OPUS program review Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As I said, the tutorial system did not appear to be a lot superior than it was said. I got this impression may partly due to the tutors that I had. One of the tutor was a post phd student from Michigan and did not know the tutorial system better than I and the other tutor was very laid back. The tutorials should be one to one or one to two, but mine was one to four and included very limited discussions.

On-site administration of your program

Actually very helpful when you are on site. Once my power adapter for my laptop was broken, and the director ordered one for me and paid half of the expense (because it was the house maid who broke it). Frequently sent reminders about anything, including emails explaining culture issues. But before you arrive, you could hardly get any information (but does not mean you do not need this information).

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The house was nice with a fully equipped kitchen. Beddings are provided. The location was not satisfactory- very far from colleges and city center, where most events are held. The neighborhood was very noisy as it was by a major road of the city.

Very good food indeed. Served three course dinner every night. Sometime got very good dishes such as salmon and steak. Very cheap-2.05 pounds (about $3) for the dinner if you have a season ticket. Lunch was buffet style and was a little more expensive but acceptable, in the 3-6 pounds range. But the quality of food varies greatly with college. I stayed at Christ Church college. The only thing that I did not like was that you have to eat at a certain time as it was served. You cannot have a snack or something during off-time.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were some free trips offered by the program but due to time conflicts I did not attend any of them. I traveled a lot by myself and found it very impressive. I went to Warwick Castle, Bath, London, Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Lake district and Scotch Highlands.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

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

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• International Students