Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best and Most Informative Year of My Life July 02, 2022

By (Physics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/06/2021 to 06/17/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the most worthwhile experience I have every undertaken, and I recommend everyone to take the leap to experience their own year of immense friendship, academic depth and effort, and global adventure.

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 rigor at University of Oxford was the most difficult academic challenge I have every faced, but I would repeat this year again in a heartbeat as I learned so much academically. Students on the fence about their chosen subjects should take pause, as this program is a full year of a single subject and difficult (from my own experience - once again in physics). The other students (if you are in a subject with group tutorials) are kind and helpful, and the tutors in my experience are top-notch and responsive to questions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The accessibility to the visiting student at Worcester College at University of Oxford was exceptional; additionally he was very kind an open. They helped me both negotiate class options (visiting student director) and arrange room dates (housing).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The scout system was a pleasant bonus, and the kitchen was very spacious and had all the adequate amenities.

* Food:

I cooked for myself mostly, but the formal halls at Worcester College were great for vegans.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made some lifelong friends on this program—really better than I could have hoped for.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They provided lots of free Covid-19 tests (at Worcester College; I cannot speak for other colleges)

* Safety:

In general I felt very safe, though it is important to note at the beginning of the year following Covid-19 isolation there was a spate of spiking/injecting incidents in Oxford.

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)

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
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • friends
  • college environment/city/location
  • activities
* What could be improved?
  • academic preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep working hard! You can have the best year.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.