Positive but difficult! September 13, 2023
By Vered B (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/01/2022 to 06/18/2023 with
Hertford College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program
I learned a lot academically. I learned how to write and read much faster. I also practiced and improved my skills with thinking on my feet because in class a professor will ask a question and either you and your tutoring partner if you have one will have to answer. I also learned about myself. This program was really difficult both academically but also emotionally. The UK is not an easy place to be a foreigner in.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically, my experience was fantastic. Oxford academics are so different from American academics. This program gave me the opportunity to jump in without support and learn a new way to learn. The program also helped me to develop skills that the American system doesn't cultivate. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was administered by the sweetest director of visiting students. She helped me with housing accommodations and was very supportive at the beginning when I needed it the most. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was lucky to live with British students instead of the other international students which I feel gave me a more authentic experience. The room was nice and large. There was a nice sink and while the bathroom was shared it wasn't a problem. The kitchen on our floor was also nice. |
| * Food: |
The food at college was not great for me because I keep kosher but for other people it was fine. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There are many niche Oxford traditions that you slowly learn about over time. It might have been nice to have more of a crash course in those things. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't experience many issues with health care. However, the over the counter medicines are different and that was tricky to figure out. Everything has a different name. |
| * Safety: |
Fine. My housing was sometimes a far walk and at night that was hard. There is a substantial homeless population and drunk college students around at night so walk with a friend! |
| 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) |
Oxford is an expensive place both food, transport, and otherwise. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
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 wish that I knew how difficult it would be. I also wish I knew some more of the differences between America and the UK. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
