Oxford Creative Writing Program - Week 1

 

After 2 long days of travel and a couple of wrong turns later I finally stumbled, heavily jet lagged through the grand entranceway of Exeter college.  I was relieved to meet some of  the other students joining the course -  'phew' I'd come to the right place! We were greeted at the door by the college porter. Who presented us with our room keys and directed us towards the summer school office, where we were given our welcome packs and names badges. After which people either went straight up to their rooms to relax or hung chatting in the front quadrangle. 

 

The first thing that struck me was the Exeter campus itself - it is breathtaking. We found ourselves surrounded by castle like sandstone buildings with vines and climbing roses, stunning stained glass windows and ancient gargoyles.  Having been built in 1314 Exeter college is the fourth oldest college in Oxford. Just don't walk on the grass in the front quad ( only the Oxford 'fellows' are allowed to do that sort of thing ).  

 At 5 o'clock that first evening we attended our orientation, meeting followed by a drinks reception in the fellows garden. Here we got a chance to mingle and get to know our peers and teachers, and the girls all made sure their heels didn't get stuck in the grass! ( the fellows have allowed us use of the garden during the summer school, usually only they are allowed in). We then moved on into the hall for our reception dinner ( think Harry Potter and you've about got it! ) with everyone dressed in their best and the teachers seated at the high table at the head of the hall. All the meals are served in the dining hall, and we are provided with plenty of delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everyone went off to bed early that evening, excited for the start of classes the next day.

 

 

Classes are held from 9-11 or 4-6 every day, with each student taking a seminar for one of their two chosen courses during one of the time slots on alternating days. We also attend a 1 and a half hour plenary session each day as well. The sessions are given by a different practitioner In the industry each time - literary agents, authors, poets.  Each of these sessions looked at a different element of the writing/publishing industry - with students eager to question the presenters at every opportunity. 

 

 

Last but definitely not least there is always plenty of fantastic friendly staff on hand, more then willing to help you out.  Our Summer school assistants Joe Bluck and Richard Broadbridge were quick to welcome us leading us out into Oxford for our very first pub walk on the Monday night. During the walk we also got to experience many beautiful and historical parts of the city - getting a look at the iconic 'bridge of sighs' and a few of the other colleges situated around Oxford, before getting to know each other over a cider at the King of Arms pub. Tuesday night introduced the first of our 'open mic nights' where students were given the opportunity to read their work aloud and have it discussed by their peers in the Audience. It was a very friendly atmosphere and a great experience was had by all. 

 

On Wednesday evening Richard led us on an enjoyable and informative tour through the university gardens, where (some of us at least) we're excited to spot our first squirrel!  

 

There is plenty for students to enjoy outside of their classes, whether it be taking part in an activity or just kicking back and playing some pool in Exeter's Undercroft bar. Our first week as students at Exeter college has been jam packed with study and with out a doubt - fun! I can't wait to fill you all in on our next week!

See you next time....

 

Kiri :- )

 

Kiri Zobel is participating on our Oxford Creative Writing program this July 2012. Kiri is in her 3rd year of a Bachelor of Arts at University of Canberra

Oxford Creative Writing Program: Pubs, chapels and Dining Halls

The sun is shining in Oxford today.

Blue sky frames the many spires and turrets that soar around this beautifully calm 8^th century city – although my new friends and I agree it feels more like a town. There is an air of tranquillity around the place - it puts you in the mood for classical music and literary fiction (which I guess is appropriate). It's amazing being able to walk around the same places as such figures as J.R.R. Tolkein and Oscar Wilde.

Speaking of friends, here’s a picture of us before setting out on our pub stroll (I don't think they like the term 'crawl' in Oxford). They have a lot of pubs in Oxford. Well over 50. One of the shops near Exeter College sells a black and white picture with 63 of the pubs ready to be coloured-in as you visit each of them. 

Heading out on the pub 'stroll'

Exeter College is filled with these marvellous old stone buildings – although most of our rooms are built from contradictorily modern materials. The dining hall and chapel remain in all their archaic glory however. Here are some shots I took of the chapel.

Every meal is held in the hall, which is extremely Hogwarts-esque with long oak tables and lamps along the length. Waiters (and not magic) bring the food however, and nobody sits at the high table except for very formal occasions. It will be a shock when I leave here and need to start cleaning up after myself again.

Exeter College Dining Hall

Maybe it's the historic setting; or maybe it's the crowd of writers like myself; but Oxford just feels like a lovely place to be. Already we look at the tourists scornfully, almost as outsiders, as we swan our way back to College after a day trip around the city. I expect these three weeks will vanish all too soon.

~Damon

Damon Meredith is completing AIM Overseas' Oxford Creative Writing Program this July 2012. Damon is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at University of Technology Sydney.

