or making a new life-long friend, you don’t fully understand its impact until you are back in your regular setting.”

What was the name of the program you participated in this summer?
Summer Study Abroad at Oxford University.

What did the study abroad program entail?
In all, we had 11 papers and a journal to complete for the two courses (English 232 and English 293.) English 232 was a poetry course. English 293 was called The Place of Literature, which was designed to work in conjunction with the poetry course. All of the excursions were thoughtfully put together to give us a real-life experience of the inspiration behind our readings.

We were there for 20 days (August 2 – August 22). A few of the many places we visited include:

• Stratford Upon Avon
• London (Globe Theatre, The Tate)
• Cotswold
• Blenheim Palace
• The Lake District
• Wessex
• Stonehenge

What lessons did you learn from the SOJ that you took to Oxford?
Writing was clearly an enormous part of our experience at Oxford. I had to go
through a transition at the beginning of my college career from high school English courses to journalistic writing, but I became so used to journalistic writing that my first paper at Oxford almost looked like a news story.

My professors knew me well and were aware of my major. After we talked, high school AP English all came back to me, and I was writing the way I needed to. What I was able to bring from the [WVU] School of Journalism was an objective outlook on what is important to include in an academic paper. I’ve been so programmed to look objectively at information that I was able to get the important points across without the “fluff.” I was always proud to hand in a paper full of strong analyses and important information that still met the length requirements.

What lessons did you learn from Oxford that you have brought back to the SOJ?
I became much more comfortable with writing while at Oxford. Until my study abroad trip, most of my writings consisted of news stories and press releases. After I returned and entered 400-level courses, I have been applying the methods of writing that I used at Oxford. For example, analyzing a crisis communications plan and applying it to a past situation or applying an ethical paradigm to an ethical quandary faced by the media. Practicing forming thesis statements and following an outline all summer made these types of assignments much easier on me.

How did the study abroad experience at Oxford enrich your WVU experience?
My three-week adventure abroad in the United Kingdom was truly a memorable and exciting experience. [It] gave me the opportunity to experience a world of new and exciting people, places of indescribable beauty and a culture with as many similarities as differences to our own. Being in such a historical country allowed me to better understand and appreciate all of the work that I have done in the classroom throughout my academic years. It has given me an exciting new perspective that has ultimately enriched and enhanced my educational and professional careers forever.

How will your study abroad experience help you with your future career goals?
Studying abroad at Oxford was actually my second experience abroad in the UK. Last summer (2008), I had an internship in London with a public relations firm called Bell Pottinger. That was one of the most beneficial experiences for my educational and professional career. Working in a public relations office allowed me to question where I want to be in the field and develop a plan to get there. Experience in international business is essential in this day and age.

Aside from this, studying abroad at the prestigious Oxford University will definitely build by resume. The consistent writing, non-stop traveling and life-long friendships that I built there have impacted me in a way that will undoubtedly affect me positively for the rest of my life – both personally and professionally.

Why should other students study abroad?
Studying abroad can change your life forever. Whether it is through a better understanding of different cultures or making a new life-long friend, you don’t fully understand its impact until you are back in your regular setting. Personally, I have become more open-minded and cultured, and my drive to learn more about the world has become a significant part of my life-long goals. Traveling allows you explore yourself while also enhancing employment opportunities and the value of your college degree.