Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Best Academic Year Ever Past Review

By (University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/13/2018 to 06/17/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I improved a lot academically speaking. It was really worthwhile.

Review Photos

St. Catherine's College, Oxford - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course structure in Oxford is slightly different from that in the States. In Oxford, we have lectures and tutorials, two kinds of "courses". Lectures are literally open to all, whether you're a student or not. Undergrad lectures are usually 50 minutes long. They are not discussion-based. Professors talk and leave, at most leaving 10 minutes for questions. Tutorials are one-on-one. At the beginning of each semester, the program director in Oxford, Naomi will talk to students individually and decide what each of them wants to do & with whom, and introduce the student to a professor for supervision.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived on campus like most of the visiting students did. My room is literally 2 minutes' walk away from everything, including the college library, dinning hall, gym, and even a college bar! (yes, it's legal for college students to drink in the UK.)

* 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:

The nearest IES center is in London, so unfortunately I did not go to many events they organized for students. But IES sent faculty to Oxford every term to catch up with us. Whenever there was a attack or something in London, they would send send emails, messages, calls to confirm our safety. They are really doing a great job!

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? 50 British pounds

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 individual tutorial system
* What could be improved?
  • I wish the IES center was closer to me.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had applied for a whole year, instead of just the spring semester.

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!