Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life changing experience Past Review

By (Mathematics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/05/2014 to 06/20/2015 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Oxford had a very different environment compared to Wellesley, which made me thought that I've changed completely as a person. I use to not enjoy reading that much, but that completely changed while I was at oxford because of the learning environment. It was also my first time in Europe and I tried to travel to other cities and countries whenever I had the chance to. So it was really an eye-opening experience.

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.

Oxford had a very different educational system. Besides lectures, we had tutorials which allowed us to have deeper discussions in a smaller group. The learning environment was absolutely wonderful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The system was a little bit confusing before and after arriving at oxford. There wasn't a web page to register for classes and it doesn't show your class schedule either. But it got better once I got used to the administration system, and the administrators were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The room and location were very nice. I had my own private bathroom, which was definitely a plus.

* Food:

I've only used the dining hall for breakfast and formals and they both were amazing. The formal dinners were a unique experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had severe cultural shock when I first arrived, but it got better from the second term.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I wouldn't recommend walking alone on the streets after 11pm.

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)

England had a high living cost. Not just the food, but public transportation was extremely expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't dine out at restaurants too often.

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
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?
  • The academic environment
  • Opportunities to travel
  • the riturals
* What could be improved?
  • administration before arriving at oxford
  • culture integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The unpredictable weather...

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.