I'm glad I went abroad, but it's one of the hardest things I've ever done. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics at Oxford were rigorous, challenging, and ultimately rewarding, but (especially in my first months abroad) I sometimes felt that there was little support for students transitioning into the university from a very different academic system. My experience of "culture shock" had more to do with academic culture than local culture. I wanted to go to Oxford largely because of its unique and challenging tutorial structure — and I enjoyed working individually or in small groups with tutors — but I would have appreciated more guidance early on.

On-site administration of your program

I was happy overall with Lady Margaret Hall's administration of the visiting students program, and, from conversations with other students, I think LMH did more than many colleges to integrate students into college life. The orientation programming during fresher's week could, I think, have been better organised. Visiting students attended many of the same orientation events as incoming first year students, which was good in some ways — it allowed us to meet more new students — but sometimes confusing, as it wasn't always clear what information was relevant to visiting students. During the academic year, the college put on several dinners for visiting students and their tutors — including one for Thanksgiving — were all fun, and thoughtfully planned, evenings.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

LMH housed visiting students in college with regular undergrads, and I really liked living in college. My room had an ensuite sink, too, which was thrilling after years of shared dorm bathrooms!

Lunch and dinner at LMH was mostly good, though at times a bit repetitive. Vegetarian entrees were sometimes a challenge, as they didn't always have protein — Many days I ended up relying on the (really fantastic) cooked breakfast for eggs and baked beans. LMH charged for individual meals or a la carte, and though it was definitely cheaper than eating out, some things (juice, salad bar items, and prepared sandwiches) could be a bit pricey.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I often felt out of place for the first term and part of the second term, but felt more or less acclimatized (if still foreign) by the end of the year.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

LMH's college nurse was wonderful, and as a year-long student, I was enrolled in NHS while in England.

I never felt unsafe during my time in Oxford, even walking by myself at odd hours.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Oxford itself was a relatively expensive place, and the exchange rate made things a bit challenging at times. For the most part, I avoided eating out, and I did feel at times that my budget limited

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Other

• Independent, self-directed learning

• Integration with 2nd and 3rd year students
• Support for struggling students
• Clearer benchmarks and guidance on how to meet them

The Academic or Linguist