Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Eventful Year at Oxford July 05, 2022

By (English, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2021 to 06/18/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of vital educational knowledge that I will definitely carry into my last year of undergrad and beyond. I also got to have a social experience that my home institution had yet to afford me (due to school environment and the pandemic).

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.

* 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

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed my experience and recognize this year as one that I could not have had anywhere else.

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)

Oxford is not an inexpensive city to live in, and the costs can definitely rack up very quickly (particularly for students who enjoy socializing)

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

  • Americans
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
  • Social Opportunities
  • New Cultural Environment
* What could be improved?
  • Funding
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I believe the yearlong experience at Oxford is truly what you make it. I wish I knew when I started that it is very important to take the program seriously, but it is also important to make time for socializing, exploring, and fun. The academic structure of Oxford does not allocate room for enjoyment--it is definitely something you have to find time for 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!