Where is the CAPA Oxford Center?

The classrooms in which most of your courses will be taught are conveniently located within the colleges and exam schools at Oxford University.

Who is the local staff?

Joanna Shearer is the Oxford Program Services Coordinator and will be holding weekly meetings and convening My Education cultural events. Joanna completed her Ph.D at Oxford Brookes University and lived the student life in Oxford for five years, so she is very aware of the local culture and how to get by on a budget!

How will I get to class?

Like many Oxford students and local residents, you will take a local bus. You will receive specific information about your housing approximately 14 days prior to the start of your program. Will this information, you will be given instructions on which bus stops are convenient to your homestay. This information will also be provided for you in writing in your “Landing Gear,” which will be handed out on the coach on the way to Oxford and can be discussed with your homestay family.
If your program includes a bus pass, it will be distributed at the orientation once in country.

Will I be enrolled in Oxford University and have classes with their students?

Although classes are held within Oxford University buildings, you will not be enrolled in the University or take classes with their students. All courses are taught by your home campus professors and CAPA’s local professors. These classes are for students from your US institution only.

Where will I live?

All CAPA Oxford students live in homestays that are no more than a 30-minute bus ride from the center of town. Your homestay will often include breakfast and dinner. Bear in mind that British homes are generally much smaller than homes in the United States and you will be expected to share the bathroom facilities. Homestays are a great way to learn more about the local culture. You will receive specific details about your housing approximately two weeks prior to the start of your program.

Will my homestay family let me use their telephone?

If you are living with a host family, it may not be appropriate for you to use their telephone, as even local calls can be pricey. Please review the household telephone rules with your host family upon arrival.
We recommend that all students have a cell phone while abroad. In your pre-departure pack, you will receive information about a cell phone provider many of our students have used in the past. This provider enables you to arrange for your phone in advance.

Alternatively, you can buy a cell phone with a cheap international pay as you go option at Carphone Warehouse upon arrival. The walking tour of Oxford after your orientation will end at a mobile phone shop.
It is free to receive incoming calls on most mobile phones while in the UK, but be aware of roaming charges as well as the rates on outgoing international calls as these costs can build up quickly!

How will I do my laundry?

If a homestay includes laundry services, your family may actually wash and dry your clothes for you or you may have access to do this yourself. You may find that the home only has a small washer and your clothing will be line-dried outside or inside. As utilities such as water and electricity are very expensive in the UK, laundry will be done, at most, once or twice per week. Please plan appropriately for the extra time your laundry may take when packing.

Where can I receive mail?

We suggest that you have mail and packages sent directly to your homestay, with your name clearly marked on the outside of the package or letter. Please be advised that when receiving packages from overseas, the sender must elect to assume all associated charges in shipping, including any customs fees. Failure to do so could delay or prevent you from receiving a package.

Can I have overnight guests?

Please be advised that most host families prefer that you not have guests at any hour of the day. Please be courteous of this, and arrange for visits with friends in outside locations.
In your orientation pack you will find the names of numerous Bed and Breakfasts and small hotels in Oxford where friends and family can stay.

Is the electricity the same as in North America?

No, the voltage in the UK is 230 (US voltage is 120). It is advisable to bring both plug adapters and voltage converters with you as it is more expensive to purchase them in the UK.

What is the weather like?

Britain has a variable continental climate. The average summer temperature is about 70 degrees, 59 degrees for fall and spring, and winters dip down to about 45 degrees on average. Britain is famous for its regular but generally light rain, so plan to buy an umbrella! That said, the sun will make an appearance for a reasonable portion of each month.

In recent years, many have felt that Britain’s weather patterns have become even more erratic. Summer days can now sometimes be described as sweltering (particularly on the tube during rush hour). January tends to be the coldest month and while snow in the winter is quite unusual, it too has become a more regular occurrence, though it is still rare for more than an inch to settle. While you cannot plan for everything, you can at the very least know to expect the unexpected with British weather!

What clothes should I bring?

A good pair of walking shoes is essential. Remember that you will most likely be doing a lot more walking than at home. A warm waterproof jacket is important outside of summer, but a lighter waterproof jacket is useful on some summer evenings. Remember that you may want to buy clothes in the UK so don't over-pack!

Please see the CAPA student handbook for Oxford for more details on recommended packing lists.

How much money should I bring?

Spending habits vary greatly from student to student. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution, and we generally recommend that students bring at least $140 - $175 per week. The frequency with which you travel, eat in restaurants, and go out in the evenings will determine your weekly expenditures. It can be easy to forget the actual dollar equivalent of what you’re spending, so do be careful! At the time of publication, the exchange rate was approximately 2 to 1 in favor of the pound.
In the CAPA student handbook, you will find a “Do – It – Yourself” budget for Britain. Fill it in prior to departing the United States and bring it with you. After the first week and a half, check your actual spending against this budget to figure out if your habits will leave you with enough money to get through the program, and adjust accordingly.

What form of currency should I bring?

Diversify, diversify, diversify. In today’s day and age, you’ll find that an ATM card with a credit option will get you just about anywhere you need to go. Remember, however, that in the event your wallet gets lost or stolen, you are high and dry until you can replace that card. We recommend that you bring a modest amount with you in traveler’s checks (approximately $150). Set them aside as an emergency only fund when you arrive in country. Be aware that you’ll need a photo ID to cash traveler’s checks at most locations, and they aren’t accepted everywhere.

