Most influential year of my life thus far Past Review

By (English and Spanish Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/30/2011 to 06/18/2012 with

IFSA: Oxford - Oxford University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile, I gained independence. The tutorial system taught me self motivation. My writing and communication skills improved dramatically. I learned about the English culture and came to love it.

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.

The academic work at Oxford was very rigorous. I had to write 1 to 2 10 page essays per week and read on average of 3 novels a week. I was also expected to do a lot of research for my analytical essays. It was very rigorous and I learned a great deal.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Butler University was so accomodating. We had an orientation in London before I started at Oxford which was very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My room at oxford was great, I had my own room with my own room and was provided with linens.

* Food:

Lots of options in oxford. The dining hall at Worcester was very good and there are a lot of restaurants to choose from as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made great English friends, I felt very comfortable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Very easily accessible, Worcester had a doctor.

* Safety:

Oxford is very safe

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? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? TESCO is a great cheap supermarket

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • That I was treated like a regular Oxford Student
* What could be improved?
  • Tutorials were individual, i would like to see group tutorials sometimes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, I think i was sufficiently prepared.