How postgraduates living at Goodenough expand their horizons

Claire’s experience

“The Lord Brittan’s Seminar on Carthage and Later Roman Africa was incredible. I feel so lucky to have been on this trip and to have had such unique and fulfilling experiences,” says Goodenough Member, Claire.

At the Bardo Museum, Claire was captivated by “the most gorgeous mosaics I have ever seen”.  She found  learning about Carthaginian and Roman life through these artworks “exhilarating”.

Reading passages from Virgil and Diodorus while standing in the places they discussed at the sites of Carthage was one of the key highlights for Claire. “It was evocative and powerful,” she recalls. From thoughtful debates in the British Ambassador’s residence to meeting members of the local community at the Archbishop’s church, each moment added new layers of meaning to the experience.

“I smile just thinking about walking in the footsteps of Roman settlers at Dougga and hearing Molly, another student on the trip, serenade us with the brilliant acoustics of the theatre,” says Claire.

“This was not a passive learning experience,” Claire emphasizes. Throughout the entire trip Members were actively encouraged to engage, ask questions and share perspectives. “What I learned from my peers felt just as important as what I learned from our wonderful experts. Doing this learning in the physical locations where the history took place made it all the more exciting.”

The trip left a lasting impact: “Everything about this trip was unforgettable. I have made friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” she concludes.

In other Members’ words

“The trip to Tunis was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Walking through ancient Carthage was unforgettable; it was brought to life by historian David Stuttard, whose passion for history made the experience even more special. Meeting the British Ambassador to Tunis, the Bishop of North Africa and local people made the experience even more meaningful. We made lifelong friends, learned so much, and created lasting memories.“ – Molly

“Our seminar in Tunisia, graciously funded by Lady Brittan, has not only enriched my understanding of ancient Carthage, but also gave me the gift of new friendships. I’m forever grateful to have been part of such a special and unique trip.” –  Ninnaku

“As a PhD student working on the Roman Empire, it was a genuinely eye-opening and thought-provoking experience. I hadn’t previously connected Tunisia with my own research interests, and seeing its Roman past firsthand really changed the way I think about the empire and its reach.” – Olga

“Exploring Tunis and Carthage was a journey through time, with Roman ruins, stunning mosaics, and breathtaking views. It’s an experience I will cherish forever, and I’m grateful to Goodenough College for this opportunity.” – Jinal

“The Dean’s trip to Tunis was beyond my expectation. From historic sites to stimulating academic discussions, cultural immersion and global connections, everything was carefully curated. I believe that all of us felt a sense of camaraderie at the end of the trip. I have now truly experienced the meaning of the college motto, both official (‘Unitas In Sapientia: Nemo Separabit’) and unofficial (‘Making everyone else jealous!’). But in all seriousness, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who have made this trip nothing short of awe-inspiring!” – Ardi