Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Work Hard, Play Hard, and Drink (Lots) of Tea: The Oxford Experience Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/02/2017 to 06/15/2018 with

Worcester College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile! I got to explore different subjects while going more specific into my own major. I also had the luck of a long spring break (6 weeks -- an Oxford privilege!) so it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to go travelling around Europe.

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

* 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

The academic rigor through the tutorial system, the numerous social activities offered, the liveliness of the town of Oxford, and of course, the proximity to London make the Visiting Student Programme an A* study abroad journey. Honestly wish I could do it all over again, it went by way too fast!!

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 exchange rate doesn't help, along with the high cost of airfare, but these are out of one's control.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Academic efficiency --- the tutorial system afford depth (one-on-one sessions with one's tutor) but also allows ample time to schedule my own week
  • The social scene -- so much more freedom to socialize in pubs and other places where American students under-21 can't
  • The level of integration achieved between Visiting students and local students
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The flight costs would eat into a large part of the stipend, as well as the cost of the year-long visa.

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!