Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad in Oxford is genuinely what you make of the experience. July 28, 2022

By (International Politics and Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/05/2022 to 04/16/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a very self-directed experience.

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.

The course was rigorous and gave us a comprehensive overview of the educational style of the university by requiring strong research and study skills associated with university resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

N/a

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was convenient but unfair between students who lived in the formal hall and those who didn't, as some had to pay for electricity

* Food:

N/a

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration could not be better nor worse facilitated by the program, as the social scene was very self-directed.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't use healthcare.

* Safety:

Theft may happen.

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

I think it was a bit short on time--for this, I enjoyed the extra month in town focusing on research. Otherwise, I thought the courseload was manageable, enjoyable, and, most importantly, challenging.

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)

Easy with discipline, including travels if one needs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Anywhere between 20-80£
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook. Use travel apps, such as Trainline, for deals.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Open schedule
  • Research course
  • Accessibility and convenience of location
* What could be improved?
  • Flexibility of deadlines to accommodate students was a popular qualm.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I enjoyed going into it blind. Perhaps the fact that I would have to put myself out there.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Europe and the World
Course Department: CMRS
Instructor: CMRS
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Made use of the location. Field trips were relevant but a bit broad. Research resources were the primary source of engagement.
Credit Transfer Issues: TBD