Five Regis College students traveled this June to Oxford, England, for a faculty-led education abroad program that immersed them in one of the world's most renowned academic communities while offering a firsthand look at the British education system.
Led by Dr. Barbara Appold, the Comparative Education program at St. Clare's Oxford combined classroom learning with site visits, school observations, and cultural experiences that challenged students to examine education through a global lens. Throughout the week, students observed classes at St. Clare's International Baccalaureate World School and St. Nicholas' Primary School, attended seminars led by University of Oxford faculty and education experts, and explored how educational policy, access, and culture shape learning in the United Kingdom.
"Our experience at St Clare's, Oxford was far more than just an academic opportunity—it was a journey into one of the most inspiring educational environments in the world! We had excellent guides who showed us the way students live and learn in the UK and also had the opportunity to visit some extraordinary museums and cultural landmarks," said Dr. Appold. "I would recommend this experience to anyone!"
Beyond the classroom, students experienced Oxford's centuries-old academic tradition through walking tours of the city's historic colleges, including New College and Christ Church, while also visiting museums, Blenheim Palace, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath.
For many students, the experience transformed the way they think about education.
"I realize now that terms like 'public school' can mean something very different depending on the national context," reflected Jouel Gomez EdD’28. "I will also pay closer attention to how school structure, funding, and governance influence equity, access, and educational opportunities. As someone who works in leadership, this reminds me not to make assumptions about systems that may look familiar on the surface but actually operate very differently underneath."
Education major Shannon Cunniff ‘27 was particularly struck by the emphasis on cultural learning in British classrooms.
"At both Saint Nicholas' Primary School and St. Clare's, I liked how the students learn about a variety of cultures through their assignments and conversations with their peers," she reflected. "It was impressive to see students of different ages create artwork that connected to a variety of cultures."
By combining academics with international immersion, the Oxford program exemplifies Regis’ commitment to preparing students to become globally minded educators and leaders. Through direct engagement with international education systems, students returned with new perspectives and a deeper appreciation for the universal power of education.
Students who participated in the program included Jouel Gomez EdD’28, Michele Cleasby EdD’28, Marisa Carrasquillo EdD’28, Ambar Rodriguez G’28, and Shannon Cunniff ‘27.