Best year of my life. Past Review
By A student (Philosophy., Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/30/2011 to 06/21/2012 with
Mansfield College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program
Best experience of my whole life. Better student, better person. I'm more in touch with my interests--both academically and what I would like to do with my life. Learned so much but also had a better work/social balance. So worthwhile, wish I could be there now and forever!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very challenging course work. I have never worked so hard in my life, but I have also never been happier. The work was meaningful and I felt like my reading, writing, research and interview skills improved immensely. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great welcome week and orientation. My coordinator was very helpful and easy to meet with if I had any questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Originally I did not like my housing due to some safety concerns, my hot water, heating, furniture and washer/dryer also broke (or already was broken). However, after expressing concern I was eventually moved and the housing was safe and clean. Nothing glamourous but had everything I needed. |
| * Food: |
Wonderful meals! Especially loved all the formal dinners. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The students at Mansfield, as well as all of the staff and professors were so warm and welcoming. I felt totally included in every activity I joined and made lifelong friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My program enrolled me in the NHS so I was ready prior to arrival. That made it very easy to use. All information was accessible in the porter's lodge and I was able to find the clinic easily and make an appointment. You do have to make an appointment right away if you feel you may need medical attention in the coming days. It takes 2-4 days to be seen typically, but wait time wasn't too long in the office. The doctors were very kind. I did not need any specific vaccines and there were no health issues. |
| * Safety: |
Living far down Iffley Road originally felt unsafe walking home at night--I carried pepper spray. But, again, I was moved to the head of the round about and never felt unsafe again. Oxford is a very safe town, small, easy to navigate. I'd say as safe as Wellesley! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Depends on what you want to do! With the pound conversion rate it is very expensive if you want to go out often, travel etc. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75-125 pounds a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat in hall as much as possible. Take out a specific amount in cash each week and budget from that for the week. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How wonderful it would be! That a whole year was definitely the right choice! Nothing to worry about! |
