Oxford: A lot of work but worth it. Past Review
By Melanie H (English and American Literatures, Middlebury College) for
Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies - Oxford
I had a great time abroad. Living abroad made me a learn a lot about myself as well as British culture. I can't wait to go back to England.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The American educational system is much more handson. At Oxford, students are expected to do a great deal of the work on their own but are not allowed much room for creative freedom or expression. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was always helpful but not very organized. We did not receive a syllabus for one class until we were almost halfway through it. This disorganization created a stressful environment for the first class, which took up the first month of school. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The location was great. Sheets and cookware were provided, which was excellent, but many of us felt trapped in our dorm quite a bit because we had classes there. |
| * Food: |
The dining hall was not great but it was a good place to mingle with people from other programs and students at the University. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We went on a lot of field trips, which were great. They were by far the best part of the program. I wish they could have continued throughout the semester but they only lasted for the first month. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt very safe. |
| 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 would suggest that students considering my program try many different clubs and organizations when they arrive in Oxford. Playing rugby really helped me acclimate to being in Oxford. |
