Most rewarding and unforgettable month Past Review

By Lizzie P (Brisbane Girls Grammar School) - abroad from 07/05/2015 to 08/01/2015 with

Oxbridge Academic Programs: Oxford - The Oxford Tradition

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Leaving this trip and saying goodbye to the most genuine and like-minded people I have ever met who had become my best friends in just a month was one of the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Not only did I learn about the amazing aspects of medical science and filmmaking, but also I have learnt so much about myself. This experience has broadened my outlook on life and challenged my aspirations. The culture of this trip was something that I cannot put into words and is something that can only be understood by those who attended. It was simply irreplaceable and something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Review Photos

Oxbridge Academic Programs: Oxford - The Oxford Tradition Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I studied Medical Science and both my teachers were very experienced in their respective fields. Our class learnt how to dissect and suture open wounds. As a group we were also asked to prepare numerous powerpoints to share our medical research.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Our school's career advisor has a large involvement in the program and past students from my school gave a great insight into the program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The buildings in the colleges were incredibly beautiful, however I had the pleasure of living in the new Rose building at Pembroke College.
* Food:	For breakfasts we got hot food nearly every second day! The dinner menu would change everyday and it was always really interesting. The desserts were awesome too!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Because Oxford's city is quite small in comparison to the other programs like New York and Barcelona, we were able to explore and become familiar with the whole campus. We also both the opportunity to watch a Romeo and Juliet play.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Again, because the city of Oxford is rather small we were confident and familiar with the campus and easily made our way around. I think it is important to always have people with you when it gets late at night. However, you have to be back on campus before 11pm so I always felt safe and well looked after.
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)	Because I live in Australia, it took me a little while to except how weak our dollar was and I thought I could spend more money that I actually could. There was also lots of nice restaurants and activities. I went punting and to the rooftop restaurant. I also went shopping a lot because there was so many shops we can't get in Australia.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	150 pounds a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Eat at the college for breakfast and dinner as much as you can!

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	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
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?	All of the genuine likeminded students The independence My major and minor courses
* What could be improved?	Compulsory activities (e.g. quest and community service) Advertisement of activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I wish that I hadn't kept comparing the program to the experience my friends had the previous year. Everyone is going to have a different experience and make different memories.

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 Networker An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Medical Science
Course Department:	Science
Instructor:	Alice Recalde and Min-Ho Lee
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Both my teachers were very passionate and experienced in their respective fields. They both made classes really engaging and lots of fun. We also visited the most interesting museum I have ever seen on our trip to London. However, the course was also challenging as we experienced lots of new medical aspects; dissections, suturing.
Credit Transfer Issues: