Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying at Oxford is a mixed bag, but worth it Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 06/16/2017 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I got exposure to a different style of education, had the opportunity to learn at one of the world's most prestigious universities, and took classes I enjoyed and found interesting. I also was able to travel a good deal, since Oxford learning is so self-directed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30-40 pounds

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
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My classes were challenging and intellectually stimulating
  • I had time to travel all around Europe.
  • Tutorials, though intense, could be very rewarding.
* What could be improved?
  • The college made almost no effort to integrate us into the regular student population.
  • I didn't feel like I knew how to access academic support
  • I would have appreciated more programming from the college geared at helping us adjust and get settled in.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been prepared for how isolating it could be. Oxford doesn't have the same sense of campus community that Wellesley does, and it's easy to end up spending a lot of time alone, doing your own thing.

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!