Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A necessary rollercoaster of emotions filled with ups and downs! September 16, 2022

By (Biochemistry and English, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/20/2021 to 06/20/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely. I lived on my own, in a different country from my family, and had to figure things out. I was able to understand who I was better by being placed in an unfamiliar environment.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I actually had a couple of health visits while abroad - some were more for emergencies while others were simple check-ups. Everything was so easily accessible, at no cost, and done in a short amount of time. I am incredibly grateful for that!

* Safety:

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)

Oxford is a very expensive city so it was a bit tough to eat in the city and move around without paying too much!

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The campus
  • The faculty and their research opportunities
  • The independence
* What could be improved?
  • Student-faculty relationships
  • Understanding the tutorial system better before leaving for Oxford
  • The meal plan!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know more about the tutorial system and its expectations, how independent studying at Oxford is, and how simply reaching out to take a course outside of the subject you signed up for is possible! I was able to take both Biochemistry and English in this way.

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.