Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Choose any subject. There's someone at Oxford who can teach it to you. Past Review

By (Economics & Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/02/2013 to 06/20/2014 with

Arcadia: Oxford - University of Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to write fast. If you're thinking about grad school, you should definitely think about Oxford. If you're a little more career oriented, it may not be the best option (hint: LSE)

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.

5/5 for Academic rigor 4/5 for Academic resources (best library in the world; hard to find extra help)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You'll have two administrations for support: 1) Arcadia's staff at Oxford, and 2) Hertford College's Program Administration. Both are top notch. They're very accommodative and want you to take away as much as possible from the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hertford College's living spaces are alright. Always single rooms and ensuite bathrooms, but you live a 15 minute walk away from the main college and you don't live with regular undergrads. You may get jealous when you see the massive suites students at some other colleges have, but at least you're assured a single.

* Food:

Food at Hertford College...lots of room for improvement. What's nice though is that it's subsidized. Nothing compares to Trinity College's Michelin 3 Star Chef. But if you're willing to spend some money, Oxford has a few gems that make eating in Britain a little better. If you're on a budget, get used to potatoes and boiled veg.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At Hertford College, you're a little removed from the Oxford undergrad experience because 1) you don't live with undergrads, 2) the brits aren't exactly warm and friendly until they've grown accustomed to your presence 2 months later, and 3) did I mention that the brits aren't exactly warm and friendly?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If you're on the academic year program, you automatically qualify for National Healthcare Services, which means free healthcare.

* Safety:

Central Oxford is pretty safe. If you plan on biking (which you probably will), watch out for buses. Narrow streets, big vehicles and temperamental drivers make for a dangerous combination when you're on a puny little road bike.

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)

Oxford is expensive. If you eat out (and you probably will), you'll spend at least 8-10 pounds per meal. That doesn't even begin to take into account what you'll want to spend to go to the balls, club meetings, drinks, socials, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? £150-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan to travel, book early.

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

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Academic structure
  • Oxford life (both university and city)
  • Program Admin/Support
* What could be improved?
  • Food
  • Cost
  • Integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 1) 9pm DTB - Down The [college] Bar - is prime socializing time. 2) The brits are a lot friendlier when they've got a pint of something in them already.

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.