Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Literature, Libraries, and Libations: 3 Months Abroad in Oxford, England Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies - Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and my work ethic while I was abroad. I think it was extremely worthwhile and want desperately to go back.

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.

It was the hardest I have ever worked in college, and I loved every minute of it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very helpful with every concern or question we had throughout the program's duration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The building was nice but the heat could be strange, especially since I was in the older side of the building. The kitchen and bathrooms were great.

* Food:

There was no meal plan and our building was so far from Keble College that we were mostly on our own for food, which was sometimes difficult, particularly in a financial sense.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went out often to experience the city BUT we were not very well integrated with Keble College, the college which our program was affiliated with. We didn't always feel like we were a part of Oxford University.

* 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

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 was ridiculous and it was hard to keep a budget, especially when we were stressed and didn't feel we had the time to cook.

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? Really, really budget yourself and try not to eat out 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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The classes
  • The friends I made
  • The overall experience
* What could be improved?
  • Home school interactions
  • Keble College connections
  • Food plans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I had budgeted more strictly to save money. I also wish I had thought more about the fact that I lived so far from Keble campus and was only with American students.

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.