Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging, but rewarding Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/04/2015 to 06/18/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to learn advanced physics by myself. I found the culture at Oxford unique and memorable.

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.

While academically rigorous, there was very little academic support and most of the coursework had to be self-taught, which was sometimes very stressful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Some visiting student events, but otherwise the program seemed a bit scattered.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Basic, clean student accommodation. Not very inspiring, but functional. Well located. Kitchens were well stocked with utensils, pots, plates, etc, and the rooms came with a sheet, comforter, pillow, and towels.

* Food:

The hall food was pretty basic and uninspiring, so I primarily cooked for myself. Fortunately, I had that option and wasn't required to be on any meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The administration at SPC didn't do a very good job at integrating the visiting students in with the "regular" students. I had separate tutorials and sometimes felt like I was treated as secondary to the other students. For instance, my student ID card wouldn't give me access to my department's buildings, unlike all the other students. Visiting students were housed with third years, who often already had their friend groups.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Aside from avoiding drunken revelers late at night, Oxford felt very safe. As a cycler, the roads took some getting used to and I would definitely recommend investing in reflective or bright clothing.

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Oxford--the city, university and their history
* What could be improved?
  • Integration of visiting students
  • More academic support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been able to talk to someone who studied physics at Oxford before deciding to go 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!