The Oxford Bubble July 07, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very academically rigorous, with the opportunity to take a deep dive into your chosen subject. However, much of the education is self-taught. Very little will come from your tutors beyond the assigned reading list.

On-site administration of your program

The administration gave me very little information ahead of my arrival. They were unaccomadating when I needed assistance over the vacation periods when you have to completely move out of your dorm or pay upwards of $1,200. This was not communicated to me ahead of time and they were unwilling to offer much help. They also never put me on the email list that communicated information to the students even after personally saying they would address this multiple times.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My room was beautiful, right on campus. However, the fact of moving out every 8 weeks was a real inconvenience as an international student.

Food was fine, definitely not as good as Middlebury and with few options for vegans/vegetarians. Also very limited hours. If you are not available during the 30 minutes of service, you will have to buy food elsewhere. And no kitchen access for us!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was fully integrated as an Oxford student. If I didn't mention I was visiting for a year nobody would know.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You're covered through Oxford under a UK healthcare plan. However, there are very few mental health resources available.

I would choose a program that allowed me to travel more and experience things beyond the bubble of the university I was enrolled in.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Really hard to live on a budget here. Every social event costs money and extremely limited dining hall hours forced me to eat out more than I'd prefer. Not a cheap city!

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Local Students

• The complete immersion as an Oxford student

• Administrative support for people in this program. Because there are so few of us each year, they seem to not care much about our personal experience.

The Academic or Linguist