Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Incredible and Magical Place: University of Oxford Has It All June 27, 2024

By (History and Politics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/03/2023 to 06/15/2024 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained and enhanced many skills. The tutorial system teaches you how to better manage your time as there is only one or two contact hours per week. I also enhanced by communication skills through engaging in one-on-one discussions with tutors where I advocated for my ideas. I also had the opportunity to grow and discover a newfound independence I had not experienced at Wellesley.

Review Photos

University of Oxford - Visiting Students Photo University of Oxford - Visiting Students Photo University of Oxford - Visiting Students Photo

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.

I felt as though this program was quite rigorous as I was required to write at least one essay every week on topics that I often had limited background on. While there are resources available, most work is self-guided, which I felt took a little while to settle into the course load. However, I felt as though I learned an incredible amount through each essay. I was also able to become a better and more efficient writer due to the significant output required of the tutorial system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration was great. I found the visiting student ambassador to be especially welcoming and supportive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living arrangements. Each student is given their own room with a bathroom attached. Housing is also set up so that visiting students are living among other visiting students as well as current matriculated students.

* Food:

The food was very accessible, there were options available to eat either in hall, cook, or purchase other food. Students are also able to be flexible in their choices and can take it day by day depending on

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt as though I was able to become heavily involved in the Oxford community. In my opinion, at my indiviaual college, I found it easiest to immerse myself and make friends with matriculated students through joining a sports team. Rowing, which is an accessible team for anyone as it is quite flexible in commitment, provided me the opportunity to develop close friendships.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a college nurse, however, she usually just referred me to a local pharmacy and was not able to do much for me. The local pharmacists I found to be very friendly and helpful.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Oxford.

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

The visiting student program both challenged me academically but also allowed me the experience to life in a way I never had before. I also loved Oxford as a place, the architecture is beautiful and the surrounding nature I really appreciated.

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 would say it is quite easy to live on a student's budget. The main cost of living would be food as there is not a meal plan provided. However, meals in the dining hall are relatively cheap and grocery stores provide meal deals.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Consider experiences that you would like to have, as well as how you would like to spend your time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

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

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I liked most that even as a visiting student, students were treated almost the same as any Oxford student.
  • There are so many traditions and events where you are able to dress up and have fun with friends.
  • I liked that the program gave me the opportunity to try so many new things that I would also like to explore after Wellesley.
* What could be improved?
  • I do not think that I would make any substantial changes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I knew how isolating being at Oxford can be and that building friendships does take intentional effort. I also should have been more cognizant of how to spend time alone and be accepting of this time. In addition, there are so many opportunities to say yes to things as there is always something going on. I wish I understood the importance of putting yourself first, not pleasing everyone, and saying no.

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!