Noel Seo
Noel Seo - Stanford in Oxford
Major: Sociology
Minor: Ethics in Society & Human Rights
College year while abroad: Junior
About the photo: From the fever dream trip to Malta!
Contact
Email Noel or schedule an appointment
Q&As
Why did you choose to study abroad in Oxford?
I've spent my entire life in NorCal, so the idea of venturing far, far away during college was a really attractive option. Traveling around Europe with friends has always been a dream of mine, and London Heathrow's extensive connections to all the destinations on my list made it the perfect gateway. Oxford's rich academic culture was another huge draw—I'm a total sucker for cozy cafes and have always wanted to study in the kind of libraries I saw in the Harry Potter movies.
What were your expectations before you went and how did those change once you arrived in Oxford?
The weather in Europe is what you'd expect, especially in the winter. I thought I would have trouble adjusting to the culture, but the orientation activities helped me really bond with the people in my Stanford House cohort. You get to hang out with people you traditionally would not have crossed paths with back at Stanford, and they were all super friendly and studying interesting things. I also expected to have more time to travel and get acquainted with the Oxford Uni students, but my tutorial ended up taking most of my time (but in a good way).
What were some of the academic benefits from studying abroad in Oxford?
Personally, taking a deep dive into international human rights law was my highlight of my study abroad experience. Oxford's tutorial system is structured differently than Stanford's, prioritizing in-depth, one-on-one conversations. I found the weekly conversations with an expert in the field to be invaluable, and I was fortunate enough to find a study partner and good friend in another Stanford student taking the same tutorial. You'd often find us grinding out our essays in the Stanford House library from 9pm-9am the day before they were due, bouncing argument ideas off each other and providing moral support.
What did you learn about yourself while you were studying abroad?
Studying at Oxford boosted my confidence in several ways. It helped me learn how to feel secure and content while away from my family and closest friends. Academically, I was lucky to have a tutor that encouraged me to ask questions and form opinions on controversial issues. It was my first time reading through international court cases on human rights, but his confidence in my ability to learn pushed me the best ways to put my strongest effort in my essays and tutorial sessions.
What was the most challenging experience you encountered while you were abroad and what did you learn from it?
Learning how to travel with people. Even with some of my closest friends, navigating stressful international situations, accommodating people's living/travel preferences, and prioritizing what activities to do in such a short period of time (usually a weekend!) proved to be a huge learning curve for my personal growth. I wish there was a clear-cut answer, but the weekend trips throughout my study abroad quarter helped me get used to being more flexible and understanding about traveling with others. Things aren't going to perfectly the way you want it to, so get used to going with the flow!
What was the biggest cultural adjustment you had to make?
Being on time to everything! I've operated in 'California time" my entire life and at Stanford, but people there expect you to arrive early and be mindful of their time (as they should). Working on making this a habit back home.
What was your favorite part of your everyday life in Oxford?
Getting my daily raspberry donut and iced vanilla latte from Crosstown.
What was the most memorable experience you had while you were in Oxford?
We booked tickets to Malta, an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, on a whim. Hours before our 7am flight, we realized that no one had checked in and the airline was telling us they ran out of seats. Panicking and arguing ensues. Fast forward to us getting no sleep and drenched in the rain trekking to the bus station, where we'd take a 2-hour ride to Heathrow (yes you have to do this every time you travel). We were rewarded with the first warm weather we'd seen in months. The best (and most chaotic) trip hands down.
What 5 words would you use to describe your experience?
Fever dream but writing nonstop.
What was your favorite food or music?
Laufey. She released Goddess while I was in Oxford, and something about her music fits the bill for walking down High Street and traveling in Europe.
What was the most valuable item you took with you on the program?
My battery pack. Your future self and friends will thank you.