Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 01/02/2013 to 04/13/2013 with

Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies - Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a sense of confidence and independence that I had been missing. It was the greatest semester of my life and I wish that I could go back and do it all over again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a challenge, but something that I am proud of having been able to rise to. It was the most enriching curriculum I've had in a semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

With the Keble social we had opportunities to get involved with the university at large beyond the confines of St. Michael's Hall.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get a lot of help when I went to see the doctor for a raging sinus infection and was told to just take codeine/paracetamol for the cough. I wound up getting treated as soon as I returned to the States because I was in desperate need of antibiotics.

* 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? Approximately £20 to £50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The SMCM budget estimate at least for me vastly underestimated the amount of money I needed while I was gone. My parents had given me money based on the school's figures online, and I wound up spending approximately $1500 more than that of my own 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?
  • Tutorials
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, I have no criticism
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to cook for myself.

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!