International Students

"Life at Merton I think would be inspiring whatever your culture or your background. I'm half-French and half-American and have lived most of my life in Paris. I felt that the people here at Merton were very welcoming and eager to explain any cultural things that were strange to me, as well as curious to find out about my own experiences.

I quickly discovered the fundamentals of British culture - such as Rugby (I've become the women's rugby captain!), crazy (yet subtle) TV shows, beer (though perhaps not to the extent I'd expected)... There was also a definite effort on the part of the JCR to help international students by publishing an international student guide and hosting an international students' tea at the beginning of term.

A fair amount of people at Merton come from an international background which creates a proud little community. There is a good proportion of Mertonians that have taken gap years abroad to such exotic places as Tanzania, Argentina and Ghana as well. It's cool to hear about their experiences too, and helps to develop an open-minded community with lots of different ideas about the world. I think that's probably one of things I enjoy the most about Merton, the possibility of talking and debating with people who have such varied and interesting idea. If that's what floats your boat too, then you should definitely apply to Merton!"