Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Transformative Experience August 13, 2024

By (Mathematics & Psychology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/02/2023 to 06/15/2024 with

St Anne's College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad at Oxford has been one of the best decisions I've made during my college career so far. It was a profoundly impactful experience that fostered both academic and personal growth. Academically, I gained a deeper understanding of my subjects through the University's rigorous and unique tutorial system, which emphasized critical thinking and independent analysis. The one-on-one discussions with my tutors pushed me to engage with the material at a higher level and approach it from new perspectives that I hadn't considered before. On a personal level, living in a city with such rich history and traditions broadened my cultural awareness and appreciation for diverse perspectives. I'm also incredibly grateful for the long-lasting friendships I formed during my time there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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)

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
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • Full integration into the College and University
  • Tutorial System
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to engage with local students in tutorials
  • Better and more frequent communication for visiting students (particularly in the initial weeks)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Looking back, I think I would have benefited from knowing more about the social and extracurricular opportunities available at Oxford. There's so much happening outside of academics, from college events to student societies, and I wish I had been more proactive in exploring those early on so I could have experienced even more of what Oxford had to offer.

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!