Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Coming to Worcester: One of the best decisions I've ever made Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/10/2017 to 06/17/2017 with

Worcester College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. Gained a ton of independence, some fantastic friends (mostly the other exchange students), and experiences I will remember forever. Oxford is amazing - my friends and I enjoyed doing the classic activities like punting and attending formal halls, and just walking around the town is breathtaking. The chance to be in Europe and travel was also incredible.

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.

Incredible experience - one of the best of my life. It is a huge gift to be at Oxford (such a fascinating and historical place), and in my opinion Worcester College is the best college for a visiting student to stay within the University of Oxford. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and you are welcomed and treated as if you are a regular student. The college really goes above and beyond; they organized formal dinners, tours, and other events for the visiting students and were there to answer our questions and help out whenever we needed it. This was not the case at other colleges at Oxford, so I'm so, so happy to have been placed at Worcester. It's absolutely beautiful, as well! Students are friendly too.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinator and assistants are excellent. The coordinator truly cares about the wellbeing of the students and is a very kind person. The assistants organized a fair number of social events for the visiting students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We each got large, single rooms with a bathroom inside! Could not have been happier with the accommodations. You are also housed on campus with the regular students, which is a huge plus.

* Food:

The food at the Hall is so-so...but it's relatively inexpensive and there are plenty of grocery stores nearby and large kitchens if you prefer to cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not get very close with the local students and generally found it hard to do so, since they all had their own established friend groups. There were some exceptions - mostly with students I had met through the various inter-university clubs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was a nurse at the college who had some experience. The one time I did have a health issue, she helped me find a discount to receive care at a private service in the town of Oxford

* Safety:

Generally safe. Some hecklers and drunk people hanging around at night.

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

Best 6 months ever! I have absolutely no regrets about going. Feel blessed to have been placed in such a welcoming program in such a beautiful and historical city.

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)

The UK is expensive. The travel stipend provided by Wellesley is helpful. Most of my spending was on travel and food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Free time - the tutorial system gives you a lot of flexibility compared to Wellesley
  • Access to the rest of Europe
  • Visiting Student Program at Worcester (staff and organization of the program)
* What could be improved?
  • Fewer expenses (like not having to pay so much for final photograph.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be nervous about the tutorial system. If you want to make local friends, join clubs and put yourself out there by striking up conversations with people you don't know

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.