Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A good time despite COVID February 11, 2021

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2020 to 12/04/2020 with

St Anne's College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My classes were more theoretical compared to my home institution's classes, so it helped me become more skilled in proofs and foundational thinking.

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 academics were great, really enjoyed the tutorial system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Kirsten was helpful as our point of contact. I had an issue with the treasury office because they sent me three bills that all had different amounts of money (the amount was a 1000 pound difference); when I confronted them about this, they blamed the issue on miscommunication and a "typo". I thought this was incredibly unprofessional, and I wish there was more transparency in how much visiting students are expected to pay each year.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish I was allowed to stay off-campus because of COVID and personal health reasons. However, it was nice being in the dorms with other students, which exposed me to British culture; I wish I was placed with Oxford students who were in the same in subject as me.

* Food:

I thought the portions were too small, and it was not ideal that we had to book ahead of time.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because of COVID restrictions, I didn't really feel integrated with local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thought it was unreasonable that Oxford would not test students WITHOUT covid symptoms. When my housemate was getting tested for COVID, I was really worried and also wished I could get tested.

* Safety:

I liked the porter system.

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

I had a nice study abroad experience despite COVID restrictions. I learned more about British culture and the school system, and it made me appreciate the ways that my home institution was taught.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't live in the dorms if possible

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Campus
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Treasury office
  • Choice to live on/off campus
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The treasury office's lack of transparency

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!