Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oxford Exceeds Expectations Past Review

By (Economics, Washington & Lee University) - abroad from 10/06/2014 to 06/20/2015 with

IFSA: Oxford - Oxford University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
SO worthwhile--learned not only about my subjects but about essay writing and giving talks and networking and the interconnectedness of our universe.

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.

Excellent experience--learned an incredible amount, got access to all lectures and libraries.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA England Office is great--organized outings, took us out to lunch, adventure weekends were a blast, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very happy with St. Catherine's College double room.

* Food:

English food is terrible--doesn't reflect on the program at all.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's hard to become close friends with the Brits at Oxford as the VS exist in their own bubble, but playing sports definitely helped.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

British Healthcare is very comprehensive and affordable. Thanks Socialism!

* Safety:

Oxford is really safe--only thing to be worried about is your bike.

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)

England is expensive, not going to lie.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat in hall.

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
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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
  • How we were fully integrated into campus
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation is un-needed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Buy some sturdy gear for wet weather

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!