Best Year Ever August 04, 2026
By Sophie Y (Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/05/2025 to 06/20/2026 with
St Peter's College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program
This year was above and beyond my expectations. From the courses to the people, everything aligned almost perfectly to my taste. I loved the tutorial format and with it the ability to explore topics in depth and increase general knowledge through large amounts of reading. There are so many opportunities to try new things at low stakes that we don't often get in the US. Flights out of London are also so cheap around Europe, take advantage and travel during the long vacations. Time management might be a bit challenging at first given the tutorial system, but once in the groove it's the most freeing experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The tutorials were informational, challenging but interesting, and just the right amount of intensity. Tutors were helpful and kind, and feedback was consistently given. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were termly check-ins but the administration was not the most hands-on, I liked that they gave us space to develop our own experiences. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The rooms are on the smaller side compared to the US, but location, facility, and the fact that it was a single with an ensuite made up for it. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Had a very easy time adjusting, people were welcoming and supportive. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Meal deals |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Your experience is what you make of it. Put yourself out there and you will not regret a thing. |
