Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worcester has not seen the last of me :) July 25, 2025

By (Philosophy and Cognitive Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/08/2024 to 06/21/2025 with

Worcester College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was incredibly worthwhile, I learned about myself and how I deal with being in new places where I don't know anyone and how to navigate completely changing my environment. I feel more confident and happy having had this experience which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I was challenged academically and am better off for it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I loved the program - the academics were incredible, and student life was so filled with trying new things whether you had experience with them or not. I highly recommend this program to everyone and made some of my best friends here.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You have support should you need it but otherwise it's pretty hands off, which gives you a lot of freedom!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a bigger room than I've ever had with a bathroom attached!

* Food:

The food was really good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With some effort on your own part to get to different events and talk to people, people are so open to making friends and I felt very integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The NHS works, just slowly at times. I had great experiences and did not have to wait a long time but I know other students who did. Worcester had a college nurse who was very helpful and a way to get help sooner!

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around Oxford.

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

I loved Worcester and the friends I made. I preformed at music events, played football (soccer) for the college and the University, attended student theatre production, staged-managed a show, and had a blast.

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 started cooking dinner with the friends I made and this made either so every meal was at max two pounds. This helped save a lot of money - and for the other meals I bought groceries and cooked. I did love getting a cheeky Gloucester Green which was upped it a bit but as a treat, not bad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Under $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find people to cook with and split groceries!

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

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • The academics
  • The friends I made
  • The student orgs like football (soccer)
* What could be improved?
  • Some sort of link with a matriculated student from the start who is open to questions.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Keep a diary! And there are so many opportunities - ask around for more and ask what things are if you aren't sure! Don't let something pass you up because you weren't sure who to ask!

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!