CMRS is just Medieval Past Review

By (Literary Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/08/2012 with

Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies - Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was valuable in that it allowed me to take classes within a different educational system. The courses were challenging, and I feel that I learned from the experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The tutorials were wonderful, and the seminar was also worthwhile. The integral course, on the other hand, was rather disorganized, and it was hard to feel any sense of continuity or unity in the material presented.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration sometimes failed to communicate key pieces of information to students in a timely fashion.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You are housed with Americans and, at least in the first month, everyone you're living with is also taking the same course as you. This provides a sense of community, but it can also be limiting later in the semester, as it is somewhat difficult to meet Oxford students.

* Food:

You make your own food and, besides when people neglect to properly clean the kitchen, the cooking area is nice.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is a struggle to meet and befriend Oxford students. Join clubs and activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you make your food, you'll save quite a bit of money.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • one-on-one tutorials
  • the independence that comes with the British educational system
  • the city of Oxford itself
* What could be improved?
  • communication with students from the administration of CMRS
  • integration with Oxford students
  • the integral course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The integral course paper and exam are not as worrysome as you think. The integral course itself should be taken for what it is - a very broad survey of many different things - and you shouldn't stress about it. Travel during this time. This is the most free you'll be. Read two-ish books each week for the exam, and you'll be fine.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Shakespeare seminar

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Hanna
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was enjoyable. The seminars were small - mine was seven students - and that allowed for more intensive conversations about material covered. The Shakespeare seminar involved reading a play each week, a group presentation over one play, and a long research essay at the end. This course was nice in terms of the essay, because Dr. Hanna allowed much independence in determining the final topics about which we would write. He encouraged discussion in class, and most people talked frequently. This was a good course.
Credit Transfer Issues: I had no issues transferring credit.