Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester in Oxford (good but could've been better) Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/29/2018 to 12/08/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely became more independent by living in a city.

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.

While I knew going into the program it was going to be tough and was prepared to be challenged, the inconsistency across tutors and subjects meant that my courses required intangibles that other people in the program simply did not have to deal with.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The location was great, and the rooms are typical dorms. There's a nice common space and kitchen.

* Food:

Cooked for myself most of the time, sometimes eating out with friends. The dorm is close enough to the libraries that I was able to go back to CMRS for lunch in the middle of the day. Didn't really eat at Keble--the dining hall was under construction and the food wasn't amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There's no integration unless you make it happen. I had a great time making a group of friends because I joined a university sports club, but I know many students in the program who kept to themselves.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If you're sick, you probably won't be able to get a doctor's appointment for a couple of weeks, which is a big problem when the term is so short.

* Safety:

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

The expectations for the academics were unreasonable at times. I did all the work (and much more) and could not manage to impress or even move my tutor to one single note of encouragement.

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)

I went to the grocery once a week and probably spent around £35/week on groceries, and then ate out once or twice. If you want to go to pubs or bars, that gets a little pricey, but I was never worried about going over budget.

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?
  • Location
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Consistency across Tutors
  • Academic Support System
  • Integration with Keble College
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The days we had off for break, so that I could've planned more travel before it got too pricey.

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

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Shakespeare Tutorial
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Contemporary British Fiction Tutorial
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Research Course
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Inklings Seminar
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