Glad I Was Able to Study At Oxford (Nothing More, Nothing Less) Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Oxford operates in completely alien manner to that of Tufts. First, you have to get used to only taking classes in your subject, which was an adjustment. Although, if you want, you can take classes in other subjects, but you have to ask/fight for it to get it. That goes along with tutorials as well. I was responsible for setting up my curriculum entirely, which was both empowering but daunting, so if you know what you want to take talk to your head tutor and you can make it happen. Because the system is so subject specific, I can only speak for the biology program. Compared to Tufts, I felt like it was easier in terms of the amount of information you need to actually learn, because as a visitor you don't take exams. However, writing as essay every week was a challenge, especially at first, but eventually you are so practiced that they become much easier. You also don't really get graded for anything you do at Oxford, but at the end they will give you some kind of numerical mark in your tutorial reports. It ends up working out just fine in the transfer back to Tufts grades for the transcript.

On-site administration of your program

Again, you are basically on your own at Oxford. The program administrator from Tufts stays in London and doesn't have much of a presence. Lynn Wilkinson at Pembroke is excellent and really helpful, ask her all of your questions first and she will either answer them or direct you to the person who can.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Standard single dorm room (no roommates in Britain). The sink in the room is nice and "scouts" come to vacuum/clean your sink/take out your trash. You need to buy everything when you're there such as sheets, blankets, and cookware. However, the communal kitchens may have some cooking items leftover, you just have to look.

The food in the dining halls is pretty tasteless and not the most nutritious, especially after coming from the excellent selection at Tufts. There are a couple of good options in Oxford itself but in general British food is not that great and this was the worst part of the experience.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Rowing was a great time because I became a lot closer to my boatmates and it provided a nice social activity. The best part of the program is probably the really long winter and spring breaks between terms because you have over a month to travel around Europe.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Oxford is pretty safe. A little bit of rif-raff at night but nothing more than a normal city. Also, once in college things are completely safe, seeing as CCTV is watching everything. The NHS is excellent. Getting health care in Britain is not an issue and in my one experience was very fast and easy.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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