<p>So how’s Kenyon, then?! (apologies if it is Grinnell…). </p>
<p>You are trying to fit several competing elements into one square box, so my core advice is to sort out which is the most important one to you, and go from there. Is it living in a foreign culture? is it experiencing a different kind of learning? is it going to the core of your subject?</p>
<p>But, since you asked…I would suggest going with either TCD, Edinburgh, or Oxford. All will give you the possibility* of great academic modules. All are in manageably sized towns/cities, that are close enough to big cities to make them viable weekend getaway options (London and Paris are 1-2 hours away** from each). This will not only let you get to know a place, but to have a very different type of college experience than you are having now, as the universities are porous to the town/city. IMO, going to another rural college would unnecessarily limit your experience. </p>
<p>Yes, there are a lot of visiting Americans (and a fair few full-time ones), but the majority of them are trying to blend in. Part of the reason that Americans (or any minority group) stick together in a new place is that newcomers help each other out- the ‘locals’ (in this case, enrolled students) already know how things work. </p>
<p>The other reason is that the enrolled students have existing friend groups, and it takes a time to come into a group. Not necessarily a long time, but a time. Think of your life now: at the end of a class you get up and - who do you talk to? who do you walk with? at this stage, it is probably nearly automatic. Americans are used to reaching out to the new kid / the new neighbor, but in England and Ireland people are not as quick to approach a stranger (or to talk to people they are standing in line with for that matter). However, they are perfectly happy for Americans to approach them (fits their cultural stereotype). </p>
<p>As for which of the three, I would suggest two pieces of research. First, find out exactly what modules are on offer at each place (not as hard as it sounds, as it will be a very short list at each place), and see if any of them really stand out for you.</p>
<p>Second, try and find out where you will be living. At a guess, Edinburgh is the most likely to be sure of being in a central location. When you walk / bike / bus / train everywhere, that can make a difference. Not a deal breaker, but a factor.</p>
<p>Two random notes:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>If your study abroad program is fully integrated with Oxford, be aware that the terms are short: just 8 weeks, and very, very intense. You will write at least 1 and (probably) in alternating weeks 2, essays (papers) (from scratch, including the reading part) every week. You will have time to play, but it will definitely be the most academically challenging. Oxford officially does not like you to go away for the weekend during term (some colleges still have the rule that you are meant to get permission, though I doubt anybody does). </p></li>
<li><p>Think about a things that you enjoy (academic or not) and look for that ‘society’ (club) at whichever place you go. It is a great way to broaden your base of friends quickly, and the groups often travel. Note that you don’t have to study (insert subject) to join their soc. For example, you can join the archaeology soc and go on their field trips if you are interested. </p></li>
</ul>
<p>Good luck. Honestly, you won’t go wrong with any of the choices: it is a true cliche- it will be what you make of it.</p>
<p><em>not a guarantee, as sadly there are better and less good teachers everywhere
*</em>using different forms of transport of course!</p>