Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A memorable & fun experience January 10, 2023

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2022 to 12/03/2022 with

Worcester College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact with people and really put myself out there to meet new people, so it's 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.

Lectures consisted mostly of professors reading off of slides that were already prewritten years ago, and my particular tutor did not seem that engaged during tutorials either. When I needed some additional help, there was no support system in place other than the libraries since the professors did not like to host extra office hours outside of classes. The classes themselves were well-structured and interesting as it was focused on the theoretical mathematical sides of computer science, which is an area Oxford has the resources for since a lot of the fundamentals were developed there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a lot of support throughout the program from the OIS team at Wellesley who answered all my questions from arrivals to health care.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were in a modern apartment style building; everyone had a room to themselves with an ensuite bathroom, and a shared kitchen for every 10 people

* Food:

There are lots of restaurant and food truck options around within the town of Oxford, plus grocery stores and kitchens available if you prefer to cook and keep costs down a bit. The formal dinners were also definitely an experience that is not too expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All our tutorials are held with other visiting students, so it's a bit difficult to meet other students in the classroom. However, there are also tons of clubs and social events like bops where you are able to meet local students and be part of the Oxford experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NHS didn't cover the COVID vaccine booster nor the flu shot when I was there, but I was able to pay for a flu shot out of pocket that was accessible.

* Safety:

As safe as a large university town could be

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

Yes, but I would maybe take a humanity class and a STEM class rather than 2 STEM classes. There is a big difference between how STEM and humanity classes are taught in Oxford.

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)

I mostly cooked my meals, and if you're not picky you could get down to around 30 pounds per week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent around 50 pounds total per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals! It's healthier and gives you an opportunity to bond with other students in the kitchen as well.

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
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?
  • Being in Europe
* What could be improved?
  • How tutors are assigned
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Read the course descriptions beforehand and try to find out something about the tutor before you select your courses!

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.