Scholarship Spotlight: The Routledge Scholarship at the Department of Education

Each year, Routledge and St Edmund Hall award a scholarship to one outstanding student taking the MSc in Education (Comparative and International Education) at the Department.

The course is a full-time, one-year master’s degree that offers students an understanding of the factors that shape the development and trajectories of educational systems in different parts of the world. Students develop the research skills to compare policy choices and critically evaluate the major debates in the delivery of public and private education.

This year’s recipient of the Routledge Scholarship is Alexandra Drexler. After completing a bachelor’s degree and working for more than a decade, Alexandra came to Oxford to enhance her knowledge of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of education. She adds: “I knew that Oxford was the perfect place to delve into the ideas of scholars from around the world, to enhance my knowledge and provide me with new perspectives on this profession which is my passion as well.”

Alexandra’s love of the subject developed early on: “I grew up in North Carolina and had my first international education experience as part of a month-long high school exchange to Germany. This inspired me to explore the world and other cultures.”

After studying International Affairs at George Washington University, she took part in the International Parliamentary Scholarship, working in the German Parliament, and taught in German schools through the Fulbright Program. She explains that “both experiences solidified my passion for educational and professional exchange programs. I transitioned from participant to organiser, which led me to my current role as Assistant Director of Placement Programs at Cultural Vistas. After a few years in this role, establishing the team to lead the Congress–Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program, I knew it was time to gain some additional theoretical and academic perspective to ensure the success of this program and future exchanges.”

Alexandra notes that the Routledge Scholarship has “opened so many doors for my experience at Oxford. Without it I would likely not be at Teddy Hall, which has been such an important community. Furthermore, the recognition continues to motivate and validate my academic work in international education. As a practitioner first and an academic second, having the support of the Routledge Scholarship proved to me that the perspectives of practitioner and academic belong together.”

After completing the course, Alexandra hopes to create additional opportunities for international exchange programs, particularly in the area of vocational exchange. She adds: “I wish that everyone could experience the light bulb moment of seeing how something is done in a different culture and learning to appreciate that perspective.”

Alexandra’s MSc dissertation supervisor, Dr Maia Chankseliani, who is Associate Professor of Comparative and International Education and Fellow by Special Election at St Edmund Hall, comments: “The Routledge Scholarship plays a vital role in supporting outstanding students like Alexandra, enabling them to pursue advanced study and contribute to critical debates in education.

“Alexandra brings a unique blend of academic curiosity and professional experience to the MSc in Comparative and International Education. Her deep commitment to international exchange and vocational education is evident in her work, and she has enriched our discussions with insightful perspectives drawn from her professional background.

“It is a pleasure to support her research, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make a meaningful impact in the field of international education. Scholarships like this ensure that talented students can fully engage with their studies and make the most of the opportunities Oxford has to offer.”

Katrina Hulme-Cross, Portfolio Manager at Routledge, adds: “Huge congratulations to Alexandra. Routledge is proud to support the Scholarship and hopes it will serve as a platform for emerging scholars in international and comparative education to further their research and develop their careers.”

We wish Alexandra the very best for the rest of her studies! Visit the ‘Scholarships’ tab on our MSc Education page to find out more about the Routledge scholarship.