Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oxford: A fulfilling year both academically and socially Past Review

By (Mathematics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/05/2014 to 06/19/2015 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Oxford has the very unique tutorial system. This I thought was a fantastic way of learning, as not only did it teach me an immense amount about the subject, but it also taught me a lot about myself and how I learn. This is something that I will certainly take with me into my senior year, and I think will be immensely important as I write my thesis. Apart from the academic experience, I think Oxford was an amazing social experience. The students are welcoming, intelligent and motivated, and it truly was a great place to be. It was definitely worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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.

The courses are extremely demanding and extremely interesting. There is a lot of independent work involved, but this I think is one of the best things about the Oxford system. There are high expectations and it is up to you to push yourself to achieve them. I was studying Mathematics and all of my classes were alongside Oxford students and there was absolutely no differentiation between those who were visiting students and those who were not, especially in higher level classes which were taken at different colleges. For Mathematics there was more class time than most subjects as there were lectures 2-3 times a week for a course and tutorials either every week or every other week so you are kept rather busy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was helpful when I had questions. Signing up for courses at the beginning got confusing and definitely could have been done better. The first week of term I was still deciding what I was taking and since there are only 8 weeks in a term this makes a significant difference.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were great. Clean, modern, and had an ensuite bathroom and a scout that came every week to clean. There was also a great kitchen and common room that was great for socializing.

* Food:

I most of the time in the kitchen as it was easier than going to hall most of the time. The food at hall was pretty good and pretty good value. Brunch on the weekends was definitely worth going to. Also going to formal halls is definitely worth it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt completely integrated with the local Oxford students. In my accommodation there were Oxford 3rd and 4th years as well as visiting students and everyone was really friendly and easy to get along with. I was also given a college parent (mine was a mom) who does your subject, which I thought was excellent. St. Peter's is also a small college, so even if you are only there for a year you get to know or recognize everyone in college.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but NHS is free and we were signed up straight away and I know that if anything came up it would have been easy to get a doctors appointment.

* Safety:

I felt safe all of the time, but it is a small city and so it is not completely safe.

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)

Oxford is expensive, I was spending about 100 pounds a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 pounds a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Academics
  • Local Students
  • The architecture!!
* What could be improved?
  • Registration for classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more before arriving about what classes I would be taking.

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!