The City of Magic Past Review
By A student (History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/01/2015 to 08/08/2015 with
IFSA: Oxford - Oxford University St. Peter's College Summer Program
This experience was very worthwhile. Academically, I learned how to make my essays more concise. Socially I pushed myself and was able to being more independent.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My history class was a modified version of the typical Oxford tutorial system. Therefore, I had class 2 times a week (with 5 other students) and had an essay due at the beginning of the week which I would later receive feedback on. Though intensive the resources were incredible. We were given access to both St Peters library as well as the Bodleian. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The GREs were always there to help or answer any questions. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a single bedroom with a sink included in the room. The room was much nicer than any other American university rooms I have seen and the Scouts were always so helpful and friendly. |
| * Food: |
Given that this is a university dining hall, the food was overall quite good. There was always a number of options to eat and I cannot complain. If you weren't satisfied with the options in college there are a number of amazing restaurants and food trucks at reasonable prices close by. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt integrated with Oxford, it felt like another home. I know many who went out to local pubs and had an nice time with the locals. I had minimal interaction with the locals, however, those I had were very nice. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any health issues nor do I know any who did. But the administration in Oxford were very helpful with any issues we had. |
| * Safety: |
Oxford is a safe place, however, it is a city. You have to be careful between 11-1 when the pubs are closing up. You should take precautions which you would in any city, however, I had no safety issues at Oxford and always felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
4--If you need to stay on a budget you can. I was able to stay on a minimal budget until it came to present buying but that could easily have been avoided. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more about the Wales Excursion and what it covered. Also I wish we knew that we had High Table ever week (some didn't bring the appropriate clothing for all 5 weeks). |
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! |
