Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Oxford University: Work Hard, Play Hard. Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 10/10/2011 to 06/16/2012 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about British and other foreign cultures, mostly from the friends that I made. I am a totally different person now, with so much worldly knowledge. It was absolutely worthwhile, and I would do it again in an instant.

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.

This program is not for the academically faint of heart. Oxford expects a lot of you intellectually, but if you are willing to put in the work, professors, tutors, and even other students are always willing to help you. The resources here are unparalleled, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone who really loves what they study.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Oxford, and specifically St. Peter's College, did an excellent job of making sure everything for my year abroad was perfectly organized. I never felt lost or forgotten about, and the administration was always willing to answer my questions.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Each student gets his or her own room and bathroom in the St. Peter's College accommodation, which was excellent. My scout was friendly and wonderfully understanding. However, the kitchen facilities were somewhat lacking and I do wish that visiting student accommodation was more integrated with the normal student population.

* Food:

The food at St. Peter's was pretty good and affordable. There are not very many options in college, but there were plenty of places to get food outside college as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visiting students can participate in any college activities, which definitely made a huge difference in my experience. There were so many activities and events to attend, and I felt welcome at all of them!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues or need to address any issues. However, my college did make sure I was registered with the NHS almost as soon as I arrived in case anything did happen.

* Safety:

I always felt very safe.

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)

The exchange rate from US to UK is ridiculous, and everything is more expensive here. That said, there are plenty of options for students on a tight budget (eating in college, etc.)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $140
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are looking to save money, eat in college as much as possible, as food costs really pile up. Also, make sure to bring clothes for all types of weather and occasions from home; I ended up needing to buy things such as a rain coat, sweat pants, fancy dresses, etc. (which were more expensive due to the exchange rate) because of the many different events at Oxford and the very mercurial weather patterns.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • I was able to study absolutely anything I wanted with tutors who were excited and helpful.
  • I was well incorporated into the social experience.
  • The term schedule was a big improvement on my home university.
* What could be improved?
  • More inclusive accommodation.
  • Better exchange rate (America, I'm looking at you.)
  • More interaction with students from colleges other than St. Peter's.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just how much work I would be doing (SO MUCH.) Also, how much fun Oxford is!