Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A year I will never forget. Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/02/2017 to 06/18/2017 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 experienced another culture in way which I have never experienced it before. Travelling and living in another country has really developed me as a person and I feel more mature as a result.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My year in Oxford was both highly rewarding and vigorous. As a history major I was really able to develop my own opinions through the weekly essays and the one on one tutorials. The tutors were all very knowledgeable and also very helpful if I ever experienced any difficulties. I explored aspects of my field that I barely even touched on in the US. There was certainly a lot of reading, but I found it helped develop my work ethic and will undoubtedly serve as a useful experience for my Post-Graduate studies.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The head of the Hertford College Visiting Student Program was phenomenal. She met with us on a regular basis to assure that everything was running smoothly and made sure to help whenever a student had any problems.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was wonderful. I had a single room that came with an en suite restroom and a wonderful view of the Thames River.

* Food:

The food was not the best, and was perhaps my least favorite part of the experience. The Breakfasts, however, were not bad. I also really enjoyed trying the restaurants around the city, many of which were excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the community. Oxford is a very international university, so I had no trouble fitting in. I made

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had to use the healthcare system, but all students were enrolled in the NHS and clearly informed how to use it if any issues came up.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe while I was in Oxford. Most of the streets are heavily trafficked, so there are almost always others around.

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

I made so many wonderful friends in Oxford and had so many wonderful experiences, it will truly be an experience I will never forget.

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)

I was very easily able to live on a student budget. The food in hall was subsidized, thus taking care of most of my expenses.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Really take advantage of the hall. While the food is not great, it is generally balanced and nutritious and will save you a lot of money.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • New Friends
  • The Tutors
  • The Sights
* What could be improved?
  • The food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There was not really anything that I was unprepared for.

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!