Oxford International Human Rights Law - Week 3

Wow, what a week! A lot has certainly been happening since I last updated you all. This week’s classes were mostly spent learning about the different areas of international human rights law, focusing on international humanitarian law; international criminal law; and gender and sexuality. We also learnt about the role of non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders. One very important message, which was emphasised in our classes, was how, besides the relevant legal mechanisms, people power really is the key to making a difference in the realm of human rights.

My afternoon classes were about the practice of targeting killings; the means and methods of warfare; and the rules pertaining to belligerent occupation. For many us, these topics were quite confronting and challenging and led to much discussion. I also spent one afternoon attending a careers panel that the faculty had set up for us. It was really interesting gaining an insight into how some of the most eminent scholars in the field ended up getting to where they are now.

Since the weather has remained beautiful this week, we spent one afternoon punting. A few of us opted to get a chauffeured boat, something we were really happy about once we saw some of our friends who’d chosen to do it themselves stuck in some trees and struggling to get out! A big group of us headed to Jamie Oliver’s restaurant another night, to celebrate a birthday on our program. The food there really was amazing!

We spent Friday night in the Junior Common Room watching the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. The eight Aussies on the program all cheered when we saw our athletes march but we were definitely outnumbered by all the Americans here! The weekend was then spent in London and I was lucky enough to have gotten tickets to the hockey a few months back. As chance would have it, I ended up seeing Australia and New Zealand play, which was very exciting! However, the large number of Australian spectators wasn’t enough for the Hockeyroos, who lost 1-0 to the Kiwis. I also stayed to watch the Netherlands play Belgium – the Dutch sure love their hockey!

With exams coming up next week, the last week of the program is set to be a fair bit quieter than this one.

~ Lindsey

 

Lindsey Chu is participating on our Oxford International Human Rights Law Program in the UK. Lindsey is in her 5th year of Bachelor of Communications/Law at University of Newcastle.

Oxford Creative Writing: English tea and winding paths

I’m in London and the sun is shining.

Wait – no it’s gone again.

Since arriving here a few days ago I’ve taken a while simply to soak in the atmosphere of the place. The beautiful, old brick houses with their iconic chimneys. The classic double-decker red buses. The interchangeably rainy weather.

And the tea. The cliché doesn’t prepare you enough for the truth. The English really, really like their tea. I think I’ve drunk more tea in these three days than I have for the entire year.

I told my English friend my thoughts and she responded with a very puzzled – “But…if someone comes over to your house what do you do?”

Fair enough.

I’m staying next to this beautifully sprawling cemetery called Abney Park. Paths wind sneakily through verdant greenery, between which gravestones dot the ground in all shapes and sizes. It has been so long since I’ve seen a nettle that I’m actually happy to find them growing in such wild abundance.

Sculptures such as this magnificent lion statue can be stumbled across along many of the narrow paths.

 In the centre (if you can find it) rears this awe-inspiring ruined church. Any place you can find a church older than your own country is a pretty amazing location. 

Damon Meredith is completing AIM Overseas' Oxford Creative Writing Program this July 2012. Damon is currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) at University of Technology Sydney.

New Media for Business and Digital Marketing: Week 2

It’s hard to believe that we are past the halfway mark and there is only 1 week left of both our class, and the adventures that we’ve all been having. The weekend brought a chance for us to check out the local Premium Outlet stores and to do a little too much shopping, and, after we filled the school bus with bags and bags of purchases and presents, we got to experience (my) ultimate enjoyment at a store called Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth – Michigan’s Little Bavaria – that is the home of the most amazing Christmas shop I have ever seen in my life, and also the biggest - open 361 days a year! This was definitely a highlight of the weekend for me; both my roommate and I went crazy with little Christmas ornaments and gifts.

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

On Sunday, it was Luigi’s birthday and in celebration we had a big cake and he rapped for the group, which was amazing! In the spirit of having dessert before dinner we then ventured down to the Roadhouse for a celebratory meal and Karaoke afterwards. I think he really enjoyed his birthday!

Since we’ve all been living together there are some funny things that we’ve picked up from each like taking photo’s of everyone sleeping on the bus, and dropping to do 10 push ups anytime we catch people saying the word ‘MINE’ in a passing conversation. It makes the long bus rides go much faster!

Chris H. doing pushups

Chris L. Sleeping

The week went on as usual with class everyday and then little shopping trips afterwards, followed by dinner and hangs with the rest of the group, and before we knew it, it was Friday again.

Friday brought a super fun adventure to Greenfield Village – a sort of museum of old famous houses that had been all brought together – and the Detroit Tigers game. Greenfield was really interesting and we learnt a lot, also enjoying a ride on a really old carousel that has been around since the 1800’s. After a really nice day exploring the gardens and houses, we headed to Detroit for the much anticipated Detroit Tigers v. Chicago White Sox game at Comerica Park. The major league baseball games are always fun and it was really great to be able to have the full American baseball game experience, especially at such a nail-biting match. We all experienced the typical American baseball food and, of course, also enjoyed some souvenirs from the Detroit Tigers shop.

