Rigorous but rewarding study abroad experience Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2015 to 06/18/2016 with

Oxford Study Abroad Programme (OSAP): Oxford - Study Abroad at Oxford University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that it is indeed possible to write and read for two essays in the span of a week or less. In particular for the political science program, I very much appreciate the comparative and institutional approach to many of the topics within comparative politics. My knowledge concerning topics ranging from civil war to legislative politics as applied in other contexts is significantly stronger. Moreover,

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The visiting student program requires the student to take two tutorials, which typically includes two essays due per week. The reading required prior to the essay writing takes about four to five days to complete and can include 10-15 readings, depending on the course. Writing takes around two days, including some time for editing. The tutorial itself is around an hour and may include one to two other students. The professors are incredibly knowledgeable and push students to think critically about the literature and the multiple ways to approach persistent questions in political science.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed the single rooms, bathroom, and kitchen accommodations. The scouts were incredibly nice and helped keep our quarters clean. I do wish that I had known more about the location of the housing, which is in east Oxford, about fifteen minutes from town, main campus, and the libraries.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I appreciate Oxford for its educational and social setting, providing serious students a space to engage in critical thinking, deadlines, and challenging essay writing. As hard as students work, however, there is also time and space for fun and to relieve the stress from such rigorous course loads.

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)

Living on a students budget was relatively easy, mainly since I cooked most of my meals at home. Expenses primarily went towards social activities, especially since there were no additional costs required for books or other educational resources.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 45 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would suggest students to cook most of their meals at home and save money for the formal dinners on Fridays, as well as social outings on the weekends.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • I appreciate learning about the multiple institutional mechanisms that may explain or partially highlight answers to the political questions that remain within social sciences.
  • I enjoy the educational and social outlets within the bubble of Oxford.
  • I quite enjoyed the formal dinners and classy events at Oxford as well.
* What could be improved?
  • Information concerning housing and its distance from the campus, libraries, and other stores.
  • Some of the economics courses may be a bit misleading, especially as some of my tutorials had no formal syllabus or weekly readings.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The Oxford Union and other outlets provide many inspirational and highly engaging speakers and performances worth attending. I also wish I had brought more formal clothing for all of the black tie events.

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!