Hear from our Students: What is it really like to study at St Clare’s International College? 

Alumni tell their stories

 

Are you interested in becoming a future student at St Clare’s International College?

Are you curious and want to know more about the experiences of past students? To help you out, we spoke to a few alumni and asked them what their experiences at St Clare’s in Oxford was like, how the programmes they studied, helped them pursue their careers and what advice they would give to future students.

In the previous article, we explored Margot’s story.

Here today is the story of alumnus Michiel Landsmeer who is 20 years old and comes from the Netherlands. Michiel completed the English plus Academic Subjects programme at the St Clare’s International College in 2024. He is currently in his second year studying International Politics at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands.

 

How did you hear about St. Clare’s and why did you decide to study here?

After I graduated from high school, I knew I wanted to take a gap year, but I had no idea what I would do in my gap year. So I went to an agency that advised me what I could do in my gap year. They came up with studying abroad in Oxford at St Clare’s and when I heard that I knew that that’s what I wanted to do.

Why did you decide to do this programme?

So I decided to do this programme because I was not a hundred percent sure what I wanted to study at university. I’ve always been interested in International Relations and Politics. So when I saw that St Clare’s offered this programme with these International Relations and Politics classes, I decided I wanted to do this programme, so I could find out if this field is really something I wanted to pursue.

Which academic subjects did you study, and which did you find most impactful?

I studied Introduction to Politics, International Relations, and Painting. I found my International Relations class the most impactful, because of the time we are living in. We discussed current events in world’s Politics and International Relations which was very interesting and had a big impact on my knowledge about the world.

How did the programme help improve your English and academic skills?

It helped a lot! My English has improved significantly and I still use a bunch of stuff that I learned today. I noticed when I started University that I already knew so much about International Relations and Politics because of my classes in Oxford.

How did this programme prepare you for university studies or further education?

It helped me with understanding a lot of the basics of what I’m currently studying, and the English class improved my English reading, so now when I have to read a research paper that is written in English, it’s much easier for me to follow it.

Did the programme influence your career goals or open up new job opportunities?

Well, it really helped me with realising that I really want to work in International Affairs. Not specifically the programme, but rather the side of studying and living in a foreign country also made me realise that I want to work in a foreign country.

Can you share an example of how the skills you gained have been useful in your studies or work?

I remember last year in one of my classes here in Leiden, the professor started talking about a specific subject, about wars. We discussed that subject back in Oxford too, so I knew exactly what the professor was talking about. I remember my friend, who was in my class, had never heard of the terms the professor was using, but I did.

How did your time in Oxford change your perspective on learning, culture, or life in general?

It made me look much more critically at specific things in the world. I also try to look at things from both sides. Oxford also reminded me of how beautiful the world can be and that I don’t want to live in the Netherlands for my entire life.

What advice would you give to future students considering this programme?

Do it! It’s still the best thing I have ever done. You’re going to meet great people and new friends. I even met my girlfriend in Oxford. Enjoy every second of it, because the time is going to fly! Also, go out and explore, don’t completely focus on your studies. You are in a foreign country that you might have never been to before. So explore not only Oxford, but everything the whole UK has to offer.

 

This is the end of our short interview series with St Clare’s International College’s alumni. We discovered stories shaped by ambition and how these students, with perseverance, saw their goals turned into reality. We hope their journeys inspire you to consider applying for one of St Clare’s International College’s programmes.

If you missed any of the earlier student interviews and want to read them, you can find links to my previous articles here:

To stay connected with campus life, follow St Clare’s, Oxford on social media. We look forward to welcoming you!

Written by Loredana – University Foundation Programme 2026

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