Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Oxford Experience August 26, 2023

By (Business and Econ, Brandeis University) - abroad from 10/01/2023 to 06/15/2023 with

St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think I grew educationally, socially, and culturally. iI was certainly worth while.

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.

The academic rigor was a good level for me. I felt it was a solid amount of work, so I felt included with Oxford peers, but it was not as difficult as I thought I would be. The tutors are great and are a huge part of what makes this study abroad program special.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was good but a 10 minute walk from the main college which can be a bit isolating at times.

* Food:

Food is great for a college dining hall. Way better than Brandeis and the formals are really cool

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated, though most visiting students weren't. Even then they have their own community, which is also nice because you can meet students from many different universities. But going all year is great because then you meet lots of students during freshers week.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't have any heath issues but heard some bad things about the public healthcare.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe at Oxford.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I am almost certain unless this year is a real banger that I'll look back at my Oxford experience as the highlight of my college experience. Everything was top tier and I had experiences there not replicable in the states. The students other were great, the educational system was amazing. I loved the independent learning style, and the tutorials led to some of the best work I've done in my undergrad experience. I met many great people both Americans and British students. I traveled across Europe for the 3 months of breaks in between terms, and oxford itself is beautiful. The city is incredibly scenic and makes the school environment very unique. The social scene is also great, with the college system there's a great smaller community at teddy hall, and a larger university community.

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)

I did not feel constrained by money, but it is expensive so I can see how students would feel that way.

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? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The language is english

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Education System
  • General Oxford uniqueness and customs
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Integration of visiting students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Honestly, I was pretty well educated about it, and I can't think of anything.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.