A really positive experience! December 11, 2023

By (English and Italian, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/03/2023 to 12/02/2023 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot academically/writing in a new system, and was able to experience a new culture outside the US. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall very positive, but sometimes it was a bit difficult to get a timely response.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Good, although there were occasional mold issues.

* Food:

Food was excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Social integration was decent, but I think spreading us out more in the dorm would have allowed us to integrate even better with the British students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A - did not have any need for healthcare/interacting with the local healthcare system.

* Safety:

Generally felt safe/safe walking alone at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was exactly what I wanted academically, and I grew a lot as a person.

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)

It was definitely a lot more expensive living in Oxford/UK than I expected because of the food costs/transport costs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a card that doesn't have an exchange currency fee.

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

  • Other
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?
  • Tutorials/Academics
  • Location
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Costs
  • Mold
  • Food stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to join 1-2 clubs and get really involved. Since tutorials are 1:1, this is how you make friends.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Major Tutorial

Course Department: English
Instructor: Lillian Hingley
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging, supportive, and the tutor was well prepared. I was assessed clearly on my essays.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Minor Tutorial

Course Department: English
Instructor: Henry Mead
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Sometimes there was a bit more flexibility with tutorial meeting times/scheduling than I initially expected, but it was a generally positive experience with a good reading list.
Credit Transfer Issues: