Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everything you expect Oxford to be, and more! Past Review

By (Economics., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/28/2011 to 06/16/2012 with

IFSA: Oxford - Oxford University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A sense of accountability for my own education- the tutorial system will do that to you. Greater independence generally- being on your own in a foregin country inevitably makes you more adventurous and better equipped to deal with the unexpected. And of course, great memories! The experience was absolutely worthwhile and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

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?

* 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? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Personalized (though rigorous) academic attention
  • Incredible atmosphere- lives up to everything you expect Oxford to be and more
* What could be improved?
  • Housing (for St. Anne's in particular)- accomodations were fine, but unlike other colleges visiting students were housed with 2nd-years rather than first years. This wsa not a huge problem, but it might have been better for us to be put with the 1st years who were still "looking for friends"
  • Academic support is variable- some personal tutors are more responsive than others to questions, etc. The level of support is not the same as at American universities, which is fine as long as you are expecting it
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It won't be as difficult as you think! There will be a moment during your first week of class when it seems like it is physically impossible to get all your work done and still have a good time, but that will pass. Establish a study schedule, stick to it, and eventually the academic/social life balance will be second nature. Also, never underestimate the amount of time it will take to do a good job on an essay or problem set- it is important (and helpful for your GPA) to be perceived as taking your academics at least as seriously as a regular Oxford student.