Maureen and Dirk
Student spotlight details
Belgian couple Maureen Poelman and Dirk De Vis have found The Oxford Experience to be an inspiring blend of learning and cultural exchange. Returning each year to Christ Church, they value the exceptional teaching, international fellowship, and reflective calm that the programme offers.
'We are a married couple living in Belgium. My name is Maureen Poelman, and I am a pharmacist who studied at Ghent University (RUG). My husband, Dirk De Vis, is a lawyer who studied at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). He has also served as Mayor of our village for 24 years. We live in Tessenderlo-Ham, a village situated between Antwerp and Liège, in the Flemish part of Belgium. Although we are both retired, we remain active in our professions.
'It was our lovely eldest daughter, Katelijne De Vis, who first participated in The Oxford Experience through a European scholarship in 2017. She encouraged us to join as well, and we were immediately enthusiastic. We soon discovered that travelling to Oxford by train was very convenient for us.
'In Belgium, our second language is French, so we find it both challenging and rewarding to improve our English. We have always been particularly interested in the wide range of courses offered – especially the history courses. During our first year, we took a course in The East and West Crusades.
'After the lockdown, we accidentally enrolled in an Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) course instead of The Oxford Experience, but we ended up thoroughly enjoying The Founding Fathers. We had to write a 1,500-word paper at the end – not something we were fully prepared for – but in the end, it was a very satisfying experience. For us, nothing compares to studying and staying overnight at Christ Church. In our third year, we took Mary, Queen of Scots; in the fourth year, Alexander the Great; and last year, A Literary Journey Through Latin America.
'Each year, we have found the courses fascinating and have felt deeply engaged. One of the most remarkable aspects of The Oxford Experience is the quality of the tutors. They are exceptionally professional, inspiring, and deeply knowledgeable in their subjects. Their passion for teaching and their ability to create a stimulating and respectful learning environment make every class a true pleasure to attend. The small group setting allows for rich discussions, and the tutors always encourage participation while sharing their expertise with great enthusiasm.
'We would always choose a week in Oxford over a cultural trip to any other country. We love staying at Christ Church – the guest rooms are excellent, quiet and peaceful. We enjoy sharing meals with people from all over the world, attending the evening lectures, and joining the guided bus tour around the local area with our tutor and classmates.
'The tranquillity within the walls of Christ Church is truly a breath of fresh air. You pass through the entrance gate and move from the bustling city of Oxford into the peaceful inner courtyard – a world apart. It feels like an escape from the pressures we place on ourselves; the material hustle of everyday life simply fades away. The week flows gently at its own rhythm, without stress or surprises.
'Discussing a single subject in depth is an intellectual and spiritual refreshment. The small, interactive classes allow you to share ideas and experiences with an international group of participants. You also learn outside the classroom – through relaxed conversations with people from many different countries. As returning participants, we now prepare better each year by reading the recommended books in advance.
'To anyone considering joining The Oxford Experience, our advice is simple: don’t hesitate – just do it. You’ll have the time of your life.'
Photo above: Maureen and Dirk at Christ Church.
