Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun, academically rigorous, different Past Review

By (Economics., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 06/15/2013 with

St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. Oxford has a very different education system, and while I prefer Wellesley's system, it did open my eyes to how students in the UK learn. It is also refreshing to meet professors with a very different set of expectations from what you're used to, and that pushes you to think outside the box.

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.

* 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?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £30

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

  • N/A
* 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 friends I made
  • The city
  • Over a month-long break between second and third term
* What could be improved?
  • Meals - food wasn't great
  • Greater support from Oxford professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How expensive everything in London and Oxford really is. I scrimped on everything so I was able to keep within my budget, but it was shocking 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!