Personal Growth and Fulfillment in the City of Dreaming Spires Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, Brandeis University) - abroad from 07/04/2019 to 08/10/2019 with

IFSA: Oxford - Oxford University St. Peter's College Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am a more capable writer than I thought I was and gained the ability to write more fluidly and precisely. I also gained more knowledge of British culture and politics.

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.

This program provides students with an amazing opportunity to grow personally and academically at one of the world's best universities. It is ideal for students who would like some international exposure but would rather not go abroad for a full semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Graduate Resident Advisor was helpful, accommodating, and lovely to talk to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a lovely, spacious single room with a nice view of the college deer park. The scout who serviced my living area was very kind, prompt, and helpful; she provided residents with fresh sheets and towels every week. My room was on the top floor of the attic and had no air conditioning, which made it quite hot during the day, but purchasing a fan solved this problem.

* Food:

The food was served in a cafeteria and was overall good. The kitchen staff were very friendly as well. As a vegetarian, I occasionally found it difficult to eat there due to a lack of options. Portion sizes were quite generous.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I lived and went to class with other American students, so I did not have much of a chance to interact with locals or year-round Oxford students ( however, it is a summer program and regular classes are not in session, so this is to be expected.) I had a few interesting conversations with locals while out at pubs and stores. Traveling on weekends outside of class also helped me integrate culturally.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues personally, but my peers who got sick seemed satisfied with the healthcare system at the University.

* Safety:

Oxford is a very safe city. Be sure to exercise the usual safety precautions (walking in groups at night, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, etc). Mobile phone theft and other forms of pickpocketing are more common in the UK, so be careful with your personal possessions. I would recommend getting a backpack or cross-body bag.

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)

You will definitely spend more money while abroad than you thought you would prior to starting your program! Being served meals in the cafeteria definitely helped me save money. Traveling to other places is pricey, so it would be helpful to create a budget if you are planning to do any day trips or weekend trips.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 130 USD/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling to other places is pricey, so it would be helpful to create a budget if you are planning to do any day trips or weekend trips.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Academics
  • Program excursions
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the reading list my tutors created would be much broader than the required reading on the course syllabus that I received from IFSA over e-mail.

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 Linguist
You 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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

The Inklings in Oxford

Course Department: English Language and Literature
Instructor: Dr. Julie Dresvina and Dr. Maria Artamonova
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The tutors who taught this course were both incredibly knowledgeable and highly engaging as lecturers. They shared class time well and complemented each other's areas of expertise. The course also covered many works of literature from the fantasy genre, which I have not had a chance to explore at my home institution. I found the workload - three essays and a final presentation - to be manageable.
Credit Transfer Issues: