Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the Most Difficult But Most Rewarding Experiences of My Academic Career Past Review

By (Anthropology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/01/2013 to 06/29/2014 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Oxford - Sarah Lawrence in Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be an efficient student and to work smart as opposed to working hard. I also learned to advocate for myself socially, academically, and otherwise. It was absolutely a worthwhile experience! Though it was extremely rigorous, it feels great to have accomplished so much academic and personal growth in a year!

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.

The program was very academically rigorous, but did not offer much academic support when students were struggling. This, though, is common practice for students who are matriculated at the University of Oxford!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators were not particularly forward in helping students achieve personal/academic/extracurricular goals; the program was extremely self-led.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made an active effort to join clubs, so I had a significant opportunity to interact with matriculated students!

* 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

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)

England is an expensive country; the exchange rate is almost 2 dollars to every 1 pound. This adds up over the course of a year.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat in your college's hall as often as possible! It is definitely the cheapest option.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 tutorial system
  • The other students on the program
  • Having such incredible tutors (professors)!
* What could be improved?
  • Offer more academic support for struggling students
  • More interesting travel trips
  • A comprehensive meal plan coordinated with the college
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to take advantage of as many different kinds of clubs as possible to meet as many people as possible in the beginning!

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!