Fantastic Academics, Great Social Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This was an extremely academically intense program - you must recognize that when you apply to Oxford that you will be challenged. The tutorial system of Oxford is intense, stressful at times, but also is very rewarding. Because of the one-on-one instruction, there is no hiding in classes. You have to be prepared to work harder than you have ever worked before. As it's a completely self-taught system this is a huge change from traditional American classes - while American courses you have small bits of homework, go over material in class, and write essays based on the material taught to you, the Oxford system is different as you are assigned a book or articles to read, an essay question, and you have to read the book and write the essay entirely yourself. This is challenging especially coming from the American system where you are lectured everything. Nevertheless, it is an amazing learning experience and I learned how to think on my feet and become a better writer. When I was applying to Oxford I was very intimidated when I was reading all of these reviews, but when I got there it absolutely was a challenge but it was completely doable. I ended up taking tutorials a field I have no formal background in. However, because I had strong writing and critical thinking skills and was eager to learn, I was extremely successful and excelled in the course, so much so that my tutor wrote me a recommendation letter and said I was one of the top students she had ever taught.

On-site administration of your program

IFSA was incredible. At Oxford, you have a primary source of contact with IFSA, when I went this was Andrew. He led our orientation in London and then brought us to Oxford and showed us around. However, where IFSA makes a difference is that he would come to Oxford every two weeks and offer any IFSA student who wanted to talk the chance to meet with him for a half hour over coffee and chat about life, classes, and any problems at all. This was an amazing support system and he encouraged me to seek out all the opportunities I could. Very few other programs have this, so this is a huge plus for IFSA at Oxford.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in my college housing along with other British students my age. This was a huge advantage to me because I wanted to be immersed in the Oxford culture - however I know this depends on the specific Oxford college you are at so I would check this before you apply. However, I was with other third years who are my age, and I ended up making very good friends with those in my building - it felt a bit like an American college dorm as I would just go downstairs to watch a movie or have a pregame with my British friends. I'd highly recommend trying to live with other British students if you can.

Again, depends on your college as every college has different food. Every college has a college hall where food is served, which are normally gigantically grand and majestic places that look like they're out of Harry Potter. Food quality depends, but they are very accommodating to vegetarians/vegans.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was extremely integrated. I bought a bike, used it to get around town, made friends with other study abroad and British students, and joined an intense sports team where I made many friends. Because tutorials are one-on-one with a professor, you will not make friends through your classes. So, you will have to seek out other means to meet people, whether that is clubs or other social events.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any major issues, but every Oxford college has a college nurse. One time I was feeling ill so came into her office when she was there - she assessed me and told me what to buy at the pharmacy.

I have very very rarely felt unsafe in Oxford. As it is a city there are obviously threats, but there are usually many people around town, most places are well-lit, and if you are ever feeling unsafe you can always pop into a porter's lodge of a nearby college for help. In addition, my college had what they called "welfare taxis" where if you are feeling unsafe or are in a bad situation you could call a taxi and asked to get reimbursed for the cost.

IFSA was extremely supportive, I had a fantastic experience while there.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

2.5

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Other

• Academics
• Joining clubs & activities
• Social life

• Tough workload
• Isolating at times
• hard to spend thanksgiving away from family

The Academic or Linguist