Really academically difficult, but so worth it for the history and experience! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was ridiculously intense, but the resources we had access to were fantastic. There were several libraries within a 15-minute walk from where we were staying, and they were all excellent. My main problem for sources was probably in limiting the scope of my research. Although this was a demanding program, I had a great time.

On-site administration of your program

The administration at CMRS was always available to answer any and all questions I had. If they could not provide me with an answer, they pointed me in the right direction and were always willing to provide additional information. They were also very courteous and friendly, which helped me feel at home while abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, the living arrangements were quite nice; the roommate matching system generally made great pairings, and the rooms were comfortably suited to the needs of students spending a semester away from home. The common area was very nice and the kitchen was great. Really the only complaints I could have are thusly: the heat was pretty uneven (some rooms were cold and others were roasting) and the pillows were alike unto rocks, which wasn't so great after long days spent poring over books.

I was mostly preparing my own food, which worked because of the excellent kitchen in the common area and also the grocery store(s) within a five minutes' walk of the center. I didn't eat at the dining hall a lot, because lunch and dinner were served at specific times and the dining hall was a 15-minute walk from where we were staying. However, when we did eat there the food was generally good and the desserts in particular were delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

CMRS students are encouraged to join Oxford University clubs, and most of us joined at least one club. Although they charge membership fees, the clubs were generally very welcoming. They definitely helped us learn about English culture, and improved our experiences greatly. Also, as Oxford is a university town, we were identified first as students rather than as Americans. I did not feel like an outsider after the first few weeks.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have to make use of the health services offered to CMRS students, but I knew of those services and I would say that the arrangement is most advantageous. The program has its own medical officers, and the practice is located a five minutes' walk from the center. Semester students are charged at half the normal rate, and those who stay for a full academic year receive services free of charge. I thought that was pretty cool.

I would say that Oxford is a pretty safe city. The city center in particular is very well-lit, and many of my friends said they felt comfortable walking alone after dark because of this. Although this is not to say that there were no safety problems, I did not see any during my time in Oxford. The biggest thing we were told to beware of was pickpocketing.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I ended up spending about half of what I budgeted for food, probably because I was mostly buying my own and preparing meals myself rather than getting them in the dining hall. I also didn't go out that much, but $100 usually got me through a week just fine.

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• Dorm

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The people!!
• The educational side
• The setting (Oxford)

• Comfier pillows
• Field trips during term

The Academic or Linguist