An Experience I Will Always Remember February 26, 2026
By A student (Politics, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2025 to 12/12/2025 with
Worcester College, University of Oxford - Visiting Students Program
I learned to be very independent. I traveled by myself for the first time, had classes where I was the only student, and had the most time on my hands in my life. I had to learn to navigate freedom and independence responsibly.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Beyond number of resources in academia. I have never been challenged more in my academic experience. Very rigorous and intense. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I personally had my own dietary restrictions, so I cooked my own food and did not eat from dining hall. I heard it was great though. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My friends with many locals who introduced me to many British cultures/traditions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had issues with health issues. I never was sick. However, I would not say Britain has certain medications (ex: Nyquil). But I did bring over medication over with me, so I did not have any problems. |
| * Safety: |
Very very safe. Had no issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
A part of me always regrets/debates doing a less rigorous program where I could have traveled more, but honestly, I made the most of my program and would have deeply regretted not going to Oxford. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I know I will always travel/be back in Europe again. |
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) |
I got my own groceries, and UK is very expensive in general, so the amount of money spent adds up quickly. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I only really spent money on food. I did not go out often but make sure to plan how much you want to spend weekly and make sure you have enough/safety net. |
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? | Remember that academics only a part of the experience, try to go out and make the most of the opportunities/cultural experience. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
