A very rigorous study abroad program Past Review
By Elizabeth M (Econometrics and Quantitative Economics., Tufts University) for
Tufts Programs Abroad: Tufts in Oxford
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Full-Year 2008 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Worked smoothly overall |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Staircase 12 - Single room, fairly large, with sink in room and communal toilets/showers <br /><br /> It was nice to live in college with freshers and I really felt like part of the community. Bathrooms weren't great but not terrible. |
| * Food: |
I'm not a picky eater and I enjoyed the majority of the meals served in hall. It was definitely nice to be served a balanced meal and I thought the food was better and healthier than Dewick / Carmichael. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Fun college-sponsored events like wine & cheese, organized club nights, ball. Rowing is a very social activity so that provided a lot of my social contacts |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The center of Oxford felt very safe at night, but walking alone in the suburbs (i.e. Cowley) is not recommended! Pembroke has a nurse on staff but there is also the NHS which is FREE and very useful for injuries, sexual health concerns, etc. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | If you live very cheaply (buy groceries for breakfast and lunch) then it is probably possible to get by on as little as £15 a week since all dinners but one a week are provided. Most people will probably want to go out from time to time--a moderately priced dinner might cost £15, and a night out at a club might cost £20. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is DEFINITELY possible to get by comfortably on the stipend Tufts provides. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This is a very rigorous program but if you are prepared to work it is an incredible experience. |
