January 8, 2003

To Whom It May Concern:

Participating in the Oxford Tradition this past summer was one of the best experiences of my life.  The program was academically challenging and socially fun as well.  There were so many different sights to see and events to go to during the month that eventually I was overwhelmed.  There was a limited amount of time to do everything and I felt that I would only have accomplished everything I wanted to see only if I had spent another month there. 

The Academics in the program were extremely strong.  Every class was as challenging as each student made it out to be.  I took two history classes: British History (as my major) and War in World History (as my minor).  British History was six days a week (except for Sunday) and three and a half hours a day.  It was probably the best class that I have ever taken in history.  The teacher, Prof. Richard Michaelis, was without a doubt the most knowledgeable historian that I have ever met.  He spent the month teaching us on all subjects in British History from the Anglo-Saxon Period all the way up to World War Two.  Not only did he provide us with the factual and conceptual ideas behind each era in history, but he brought in other lecturers who were expert in  fields about which he knew less.  In addition, he gave very little homework.  If you are looking for a structured class, this is not it.  Instead he assigned about one-third of the class a book to read (including me) and then we were supposed to present an interesting point to the class.  Other books he gave out were on subjects that each individual student had mentioned as areas that they were interested.  I am still in contact with him through email and he has told me that he will be back next year.  So I would urge anyone, and everyone interested in history, to take British History.

My minor was not as strong class.  I picked it because I am interested in military history and I felt that War in World History made sense for me.  The class was taught by a Prof. whose own area of expertise was the European Union rather then military history and his lectures were derived directly from a few sources rather than his own knowledge.  This made the class less interesting as a whole.  I don’t know who is teaching the class this year so I can’t recommend what anyone should do.  What I would say is this.  A minor class is only two to three hours (depending on the teacher) three times a week.  Further, there is no homework given by a minor teacher.  Thus, if there is some subject that you are unsure of and wish to explore further, this would be the time to do it. 

The trips sponsored by the program were educational and a lot of fun as well.  Our first trip was to Stratford-Upon-Avon (where Shakespeare was born) and Warwick Castle.  In Stratford we were able to see all of the buildings associated with Shakespeare as well as look at his burial place.  Warwick Castle was a cool place to look around and learn about the different epochs in British History.  Our other trips were to London (twice) and Broughton Castle.  In London each major class decided where it wanted to go based on its own curriculum.  In my class we visited: the National Gallery, Imperial War Museum, and the Tate Modern among other places.  We were also given time on our own to look around at anything of particular interest to us.  At the end of both trips to London we saw a play.  The first time it was “Twelfth Night” at the Globe Theatre and the second was “Noises Off,” a comedy. 

The other students on the program were a really cool and diverse group.  They came from all around the U.S. as well as several foreign countries.  Everyone had different ideas on all sorts of things, from foreign policy to fashion ideas.  Further, it was easy to get to know them all because most people came into the program knowing few people if anyone at all.  The first day all of the students gathered on the grass at Pembroke College and just chatted with one another.  All you had to do was go up and introduce yourself to other people.  It was as simple as that.  Eventually you found your little niche with friends who had common interests.  I keep in touch with many of the friends I made over the summer. 

As a whole I would recommend the program for anyone and everyone who wants to attend.  The classes and teachers are amazing and you learn an incredible amount.  Just studying in a different country is a great experience and I would recommend that everyone take advantage of it.  It was also a foretaste of college and I loved it.  If there is one warning that I would give it is this.  Follow the few rules that the program does have.  As long as you do the program will be a great experience for you.  I had a great experience and I’m sure that as long as you take advantage of what there is to offer anyone else can too. 

     Sincerely,

    Merle Eisenberg