Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Becoming more independent and more traveled in four months Past Review

By (Kinesiology and Exercise Science., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/23/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

Oxford Brookes University: Oxford - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself and what was important to me, I was very glad to have done this program and felt proud of myself for doing something so big. I say it was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was set up in a different format that I had not been previously exposed to, with classes only offered once a week for three hours as opposed to three times a week for an hour each. The class sizes were smaller so it was easier than anticipated to stay focused for that amount of time. I found the labs were very interactive and my favorite part of the class structure over there. The requirements were just as rigorous as at UT but in different ways.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My academic advisor was very helpful and made sure that I had all that I needed throughout the semester. Again with a small university there were differences that I was pleasantly surprised with- for example, I was happy at the ease in which I could enroll into classes and the hands on experience I got with the professors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed living in Clive Booth Hall. I was with all other international students and I made friends quickly with all of them. I was very pleased to be living where I was despite how close the quarters were.

* Food:

I did a lot of cooking for myself and did not go out frequently until the end of the semester. The price of food was a little more expensive than back home but I made it work.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I joined the football team to integrate more with other british students and I found that the British students were harder to get to know and make friends with and by the time that the girls on the team got to know me it was almost time to return home to the states.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I always felt very safe in Oxford, especially on campus.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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 had significant help from my parents but I lived fairly minimally and inexpensively without much of a problem.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Total 6000 dollars (traveling included), 5000 (traveling not included)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your meals and it is very expensive to go out to clubs and bars so be prepared to spend lots of money when you go out or pick and choose when you go out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Living with other international students
  • Traveling on the weekend
  • Smaller class sizes
* What could be improved?
  • More integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You will spend time by yourself and that is okay. It isn't the worst thing in the world to have lunch by yourself.

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!