Greenfield

Tigers game

After an awesome day, we all arrived home at midnight, very tired, but having really enjoyed our trip to Detroit. It’s hard to believe there is only one week to go, and we’re really looking forward to a good sleep, and a beach trip tomorrow to Kellie’s hometown!

Natalie x

Natalie Miller is participating on our New Media for Business and Digital Marketing program at Michigan State University, USA. Natalie is in her second year of a Bachelor of Media and Communications at University of Canberra

Oxford International Human Rights Law – Week 2

Week 2 of the program has certainly been busy! This was the only week where we were scheduled to have classes every day so Friday was a welcome relief for most of us. This week saw us learn about the different human rights systems in the world – we learnt about the African, Inter-American and European systems, something which made the Australians amongst us frustrated at the lack of human rights protection and enforcement mechanisms at home. We also spent time discussing the role of the United Nations in protecting human rights. My afternoon classes focused on 9/11, the NATO bombing of Kosovo and the treatment of prisoners of war and combatants – all extremely thought provoking issues.

Aside from study, we have quickly learnt that the Kings Arms is the best pub on our street and that shopping in Oxford is quite good! Lots of time has been spent trawling the main shopping areas in Oxford on weekends – the big question now is how I’m going to get my luggage down to 20kg for the next leg of my trip! We also had our second formal dinner on Friday night and it was fun to see everyone dressed up and being able to relax for the evening. This was followed by drinks at the college bar and a night out on the town.

The weather has finally gotten better this week although it is still far from ‘summer’. It was nice to be able to get out and explore Oxford and finally not have to wear a jumper everywhere! Fingers crossed the weather stays this way for the rest of our time here!

Another part of the program that I’m really enjoying is meeting new friends from all around the world. Everyone seems to be fascinated by Australian accents! As one of only two non-Americans in one of my classes, I’m being made constantly aware of how differently we pronounce some words, something that has made for some funny discussions. The word ‘combatant’ was subject to a lengthy debate! Having people here from all over the world has also added many different perspectives to our class discussions and I feel like I’m learning just as much from this as from the course content itself.

It’s hard to believe we’re at the half way point of the program now – there’s still so many things I want to do and see in Oxford. With the arrival of the Olympics next week, Oxford, as well as the rest of the UK is buzzing. I know I’m certainly looking forward to donning my green and gold next weekend watching Australia play at the hockey.

Until next time… 

 Lindsey 

Lindsey Chu is participating on our Oxford International Human Rights Law Program in the UK. Lindsey is in her 5th year of Bachelor of Communications/Law at University of Newcastle.

Experiencing Italian Business Excellence: Week 3

The week began with a field trip to Piacenza for our SME and Industrial Clusters class. It was a fantastic day.  

First we visited a small family run winery, La Tosa. Stefano, one of the brothers who initially founded the winery as a hobby which has now turned into a full time job, took us on a tour. He was a character and he talked the whole time...without even stopping for a breath! The passion for his work really came out in the way he described his wines, describing the flavours as if he was talking about a person. He gave each variety a personality.  

During the tour we were taken through the wine museum (currently a work in progress), followed by the cellars.

Stefano explaining the intricacies of wine making at La Tosa

He was even nice enough to allow us to have a tasting. 

 Following a short drive through the countryside (which was beautiful!), we stopped for lunch at a family run restaurant and farm.

Here we met Sophie the Ostrich, along with a few geese, goats, donkeys and a cow.

Following lunch it was off to yet another winery, Catina Di Vicobarone. This is a larger scale winery and here we were shown the bottling process and cellars.
 

 Followed by some more tasting.

 That Tuesday night we were lucky enough to get tickets to the Opera, Don Pasquale at La Scala. A fantastic occasion to get dressed up!

The theatre was very elaborate, and we had quite good seats.

The show was in Italian, but were little screens on the chairs with subtitles so we were able to follow the storyline. It was a fantastic show and the performers were amazing. I had a really nice night, and would definitely like to go back again.

Friday was yet another field trip. This time to Gucci headquarters in Florence. Getting up at 5am for the 4 hour bus trip was tough, but once there it was worth it. Here we saw the complete production for creating just one bag, which takes around 2 days as everything is made by hand. 

A few of us decided to stay the night in Florence. Most of our time in Florence was spent walking through the city just enjoying the scenery, and a fair bit of shopping. I really enjoyed my time in Florence, it's a beautiful city, I wish I had more time to spend there.

Emma.

