A personal perspective… On study abroad in Cheltenham, England
The Cotswold Cottages are a popular tourist attraction. They are the most photographed of any other place in the Cotswolds. / photo by Tanessa Dillard
story and photography by Tanessa Dillard
I thought studying abroad in England would be a good opportunity to grow as a writer. I would spend my days in gardens and in the countryside, writing and being inspired.
The photographs in the Study Abroad brochures led me to believe that Cheltenham was an old English village. On arrival, I found it to be a modern town, with a shopping mall, charity shops (thrift stores), dance clubs, even American fast food. The hills and sheep are not far away, but my experience as a student at Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education has given me more stories than I ever imagined having to write about.
Peter Whiteley, Cheltenham director of Brethren Colleges Abroad, discusses the local customs. “When in a pub, do not ask for soda,” he told us. The locals refer to all soft drinks as Coke or Pepsi. / photo by Tanessa Dillard
The college has three campuses, three libraries and three bars. Students generally party every night of the week. “This is our last chance to have fun, before we go out into the real world to get jobs,” they say. If our education was as inexpensive and loan free as theirs, we might say the same thing.
Living in England, I have easily learned to appreciate the fact the streets are gun-free. Even the police do not carry them. Knowing this has made me feel extremely safe. At a college event I attended, students were actually patted down at the door by security for water guns. I am used to being checked for real weapons, not toys.
I have joined a club, volunteered at a women’s refuge, written a book, spent a day wandering the streets of London alone. I have met many interesting people, as well. Someday I will return to England and write in the countryside like I originally planned. I did not expect to grow such a fondness for Cheltenham. I have to appreciate it now while I can.
According to Whiteley, Cheltenham’s Corner Store has “everything” we might possibly want to buy. / photo by Tanessa DillardEven though I live in a house, I have to go elsewhere to wash my clothes. I loaded my laundry to the laundrette to find it very expensive to wash. A normal-sized load, which is considered a large load at the laundrette, cost two pounds and fifty pence, about $4. / photo by Tanessa DillardThis home on Leckhampton Road is where I will be living during my stay in Cheltenham. / photo by Tanessa DillardAt the house I live at in Cheltenham, even the simplicity of a small garden, complete with pond, is enough to inspire me. I have designated the table and chair there to be my writing station. / photo by Tanessa DillardIn Bath, Whiteley talks with Francis Schodowski about the ancient Roman baths. / photo by Tanessa DillardAccording to legend, Devil’s Chimney, on Leckhampton Hill comes straight out of Hell. Supposedly witches were burned there. / photo by Tanessa DillardIf I had seen the warning sign at the bottom of Leckhampton Hill before I began the hike, I might have decided not to climb to the top. / photo by Tanessa DillardULV junior Charlotte Spencer takes a break from sightseeing to marvel at the grounds of Warwick Castle. / photo by Tanessa DillardOn a day trip to Warwick Castle, I found a spot that was tourist-free. From there, I admired a stream and the rest of the countryside, even though it had started to rain. / photo by Tanessa DillardJennifer Ford, from Fresno Pacific College, looks at the view from a tower at Warwick Castle. / photo by Tanessa Dillard
Kay Murray’s extensive record as a soccer journalist in three different countries speaks for itself. The host of beIN Sports’ “The Express Xtra,” born in Middlesbrough, England, was an anchor at Spanish club Real Madrid’s TV for six years and co-hosted the Ballon d’Or 2011 and 2012 ceremonies.
I thought studying abroad in England would be a good opportunity to grow as a writer. I would spend my days in gardens and in the countryside, writing and being inspired.
