British Studies at Oxford: Choose to make your education hollistic. Past Review
By Michael R (Chemistry/Philosophy, Trinity University) for
Rhodes College: Oxford - British Studies at Oxford
A renewed perception of the Medieval world and its intellectual achievements. Although it is of an intellectual elite, most of history involves the elite, anyway. Also improved my views on the Catholic church as an institution devoted to intellectual exploration and scientific endeavours. Definitely worth-while, but you really are the author of the meaning behind your experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The only potential difficulty I found in the grading system was that there is little time opportunity to display most accurately ones usual academic achievement patterns. As I didn't hang out with friends and focused on my work, I didn't find this to be too much of a problem. Being in a place steeped in numerous centuries of academic culture and traditions makes you feel somewhat privileged and honoured. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All the staff at Oxford were extremely helpful and friendly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Old, large, and comfortable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many opportunities to chat with professors on a non-academic basis, although this is a place where academics and social interaction should be inseperable. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The Dean and professors genuinely care about your well-being. They'll worry themselves sick just if you cough too much. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent approximately 30 GBP per week. This was only because I had meals and housing already taken care of. There aren't many things to purchase that scream "UK" or "England" without being gaudy/touristy. (No one who actually attends Oxford University as a student wears an Oxford University hoodie.) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Most toiletries are more expensive in the UK than in America (exchange rate considered), but if there is anything you absolutely cannot substitute, bring it along! American brand-name toiletries are surprisingly difficult to find in the UK. Cities outside of London get cheaper; the less famous the city, the cheaper it is. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | History-buffs and Philosophy enthusiasts would benefit most. You can make friends with students in the programs, but don't expect much enthusiasm for intellectual pursuits from many of the students. Go out with friends, but try not to confine yourself to the program--talk to your scout, your waiter, your professor from Cambridge, the locals. You're in the UK, learn as much about UK citizens from their own accounts! Genuine and sincere interest is the path to understanding and friendship. |
