Caitlin - Oxford
BA in Oriental Studies - University of Oxford
Hi, my name is Caitlin (but everyone calls me Cat!) and I recently graduated from the University of Oxford with a First Class Honours in Oriental Studies (Japanese). I am currently working with my tutor to prepare my dissertation for publication in an international relations and security studies journal, and from next year I will pursing a Masters Degree in International Relations with a focus on security studies.
My degree was highly interdisciplinary: in the first year we studied under a professor of a different discipline fortnightly (archeology, classical literature, linguisitcs, modern history, modern literature, politics, economics and anthropology). I then further specialised taking options in modern Japanese history, modern Japanese literature, trauma studies, conflict and security studies (focus of my dissertation), and two modules in international relations focusing on the Sino-Japanese American tripartite relationship. I also pursued policy studies outside of my degree and worked for the Kazakhstan Government advising them on sustainable investment policies particularly in relation to metallurgy, allowing me to present to the Kazakhstan Ambassador to the UK, and having our research published on the website of the UK Kazakhstan Embassy.
Due to the nature of my degree, I have a thorough understanding of literary theory, and practise in writing literature essays, and can also provide support in history, security, and international relations essays. Moreover, I understand translation theory and good translation practises so can help students improve in their translation, particularly high-level literary translation from Japanese into English, in both classical and modern Japanese.
Finally, I achieved huge success on my degree despite being dyslexic - I developed the study techniques to achieve a strong First Class Honours from never having achieved a First Class essay within my first year. I was given personalised study-skills support for dyslexic students, so I know how to help others unlock their full potential, even if they have a specific learning disability. I can teach specific study techniques, reading techniques, time-management and planning techniques for dyslexic students.
Prior to attending Oxford University I was a full-time ESL teacher for three years. I taught in Japan, Vietnam and Korea, both in-person and online, in order to help students applying for universities abroad to succeed in both their IELTS exams,academic interviews and personal statements. From this time I developed a keen understanding of how to develop a personalised curriculum for each student that allows them to reach their full-potential and works with that individual student's strengths, weaknesses and goals.
When teaching university students within Vietnam, my students scored on average 20 IELTS points higher than any other teacher within the school due to my engaging, challenging curriculum.
I am also in the unique position that I was offered a place at both Oxford and Cambridge University (Cambridge when I was 18, although I chose not to take up my place) and at Oxford when I was 21. Therefore, I have a unque insight into the differences and similarities within the Cambridge and Oxford application processes for applying to AMES and Oriental Studies respectively. I have also previously tutored students at my high school for entrance into Oxford and Cambridge.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions at support@doxa.co.uk
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