Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A challenging, but immensely rewarding experience. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/04/2018 to 04/14/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am a much more capable student than I have previously given myself credit for.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics at Oxford were challenging due to the fast pace and intense workload. With this being said, Oxford was the most rewarding experience of my academic career. While I was often stressed and pulled more all-nighters than I thought I was capable of, this experience was invaluable for my growth as a student. After Oxford, I know that I can manage any academic challenge that college/grad school could throw at me.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators at CMRS were wonderful. I am so grateful to have had such a supportive network to help me through the challenging academic experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms were small and most people had doubles, however, the community that the dorm created was one of my favorite parts of the experience.

* Food:

For the most part you cook on your own/buy your own meals in oxford. Saint Michaels Hall was located right in the center of the city so there were plenty of grocery stores and good food close by. You also get a small stipend to buy food at Keble dining hall. I would recommend saving this money for formal hall dinners.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There was a disconnect between CMRS students and Oxford students, however, most of of the Oxford events were open to CMRS students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not need medical care during my time abroad.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Oxford.

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

This was the most rewarding semester of my academic career. Be prepared to challenge yourself, have a ton of fun and meet interesting and curious people. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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)

Oxford is expensive, be prepared to spend more here than you do at Midd.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 25 pounds per week

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 academics
  • The people
  • The city
* What could be improved?
  • Thursday lectures.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had understood how expensive living in oxford would be.

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:

The Tudor World
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: Tracy was a wonderful professor. The material was interesting and manageable.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Revolutionary Europe
Course Department: History
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This class was listed as a history course but focused solely on political philosophy of Revolutionary Europe. Although this class was not at all what I expected, it was the highlight of time at oxford.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

International Politics.

Course Department: Political Science.
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: This class was very interested and offered a wide variety of readings. Paul was also very willing to adjust the reading lists to focus on your interests.
Credit Transfer Issues: