Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Philosophy in Oxford Past Review

By (Philosophy., University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/08/2013 to 03/16/2013 with

Oxford Study Abroad Programme (OSAP): Oxford - Study Abroad at Oxford University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My primary reason for choosing the Oxford Study Abroad Programme was my intention to eventually study philosophy at the graduate level. I can safely say that I learned more philosophy in eight weeks at Oxford than I had learned in a year and a half at Pacific. I was surrounded by extremely motivated and intelligent students, which inspired me to work harder than I ever have before. Because of this experience, I feel much more prepared to apply to graduate programs this fall. My time in Oxford was more than worthwhile; it was an experience that has profoundly affected the course of my life.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Academic rigor
  • Personal attention from tutors
  • Life in Oxford (bars, pubs, events)
* What could be improved?
  • Safety of (some) Housing
  • Tutors are hit and miss
  • Integration with college
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had considered studying in Oxford sooner in my college career. My main reason for choosing the Oxford Study Abroad Programme was because it was the only option available by the time I realized that I wanted to study abroad. If I had started planning further in advance, I could have applied independently to an Oxford college, which would have saved me a considerable amount of money, allowed me to be more integrated into the life of my college, and perhaps have enabled me to stay for two terms.

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!