Oxford: A Rewarding Challenge Past Review
By Laura I (English and American Literature, Middlebury College) for
Arcadia: Oxford - University of Oxford
Yes, I learned a lot about my subject and my own academic needs. I know now that I don't want to attend graduate school for literature, because the solitary nature of that work does not suit me. However, I will carry the things I learned about England and lit in general with me for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was heavy -- we were expected to work eight hours every day, mostly by ourselves. There were a few lectures every week that weren't mandatory or referred back to in any way. I had a one-hour tutorial every week and a half-hour tutorial every week, for which I would write an essay that we would discuss during our meeting. The grading system is different, since a 75% is the equivalent of an A. There was much less contact time at Oxford - for me only an hour and a half each week. So, most of the time is spent reading and writing on your own, which can be difficult to adjust to but that comes with its own benefits. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Arcadia did a good job with orientation, giving us all the information and support we needed to start at Oxford. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The dining hall served good food, but didn't have very many options. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The orientation was well-arranged and some of the people I met on my program were my very good friends throughout the experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I did have to visit a doctor during my stay, and it was extremely easy and helpful. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think someone who likes to delve deeply into one subject would appreciate this program. There is a lot of work, and it is almost all solitary, so it can sometimes be a challenge because it is so different from the educational program in the U.S. However, the one-on-one tutorial system allows for very personalized course plans and great conversations. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Creative Writing |
| Course Department: | English |
| Instructor: | Sian Hughes |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a really fun and fruitful course. The tutor and I would discuss my current work and she would give me helpful edits, book suggestions, and writing drills. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Victorian Literature |
| Course Department: | English |
| Instructor: | Rosalyn Gregory |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | This was a great tutorial that allowed me to pick my own books to read and the areas I liked to explore within Victorian Lit. The professor brought up interesting points and facilitated discussion well. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No. |
