Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Insanely rigorous but so rewarding! Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/05/2015 to 06/17/2016 with

Hertford College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Besides the incredible academic experience, Oxford gave me the opportunity to travel throughout Europe during our two six-week long breaks.

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.

Classes are one on one and meet once a week, or once every other week. The classes are incredible intense but if you take them seriously they are beyond rewarding. Be prepared to be constantly reading and writing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators are so present and easy to talk to.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The meal system is very different than in the states. Meal times are shorter (breakfast and dinner are 45 minutes long, lunch is an hour and a half) and there is only two main dish options per meal (one veg, one meat) with a few sides. That being said, while selection is limited, the overall quality is much higher.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is hard to integrate with the other non-abroad students since you are taking classes alone, but its completely possible. If you join a club or athletic team, you'll meet a lot of great people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I can't really speak to this, I had no healthcare issues.

* Safety:

Oxford feels very safe

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

I loved Oxford and would do the study abroad in a heart beat.

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 not as expensive as London, but its on the pound which makes things pricey. Of course, since food is provided you won't have a ton of additional expenses if you don't want to. But coffee, pubs, formal dinners, and other extra circs start to add up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prioritize. Decide what is important for you to spend money on.

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

  • Other
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?
  • Academics
  • Travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go in with an open mind. Oxford is VERY different than any American University but the differences will lead to a lot of hilarious, fun, exciting experiences. Enjoy them!

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!