Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Best Experience I Ever Had Past Review

By (HISTORY., Austin College) - abroad from 01/08/2012 to 06/20/2012 with

Arcadia: Oxford - University of Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile. I learned a lot about many different cultures.

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?

In general health issues were fine, except in one case. Another visiting student had multiple panic attacks and mental health issues. The university was aware of this, but did very little to help her. As I understand, there have been many people over the last few years that have rusticated or dropped out of the university due to mental health issues (depression or bipolar disorder).

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at supermarkets; don't go out to eat very often.

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Making lifelong friends
  • Experiencing a different culture
  • Finding out the place that I want to live someday
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I could have stayed the entire year
  • I wish I would have received more grades
  • I wish that I could have been better prepared for tutorials
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know much more about the tutorial system at Oxford.