Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging yet rewarding experience Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/05/2018 to 04/13/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I met really smart people and motivated individuals. While only two classes were interesting to me, I also got exposure to other activities.

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.

My educational experience at Oxford was good, I did not have as many classes as I thought I would so I got plenty of free time to review other topics related to my major. I believe it was not as intense as people told me it was going to be, I felt relaxed and confident about my work. We did not have many resources other than the ones provided by the university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program administration was good, they were accessible if we had a question. While it was really impersonal, I believe I didn't need much assistance anyway.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

No, the dormitory was bad, it's an old building with old bathrooms and a small kitchen with no pans. From time to time, we didn't have potable water or hot water, specifically on one side of the building, it was really annoying.

* Food:

I cooked for myself most of the time, Oxford is a bit expensive. Also food at the dining hall was good but expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated into the local culture, I met people from the university and I got the opportunity to join different clubs. I had lived in the UK previously so it was not a new experience for me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Program assistants usually helped you schedule an appointment but were really impersonal about helping you with other personal things. Local healthcare system is acceptable, if you need to go to the doctor, you can do so.

* Safety:

Oxford is very safe, you can walk around without worries. Yet, there are a lot of homeless people in the streets so it's not advisable to leave the residence after 11PM if you're alone.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would choose a different program, something more international because I lived in the UK before so I was familiar to me. Plus I was living with American students, it was not diverse at all.

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)

It was not easy. As a full scholarship student, it was extremely hard to join all activities because Oxford is an expensive town and all activities require a payment to join, usually 10-15 pounds.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 80 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money because it's expensive. All club activities require a weekly payment, nothing is free.

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?
  • Professors and tutors
  • City lifestyle
  • University activities
* What could be improved?
  • Administration
  • Better housing
  • More resources
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You need money to do all things you imagine, without enough money it's really hard to join clubs.

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:

French
Course Department: Languages
Instructor: Stephen Goddard
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Yes, it was challenging yet I really liked this tutorial. My tutor was well-prepared and really understanding. I always participated in class because I felt motivated and wanted to contribute more in each class. I had presentations and essays for evaluation.
Credit Transfer Issues: I haven't checked that.
Course Name/Rating:

Economics Development
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Donna Harris
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Yes, it provided a new approach to Economics literature, it was challenging and interesting. My tutor was prepared and knowledgeable, I learned a lot from her and her work. I also participated in the class all the time because I felt engaged and passionate about the topics.
Credit Transfer Issues: I haven't done that.