Unforgettable year abroad August 13, 2024
By Valida P (Economics and History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/04/2023 to 06/15/2024 with
Worcester College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program
I learned how much and how quickly I can get things done in less than a week. Oxford's academic system is unstructured, so it gives you a lot of time to explore different cool things around the university and the city, while teaching you how to manage your time and work, especially when you have travel plans during the term. I also love the friends and connections I made at Oxford. Lots of special memories made at Oxford.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
As a history major, history tutorials at Oxford are rigorous, writing 1-2 long essays every week with long reading lists. It taught you how to take notes effectively, formulate your arguments and produce a compelling and argumentative essay in a very quick turnaround. It also allows you to hone your analytical skills in connecting the dots between difference historical sources. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very supportive and accommodating. Worcester also provides with utensils which are really helpful to cook for your own. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We are put in a spacious ensuite with our bathroom and also a communal kitchen. Definitely a step up. |
| * Food: |
I enjoy food at Oxford, the dining hall have great options at an affordable price. You can easily eat out, cook for yourself and opt for Tesco/Sainsbury meal deals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would say I spent half the time with fellow American students abroad and half the time with British and Oxford students. I felt pretty much integrated because I was really involved with Oxford extracurriculars and clubs. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I am not sick during the program. |
| * Safety: |
Oxford is a very safe city to be in and walk around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Great academic rigor, fascinating culture immersion, possibility to travel inside the UK and Europe. Surprisingly, you also get to sleep more and hang out with friends more. |
Finances
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* 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) |
It really depends on social activities. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I know how a bike would come in handy. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
