Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Tough but so rewarding. Would do it all again if I could. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/06/2017 to 04/15/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academic and personal independence. So worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very intense but so rewarding. I grew a lot as a student and a researcher, and would do it all again if I could.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very supportive admin staff that make the place feel like home. They are always willing to answer questions and help students with anything, from academics to personal issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The building is old, but the location is perfect and it's cosy.

* Food:

Food at Keble college isn't great but the experience is worth it!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not much interaction with other Oxford students unless you play sport or music, but there are loads of opportunities to go to events at different colleges and meet people if you make the effort.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I'm British, so I was covered by the NHS and it was fantastic.

* Safety:

Oxford as a city can be a sketchy sometimes and CMRS is located in a bit of a dodgy alleyway, but I never felt unsafe or at risk.

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)

Since most meals are cooked, you have to make sure to budget for that.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About £30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make big meals and freeze them - also make things with friends and split the cost.

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

  • Other
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?
  • Oxford University itself
  • The administration
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Interaction with Keble College
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing, really. It's better to be thrown in the deep end and try to navigate through it yourself!

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:

Modern Political Philosophy

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: My tutor was so tough, but as the term progressed I got used to the tutorial system and it was so rewarding in the end.
Credit Transfer Issues: