Books, Ancient Beauty, and New Best Friends: My Best Semester at Oxford Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic resources and support at Oxford are unmatched. My tutors (professors) were eager to help, but also consistently stetching me intellectually. The libraries' millions and millions of titles provide an incredible foundation for research, and I found that my professors were great at pointing me towards useful resources (providing reading lists each week, putting me in contact with other professors researching similar topics to help me further, etc). Overall, the tutorial system of Oxford pushed me to think for myself, read critically, articulate myself clearly in writing, and evaluate the question from every angle I could.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration of this program (the SCIO staff) were an unwavering support throughout the semester. From weekly afternoon teas to optional field trips, from academic advising meetings to chapel services led by the staff, I could not have asked for more. They call the program "Best Semester" and they really do everything they can to ensure that it is.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved the housing set-up. Thirty-seven of us lived in a 19th century tudor house just a couple of kms outside of the city centre. The house setup fostered great community within the group, and it gave us a place to call home while we were there.

We cooked for ourselves. I had been cooking for myself at college before this semester, so it wasn't a big adjustment, but for some it was. Food in Oxford consists mainly of pubs and cafes, but there are a number of different ethnic restaurants as well. High Street and Cornmarket have some goos pubs, but try Cowley Road for more unique dining epxeriences. Turf Tavern is a must, and the Mitre Pub has a great (and inexpensive!) full English Breakfast.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Program allows to you intergrate as much or as little as you want. I joined the University Chorus, and I got involved with the Student Ministry at a local church in town. I made some wonderful friends at church, and felt that that was a great way to integrate into the local community and culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

Oxford feels very safe to me. I know it has crime like any city, but I felt safe cycling through town, even at night, as there are always students out late in town. Parks close at dusk, and get pretty dark, so I'd recommend sticking to the main roads.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Because we formed cooking groups and cooked for each other at home most nights, food costs were kept low. Most of my expenditures came from buying hot drinks in cafes because it was just SO cold. Bicicles were provided, meaning that there was no expense for transportation/gas (which saves a lot in a place where petrol is $9 per gallon!). Lunches were provided for 5 weeks of the program.

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• Other

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The community of students: driven, caring, fun, intellectual
• The loation: I've never been someplace that encourages so much intellectual activity!
• The courses: I LOVED studying theology under such incredible scholars.

• Make it longer!
• Perhaps make the history course (The British Landscape) optional, as not all of us are budding historians