Unlike other summer programs, ORA gives us an opportunity to actually choose our own courses. I chose ORA's Broadening Horizons because of the variety of courses given. As someone who is planning on studying in UK, this was my chance to learn new things and have a look into academic life. It was very important for me to experience this before starting university.
Alumni Spotlight: Katarina Trajković
Katarina is from Serbia and is currently studying Fine Arts in high school. She is planing on studying Archaeology in UK.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program university assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
Two weeks spent with ORA provided me a look into academic life, but also interactions with different people. Hearing different opinions from people with different background was eye opening. This differences were the things that actually got my friends and me together. Our teachers and staff members were very helpful from the very beginning of our program.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
My advice is that everyone should use their time as best as they can. Go to museums, galleries, events or just walk around and meet locals. An opportunity like this should not be spent in their dorm room. There is a time for everything. Also, participating in ORA activities you will have the chance new people and have fun.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
My average day would start at 8 o'clock. There is just enough time to eat and get ready for the first class. Classes start at 9. Classes were very interactive and very helpful. They would finish just in time for lunch. After lunch, we sometimes had afternoon workshops. If not, we mostly had the rest of the day off.
A few times a week, we also had workshops like debate, soap making, zoology, etc. Weekends are for resting, homework and going around the town. At the end of the program, we had a trip to London to see 'Mamma Mia'. Also, there are parties, so bring something elegant.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
As an introvert, this was a big step for me. For the first two days, I would not even go out of my dorm room. Then I made some friends and everything changed. I was more relaxed and I had somebody to talk to. Overcoming my problems was great, especially in situations like this. Also, skills that I gained while in Oxford are going to help me in my academic and non-academic life, for sure.