It's a blessing! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/14/2012 to 06/15/2013 with

IFSA: Oxford - Oxford University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I found faith in truth and hope for life. I made many many life-long friends, both British and internationals. And I couldn't ask anything better.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I love love love Oxford! I say it everyday! Lots of great student associations, and everyone here is very kind and down-to-earth, smart, caring and adorable! My best experience here is to have deep and meaningful conversations with my tutors and friends at Oxford. And they are not only thoughtful, but also very open and honest. Only thing I would say that could improve is the tutorial system. I wish I could have more tutorials, and more lectures, rather than spending most of the time study on my own without enough guidance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I applied and got in Worcester College, which has one of the best accomodations in Oxford, and I was arranged in a very good dorm. It is as good as a single room in a hotel. You get your own bathroom as well.

* Food:

Formal hall is always good and cheap (wearing gowns; fee: around £3 for a 3-course-meal)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our dorm has our own facebook group and event every week and for everyone's birthday! If English is your first language, then you can get 5-star experience in this section.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself is always the best choice.

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Conversations with friends on life issues
  • Cares and friendship between people
  • Joyfulness
* What could be improved?
  • Tutorials
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I could be more excited and less anxious if I knew everything is going to be prepared for me.