Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Academics, Great People, Very Little Culture, No Money Left Past Review

By (Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 10/01/2013 to 06/22/2014 with

Sarah Lawrence College: Oxford - Sarah Lawrence in Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I was more academically challenged this year than ever before, and I loved being part of a big university for the first time. I think the program could do a much better job of integrating students into Oxford and Wadham, and of assisting students in exploring the UK. The administrators could also work harder to help students as advisers rather than just as administration, and to take the SLC students seriously as adults, and use their feedback to improve the program.

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

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? about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? England is expensive. Find cheap grocery stores.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Academics
  • Extracurriculars
* What could be improved?
  • Integration to university
  • Trips
  • Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The work is manageable. It doesn't seem that way in the beginning but once you're past the first 10 essays you learn not to stress too hard.

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!