Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oxford Fun Time Past Review

By (Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 09/28/2016 to 08/14/2017 with

IFSA: Oxford - England Study Abroad Program at St Edmund Hall

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my intellectual property, a wider perspective on life, and more solidified feelings regarding future aspirations and life goals.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

Health care was extremely accessible.

* Safety:

I felt overall pretty safe.

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

IFSA Butler did a fabulous job in giving me the resources I need to succeed at Oxford. Additionally, the IFSA Butler activities offered throughout the year were such a nice refresher.

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 spent less than $100 per week and I was allowed to live in a minimalist fashion.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I only spent 20-40 on groceries each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home instead of going out!

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The staff
  • The activities
  • The emotional support
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I would have made so many friends so then I would not have been so nervous coming into the program!

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!