Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester at St. Anne's January 02, 2025

By (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/09/2024 to 12/14/2024 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the hardest I've ever been pushed academically and I had a great time studying and exploring all Oxford had to offer. The program was so completely different from what I was used to at Wellesley, and while it wasn't the traditional low effort study abroad experience that others might have had, I knew this going in and was prepared to push myself. This experience was absolutely worthwhile.

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.

The program was incredibly rigorous, with extensive reading and writing assignments each week—but tutors were very supportive and we had every resource imaginable at our hands through the Oxford libraries.

* 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

I had a wonderful time at St. Annes—I was able to balance studying with fun and made tons of friends who I plan on staying in touch with for a long time.

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? $200

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
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?
  • Other visiting students.
  • September seminar in History of Art.
  • Access to Oxford libraries and academic resources.
* What could be improved?
  • We weren't told what classes we were taking until midway through September.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's easy to get into London, but there's so much fun to be had in Oxford as well.

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!