If you bring your ATM card overseas, be certain to talk to a representative at your bank to make sure that your card has international capabilities. Also find out about any other steps you might need to take before using your card overseas. If your PIN is longer than 4 digits, ask your bank representative what PIN you’ll use overseas. European ATMs operate off of a 4 – digit PIN system. Almost all ATMs will add a fee for international transactions.

You may want to get a credit card with a low credit line before going abroad as well. To keep better track of your spending, we’d recommend you use it in case of an emergency ONLY.

As many airports don’t offer the best exchange rates, you might want to get some British Pounds (50 – 75 GBP) from your local bank before leaving the US. This might come in handy in case you need to take a taxi to the CAPA Center or your housing.

Should I open a bank account?

No, most students have no need to open a bank account in Oxford. In fact, only permanent residents are able to open bank accounts in the UK. Please note, however, that you do not have to have an account to receive a wire transfer from home at British banks.

Are there Internet facilities? Should I bring my laptop?

CAPA Oxford has no designated computer facilities, but there are several internet cafes, coffee shops and bookshops in Oxford that allow you computer/wireless access for a charge and some are even free.
Bringing a laptop is a personal decision. CAPA does not require the use of a laptop. Be advised that if you do bring a laptop, you may want to purchase additional insurance in the event that it breaks or is stolen. The CAPA included world student insurance only covers lost or stolen items up to a maximum of $250.

What happens if I get sick?

Oxford has excellent doctors and medical facilities. You are automatically covered by CAPA's World Student Insurance policy up to $2,000 per medical claim.

Your healthcare coverage will operate differently overseas than in the United States. When visiting the doctor or hospital, you are required to pay up front for services. You will then be reimbursed up to $2,000 for this by the World Student Insurance policy, provided that you hold onto all receipts associated with your medical services and submit your claim within 30 days of returning to the US.

For minor symptoms, you’ll find that it may be wiser to solicit healthcare advise from a local pharmacist first. This is commonly done in Britain, and you’ll find it to be a quicker and more efficient way to receive care.

Should I bring any medication?

If you are taking prescription medication, you should bring enough for your stay in the UK. Remember to keep any medication in its original packaging and bring this in your carry-on luggage.

We recommend that you get a note from your doctor explaining the medication that you’re taking, as well as the generic name of the medication. Hold onto this in the event that you have any issues with your prescription or need to obtain more medication for any reason. It can be difficult to have medications shipped overseas.

If you are currently in counseling, you may want to set up weekly phone calls with your counselor. CAPA can provide you with a list of local counselors and psychologists, or your own psychologist may have some connections overseas.

What will I eat?

The traditional English breakfast is quite large and generally consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and lots of toast. However, such a large meal is generally saved for the weekend or eating out. The average modern Briton will eat much lighter during the week, with cereal, yogurt or toast with a cup of tea being quite common. Lunch is similar to what you’d be accustomed to in the United States. A sandwich, soup, or salad is the norm. If you go to the pub for lunch, you might order the Ploughman’s lunch, which is a platter of a hard roll, different cheeses, and pickle (pickled vegetables in a brown sticky sauce), or the traditional fish and chips. Dinner again is quite similar to that in the US, though a variety of international cuisines, particularly Indian, are quite common. If you are living with a host family, you can expect a light breakfast and balanced dinner provided that meals are included in your program.

Please be forthcoming about any dietary restrictions you might have on your CAPA application, especially if you are living with a host family. CAPA will always do its best to accommodate these needs, but be advised that you may need to purchase some grocery items yourself if they will not be used by the host family.

When can I travel and what are the holidays for my program?

Please speak with your study abroad advisor at your institution or your CAPA Program Manager for the specific dates of holidays during your program, such as semester breaks or long weekends. As these vacation dates can be subject to change, we suggest that you not make any lengthy travel arrangements until you arrive in country.

The CAPA London Center also organizes day and weekend long excursions through a travel provider at special rates for CAPA students, and Oxford students can participate in these. You will learn more about these trips at orientation in country, and you can sign up for them at that time. It’s a fun and easy way to travel!

Your weekends can also be used to travel. British train and bus systems are extensive. Discount flight carriers have also grown in popularity. Although these flights aren’t always reliable and have rigid luggage weight limitations, they are a very convenient and economical way to travel on the weekends. Check out ryanair.com, easyjet.com, and skyscanner.net to name a few.

How will I get to know the locals?

The CAPA center is not affiliated with a university in Florence and you will not be taking classes with local students. You will, however, find that CAPA’s My Education program will provide you with many opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. Additionally, the CAPA International Program Services Team can recommend a number of individual opportunities, such as volunteering, cooking classes, or language exchanges that you may want to get involved in overseas. Ultimately, the study abroad experience is as rich as you want it to be. The more you put into it, the more you will take away.

How can I find out more on how to prepare?

The US government has created a very useful website for students preparing to study abroad. It contains information on obtaining travel documents, staying healthy and knowing what to do in an emergency, safety tips, how to find the nearest embassy, how to vote while overseas, and more. Click here to visit this website:
http://studentsabroad.state.gov.