Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would do it all over again if I could Past Review

By (International Relations - Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/06/2014 to 06/21/2014 with

St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Intellectual maturity was the biggest thing I gained from my year abroad. In addition, it has helped me figure my area of interest for grad school. I'd say it was definitely worthwhile.

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 tutorial system has taught me how to think in a more mature way. However, there is difficulty with getting books and reading for some of the more popular courses as students do not have access to all of Oxford's libraries.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I did not have any problems, but the administration at my college was a little slow.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

En suite room with scouts who help you keep your room clean. It was so much better than the arrangements from my home institution.

* Food:

Bland food but dessert can be really good at times

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like the only way I could hang out with British students was if I went to parties. My tutorials were mostly one on one, so I did not end up having any British friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need to go to the doctor during the year, so please disregard this rating.

* Safety:

Just the occasional aggressive beggar and food thief. Other than that, Oxford is quite safe.

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 GBP
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook lunch as much as possible. Make sure to get membership cards from grocery stores for coupons and discounts. When traveling around the UK or Europe, try to stay at hostels to save 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
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Academics
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative responsiveness
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Depending on your situation, you may or may not end up making local friends. I mostly have one on one tutorials, so I did not have much contact with British students. Also, I am not really a party person, which makes it harder as British students love to party.

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.