The Challenges of oxford Past Review
By Jinhe H (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) for
University of Oxford - Visiting Students
I loved the experience. It was extremely fulfilling.
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 academics were unparalleled. I admit that the workload perhaps was more challenging and much more intense and heavy than at my home college, but the tutorial system forced me to critically analyze and think about the arguments, not just to memorize the arguments of political thinkers, as I had done at college in the US. The grading system was also very challenging, but forced me to work harder for good grades. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Program Administration was awful. The Director informed me that my tutorial tutor had dropped out 1/2 of the way into the term and I had to scramble to get another course. I have to take the dropped course now and it has filled my senior year. The Director was extremely incompetent and new. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was safe and it was quite good. The restaurants around the dorm provided quick and accessible food. I had to provide my own sheets but cookware was provided. |
| * Food: |
During formal halls, the food was great. The quality of the food during regular times was satisfactory. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt a little on the outside as I was not a permanent student. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues were not discussed very much. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent quite a bit on food, as it was not provided for free. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would also suggest to cook for yourself as often as you can, as eating out there is expensive. |
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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The student that pushes himself or herself to do the best that he/she can do and to become better in academia and research would do well to consider the Oxford/Cambridge program. |
