Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Oxford Life With Rich Experience January 21, 2026

By (Philosophy, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/08/2025 to 12/06/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to study independently and efficiently. I can now communicate my thoughts eloquently with others and write a decent paper within a short time. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

I loved the people I met at Oxford. I got chances to make a lot of really good friends and participate in all kinds of activities, and experienced many Oxford traditions. There are many cute cafes and restaurants locally. There are tons of libraries and museums to explore as well. Although it was academically challenging, I learned to study independently and efficiently. The tutors are very helpful and nice as well.

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)

The food was pretty expensive there, but the transportation is very convenient and relatively cheap.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat at dinning hall more often and take buses instead of Uber. Try to buy some second-hand stuff and limit your dorm decorations.

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
  • 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?
  • The program encouraged us to interact with local students.
  • The program organized many activities to help us adapt to local culture.
  • The program is very supportive. It was easy to reach out to staff if we have any issues.
* What could be improved?
  • The food for September is free but very limited.
  • There could be more communication or something like office hour between the student and the tutor.
  • Student should be allowed to extend to one year if they found out that they really enjoyed the program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to do the reading beforehand, and start reading as early as possible.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Philosophy of Cognitive Science
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Dr Matthew Parrott
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was pretty challenging, according to the reading materials and the weekly writing assignment. I got to participate a lot in class. I was assessed through papers and in-class participation.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

The Philosophy of Wittgenstein
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Professor Stephen Mulhall
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging but also very fun! I learned a lot from the professor and know more about why I love philosophy. I was assessed based on papers and in-class participation.
Credit Transfer Issues: No