Emma Paine is participating on our July 2012 Experiencing Italian Business Program in Milan. Emma is currently in her 2nd year of a Bachelor of Business Administration at University of Canberra

An Experience of a Lifetime

They say that being alone is when you truly find yourself. Coming to the US, I had so many emotions that engulfed me and one of them was that I was scared. I was just about to be far from my family, from help and from my comfort zone. When I arrived, I was amazed at how comfortable I instantly became with the other students, the group became my family and my friends. I am still puzzled by this as I am usually an introvert, I guess its life’s way of making one adapt.

The experience I have had here would never measure to any. Just when I thought I knew who I was and what I wanted, life changed. This experience has opened new horizons for me. A word of advice for other travelers is; go with an open mind, try new things and open your eyes to new experiences. As Jerry Gillies stated, “You will recognize your own path when you come upon it, because you will suddenly have all the energy and imagination you will ever need."

Sally Mukii is participating on our New Media for Business and Digital Marketing in the USA. Sally is completing her Bachelor of Law and Marketing at at the University of Canberra.

A trip to the British Museum!

The Front of the British Museum - it's very impressive!

On Saturday I went on an excursion with the summer school to the British Museum down in London. It wasn't a guided tour; we were in charge of ourselves, and didn't even have to stay in the museum if we wanted to go elsewhere in London. I wanted to stay at the museum, and did so all day. These photos will demonstrate why; they are a sample from over two hundred that I took!

The original Rosetta Stone

 The British Museum is incredible, if you ever have a chance to visit it, even for a few hours, it is an incredible experience, even for people who aren't usually interested in museums.

A beautiful marble carving of Venus (Aphrodite) the goddess of love, from the ancient Greek and Roman exhibit

Today I finally went punting on the river Cam. It's been on my to-do list since I got here, and now, after two full weeks, I've finally done it! I wasn't at all brave enough to hire one and take it out on my own as some people do, so I went with a group of other tourists with a guide who did all the punting. It was quite a relaxing experience: the boat sits quite high in the water, it rocks gently as you're propelled along by the punter's pole, and the sites along the Backs are incredible. The Backs is the name for the route that the water course takes, which is literally along the backs of some of the colleges. You can see King's college, Queen's college, the university library, St Clare's college, Trinity college, and several others. Our punter gave us a brief history of each of the important buildings we passed, the bridges we went under, a short history of the town itself and of punting. And we only bumped into a few other boats.

A reconstruction of an elaborate golden headdress worn by an ancient Mesopotamian queen - Queen Puabi. She was buried in this headdress

This week I have started a new schedule of classes. In the morning after breakfast I go to my class called Versions of the Tragic, and each lesson we talk about a different tragic play that we've all previously read. I'm not at all well-versed in tragedies, so I took this class to learn more about the genre of tragedy. After this class we have a plenary lecture, which we must all attend. These are a series of lectures given on the theme of triumph and disaster, and we've heard about topics as diverse as Virginia Woolf's 'To the Lighthouse', Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra', and the psychology of C.S. Lewis. These lectures are given by various members of Cambridge university teaching staff, and it's really interesting to observe the different teaching styles and the different approaches to the topics we've heard. After the plenary lecture we are given an hour and forty-five minutes for lunch, which we buy for ourselves. There is a sandwich shop directly below my room at St Catherine's, so I usually buy a panini from there for lunch. At 2:00pm we go back to class, which for me is Power and Wonder in 'The Tempest'. This class is a bit more in-depth than other classes I've had here because we focus on only one play and are going through it act by act. This is very helpful for me because I am writing an essay for this class.

A famous hunting horn, carved from an elephant's tusk, used during the time of forest law after 1066

Breakfast and dinner are provided for us at college. Breakfast is a large buffet in the dining hall with everything from cereal to croissants with cream cheese: orange juice, grapefruit juice, tea, coffee, cereal, toast, yoghurt, you name it! We can also go into the kitchen where we can have bacon, eggs, sausages, fried tomatoes, hash browns and porridge. 

A Christian wood-panel painting of St Paul

 Dinner is a served sit down three course meal. Each night is different, but it's always delicious! For example, last night we had fruit for entree, kebabs, rice and stir-fried vegetables for mains, and mango sorbet with wafers for dessert.

Chess pieces from a medieval chess set found on a beach in Scotland

A carving of the Aztec god of death and blood-ritual

The weather has been very erratic the entire time I've been here. It was raining when I first arrived, then overcast the following day, then sunny the day after that! And that pattern has happened more or less every week: it will be sunny for an afternoon, then at night it will rain, then the whole next day will be dry but overcast.  All the locals I've talked to have said that it is very unusual for it to rain so much at this time of year, and I've heard that there's even flooding in other parts of the UK.

Fortunately I brought an umbrella :-)

Jemimah 

Jemimah Halbert is participating on our Cambridge Literature Summer School Program in the UK. Jemimah is currently in her 3rd year of a Bachelor of Arts at Edith Cowan University.