Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Britain and the Beginning of A Traveler's Life Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Trinity University) - abroad from 06/28/2014 to 08/05/2014 with

Rhodes College: Oxford - British Studies at Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
For one thing I learned a great deal about English history and Shakespeare, two subjects I have been fascinated with since birth. I also learned how to travel intelligently, both in groups and on my own, and how to complete assignments in a condensed time period and under great pressure. Perhaps most importantly, however (forgive the sentimentality), I acquired a sense of adventure and interest in the wider world that will follow me for the rest of the foreseeable future. In short, this trip turned me from a hesitant tourist into an eager, lifelong traveler. "O brave new world, That has such people in't!"

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Simply put, the program is smartly run, extremely well-thought out, and an excellent introduction to an amazing country with an amazing history.

* 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:

Oxford is incredibly safe. Indeed, I felt safer there than I often do at my American college!

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)

Britain is an admittedly expensive country. However, it helped that the price of field trips and excursions was included in our tuition.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $200, or 100 pounds, I believe

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

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The incredible quality of the instructors
  • The smart structure of the program (We had Fridays off, lots of free afternoons to explore, etc)
  • The hands on approach (We're studying a cathedral? Oh, let's go visit. We're reading a play? Oh, let's go see it.)
* What could be improved?
  • If possible, a little more student input in regards to where we take our excursions would be wonderful.
  • It might also be nice to have a morning off every now and then. Certain tours and activities took place only on weekdays during morning classes, and I missed them as a result.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I honestly cannot think of anything I wasn't well prepared for---that's a testament to Dean Leslie's comprehensive guidance.

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!