Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Academically Fulfilling --Driven by Independence -- August 16, 2024

By (Linguistics, Classics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 10/01/2023 to 06/20/2024 with

University of Oxford - Visiting Students

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained in-depth understanding of my field (linguistics) and exposure to a wide variety of topics that aren't available in a small liberal arts institution (e.g. indo-european morphology) that has (definitionally) fewer opportunities. I gained a lot from independent research. I learned most of all, how to be independent and to navigate a new city.

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.

Intense, one-on-one tutorial; very good feedback, academic resources (SOLO, bodleian librarians, etc.). To be successful, you need to work well independently and take advantage of the almost-infiinite range of tutorial and lecture opportunities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

St. Catherine's College was (admittedly, due to unforseen circumstances -- RAAC concrete) a bit frazzled and there was not much communication.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My first term the housing was sub-par, but my second two terms it was excellent.

* Food:

Hall food was decent, but for limited hours. Food in Oxford itself is pretty cheap/accesible if you're willing to cook.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I would choose the same program, but a different college

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? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely cook -- plan meals. Tescos is pretty cheap, but eating out frequently is not.

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Academic Rigor
  • Exploring the City of Oxford
  • Access to Bodleian Libraries
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with Local Community
  • Socialization Opportunities in General
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I was going to need to make a lot of active effort into integrating and that the college wasn't necessarily going to set-up activities for this.

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!