Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Fun Semester in an Old City Past Review

By (HISTORY., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 01/07/2013 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 learned more about myself and my academic capabilities as a student; I learned I could survive on my own in the real world, to a degree. I also learned to cook, and I learned I love cooking. Of course it was worthwhile, though it took a great journey to prove it true.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* 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? $100

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Classes.
  • The Ability to Travel to Europe.
* What could be improved?
  • The Application Process (i.e. the issue with letter of recommendation - teachers could provide electronic or physical letters of recommendation, but the office of admissions did not specify at first that they REQUIRED electronic letters).
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know now that though the classes are difficult, I should have made more of an effort to hang out with both American and local students.

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!