Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oxford: A Worthwhile & Exciting Experience Past Review

By (Cognitive & Linguistic Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/06/2013 to 06/21/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From my experience abroad, I learned how to live in a different country and culture, as well as how to learn and study in a new academic environment. I discovered what I like and dislike about academics, which has helped me narrow down what I hope to do in the future. I also made some very close friends, who I will continue to stay in touch with. My experience at Oxford was definitely worthwhile because I got to explore the academic fields I'm interested in, as well as engage in different activities and meet new people with interesting backgrounds.

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)

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
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • being immersed in college/university life, which made it easy to become friends with non-visiting students and to feel like an actual Oxford student
  • the activities one could get involved with, especially rowing
  • the tutorial system, as well as access to multiple libraries
* What could be improved?
  • Don't place the majority of the visiting students in the same accommodation. Spread them out more amongst the local students, and even consider housing them with the Freshers.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I don't think there is anything I wish I had known before going on this program. The beauty of this program is that for the majority of the time you're treated like an actual student and not a visiting student, so by being immersed in the college and university, you are able to experience Oxford from an actual student's perspective rather than a pseudo-student's perspective. One thing I was glad to have been told before I left though, was to get involved with activities right away and to hang out with people even if I was tired and exhausted from jet lag and all the activities happening in Freshers' Week because the first few weeks are the time you'll make friends. From my experience, I believe this to be true, and I was thankful someone had told me that. If I hadn't known that, I would have wished to have known that before going on the program.

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!