Oxford, An Absolutely Wonderland

The course structure in Oxford is slightly different from that in the States. In Oxford, we have lectures and tutorials, two kinds of "courses". Lectures are literally open to all, whether you're a student or not. Undergrad lectures are usually 50 minutes long. They are not discussion-based. Professors talk and leave, at most leaving 10 minutes for questions.

Tutorials are one-on-one. At the beginning of each semester, the program director in Oxford, Naomi will talk to students individually and decide what each of them wants to do & with whom, and introduce the student to a professor for supervision.

I lived on campus like most of the visiting students did. My room is literally 2 minutes' walk away from everything, including the college library, dinning hall, gym, and even a college bar! (yes, it's legal for college students to drink in the UK.)

The nearest IES center is in London, so unfortunately I did not go to many events they organized for students. But IES sent faculty to Oxford every term to catch up with us. Whenever there was a attack or something in London, they would send send emails, messages, calls to confirm our safety. They are really doing a great job!

I highly recommend this program to you. I wish you would love Oxford as I do.