Campus Oxford Summer Program: Dorothy Reinhard

Dorothy Reinhard participated in the Oxford Advanced Studies Program of Campus Oxford Summer Program.

Why did you choose to participate in a summer program abroad?

I was looking for a summer program that would be academic as well as fun and full of new experiences. After visiting England with my family over spring break, I fell in love with Oxford. When I began looking for an academic-based summer program, I remembered how much I enjoyed Oxford and began to look into summer programs there.

How did you decide which summer program was right for you?

I decided to travel abroad for my summer program and wanted a program that enrolled international students to give me a broad-based experience. I was looking for a program with a balanced mix of learning, social and free time. One of the biggest deciding factors for me was learning that in Campus Oxford, students are allotted free time on or off campus on a regular basis. I was excited to have a variety of trips and exposure to the culture and history of my surroundings. Students on this program are taught in small groups and individual tutorials so the learning is very focused and personal.

What was a typical day in your summer program?

I was living in undergraduate accommodation in a single-study bedroom within the university. Breakfast was available in the main dining room followed by three or four hours of academic tutoring or private study. The social program provided an afternoon visit to London, a local museum, theater production, or sports activity. In the evening we would meet for our meal and then have a workshop, debate or walk around the city. Residential Tutors were available at all times to guide and show us around.

What was the most memorable moment of your Oxford Advanced Studies Program this summer?

Being in London with friends on one of the afternoon trips will always stick out in my mind. Seeing Big Ben and Buckingham Palace with all the people I had grown so close to on the program was amazing.

And, I will always remember the final dinner on the last night of the program. Experiencing a formal dinner in the historic dining room on the final night of the program reminded me how ancient the university really is and how amazing and rare the opportunity was.

What advice do you have for teens looking at summer programs or camps?

Taking part in a program like this is inspiring and different. I think the things I learned about becoming an independent learner, being resourceful, and growing in confidence will all help me reach my future goals.