d'Overbroeck's College Oxford

Below you can read about the experiences of some of our current ISC students:

David:

It has already been three months that we have been together but it feels like we have been living with each other forever. Now apart from our families in our home countries, we have another big family in Oxford. Look at the fellows next to you and start thinking of how many things you have been through together. Don’t you think that there is a deeper relationship than just schoolmates? Everything that we have done during this period has helped us to develop greater feelings. One of the things to mention is the pantomime that was the biggest event and the most successful. Every one of us comes to school with a smile on our faces in contrast with teens in other schools; this is due to our teachers. They are called so only because they give us knowledge but they treat us as adults. They, like our parents, help us everyday so we will have a better future tomorrow. Who of us ever thought that we would be mixing with Chinese, Russians and Albanians? Apart from school, this is a life experience that is enriching everyone.

Alice:

We’ve been here and lived together as a big family for over 3 months. After a fabulous Christmas holiday, we met again. Now, there are 9 new students joining us this term. To the new students, perhaps this is the first time that you have been to the UK. You might have a few problems, such as homesickness or culture shock. Don’t be shy to ask questions to all of the staff or students here, or your host family - everyone will be glad to answer you.

Darya:

We’ve already spent 2 months in this new world for all of us. When we arrived here in September, everything seemed to be so new and exciting. We met students from different countries. In the beginning it was quite hard to get acquainted with everybody and start to talk to foreign people, but then this period passed and now, when I look back I can’t understand how we could’ve lived without knowing each other before. Now, the school is like home for all of us, I wish that in the New Year all the students will be just as friendly to our new members.

Childress:

If you are the first time studying in the UK, you might feel homesick. Don’t worry! That’s normal to everyone. More talking to others and joining in with activities will help you feel better. The weather in the UK is terrible! Never believe the weather report and the umbrella should be your closest friend.

Elena:

I hope that everybody will agree with me that we had a wonderful first term full of excitement, jokes and joy. But we also had a lot of work to be done. We all had to adapt to the new country, new rules and also to each other. We managed to stage a wonderful pantomime (of course not without the help of our teachers) and also the students that have joined the dance club have done a great job.

Jenny:

Personally, I enjoy d'Overbroeck's ISC very much. In September, we were alone in England with no parents or friends, feeling a bit excited and nervous. But now, we have friends - not just friends, but international friends from all over the world! We get on well with all the lovely teachers who help us a lot during these days. The improvement of our English is huge and obvious. We did really enjoy the first term. To all the new students joining us this January, you are welcomed to this big family. We empathise with your situation as only four months ago we were in your shoes. But you will get by and enjoy it here as much as we do. Finally, you are most welcome to come to us for any help.I wish we will all be prosperous in the second term.