Oxford: Once in a Lifetime Experience Past Review
By Hilary W (History/Mathematics, Wellesley College) for
University of Oxford - Visiting Students
I had an amazing time at Oxford. I have never been so happy academically, intellectually, or socially. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It takes a little while to adjust to the tutorial system as it is very different from learning in the US. 5 of my tutorials were one-on-one, and I had one economics course, which was a mini-lecture of 5 or 6 students. During my tutorials, I would either have to submit my essay the night before, and my tutor and I would discuss the comments during the tutorial. Other tutors would have me read out my essay during the tutorial. Another tutor had me describe my essay, and then we would discuss everything that I didn't write about. The workload initially seems very heavy, but once you get used to the required reading and writing each week, it becomes much more manageable. In regard to grading, the UK uses a 100 scale, although a 70 mark is the equivalent of an A. Most of my tutors were very fair graders. Overall, Oxford requires you to be very independent and disciplined in your work. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
At Oxford, you are in charge of making sure you stay on top of your bills, meetings with the programme director, etc. There is much less emphasis on accessibility and support than in the US. However, there is a director just for visiting students, who can help with any questions or difficulties. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All of the American visiting students lived in the same building. Unfortunately, there were very few British students living there as well. I happened to be on a hall of nearly all Brits, so I felt less isolated from the rest of the Mansfield student body than other visiting students living in the same building. The accommodation is called Dale, and it is located 10-15 minute walk away from College. It is located in Cowley, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and pubs. However, the area is a little sketchy late at night. Cowley is about a 20 minute walk away from the clubs. |
* Food: |
The dining hall food at Mansfield is some of the best at Oxford. At each meal, there are usually 2 meat options and 1 or 2 vegetarian options. As a vegetarian, I always felt like I had adequate options during all meals. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Mansfield College had amazing Entz Reps, who planned entertainment for the entire student body. These events included ice skating, biking to Blenheim Palace, pub crawls, club nights, bops (silly dance parties where costumes are necessary). |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Oxford is a very safe place. American students also live very close to the NHS infirmary. They have decent hours also. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Oxford can be a very expensive place to live. I made the decision to partake in many, many social events, so I spent a lot of money on my year abroad. |
Language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | My time at Oxford was the best year of my life. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
French Government and Society: 1610-1715 |
Course Department: | History Faculty |
Instructor: | Dr. Watson |
Instruction Language: | English |
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Course Name/Rating: |
The Middle Classes in Victorian Britain |
Course Department: | History Faculty |
Instructor: | Dr. Moss |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
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Course Name/Rating: |
Dynamic Optimization Theory |
Course Department: | Economics |
Instructor: | Dr. Bitsakakis |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
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Course Name/Rating: |
Twentieth-Century Britain |
Course Department: | History Faculty |
Instructor: | Dr. Moss |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
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Course Name/Rating: |
English Civil Wars |
Course Department: | History Faculty |
Instructor: | Dr. Watson |
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Late Medieval Britain |
Course Department: | History Faculty |
Instructor: | Dr. Lacey |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | |
Credit Transfer Issues: |