Nineteen-year-old Matthew Anderson is about to embark on a trip of a lifetime.
The Cayman-born, Kansas-based student is travelling to England this week to begin a six-month study programme at the University of Oxford.
‘I’m very excited,’ said Matthew, who will be taking philosophy and history tutorials at the prestigious institution as part of its Study Abroad Programme.
Matthew, who completed his second year at Kansas State University, plans to become a philosophy professor. With Oxford widely recognized as one of the world’s great centres for philosophy – many of its professors are international leaders in their fields – Matthew expects the experience will open up a world of opportunity.
‘Oxford has the strongest philosophy department in Europe, if not the world. Being able to have one-on-one contact with well-known professors in my field will help a lot.’
He added just soaking up the atmosphere at Oxford will be an experience in itself – it’s the oldest university in the English-speaking world, dating back some nine centuries.
Matthew, who holds British citizenship, is also looking forward to immersing himself in a different culture and country, and exploring the many historical and cultural attractions.
‘Just the experience alone of being in England will be great.’
Matthew was born in Cayman but has lived in Kansas since elementary school. His parents, William and Rhonda Anderson, lived there until he completed high school, since returning to Cayman.
He says support from his parents has meant a great deal.
‘Grades were always important to me and they definitely encouraged me.’
It was while he was a freshman in high school that Matthew developed a keen interest in history and philosophy, and pursuing an academic track. He and his friends would get together for casual discussions, often spurred on by books their teachers had suggested.
‘My friends and I didn’t talk about girls and sports – we talked about history and philosophy. We’d get together and throw around ideas.
‘That friendship – and my own desire for knowledge and search for truth – led to (my) interest in philosophy.’
Matthew leaves Friday for England, and begins his studies at the end of the month. His time spent at Oxford will be credited toward his degree at Kansas State.
The study abroad programme makes it possible for qualified students to study in Oxford for a semester, usually at the same cost, or less, than in their home college.
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