A confidence-building and intellectually fulfilling academic experience March 28, 2023

By Colin L (Math and Philosophy, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/29/2021 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?

My writing has vastly improved, as has my work ethic. I feel like I can write anything now. Also, I met my boyfriend while at Oxford and we’ve been together for over a year since [going extremely well :)]!

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.	High academic rigor and countless opportunities to connect with amazing people.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	Integration with keble college dining hall and lots of eating opportunities around Oxford - note that food is a bit expensive, though!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Had a couple unnerving experiences and heard about a couple of muggings, but overall a safe place to live.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes This program allowed for a lot of freedom, and rewards hard work. I highly enjoyed the integration with Oxford activities and community (as well as with the surrounding area)

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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)	Definitely requires alocated funds every week, although it’s possible to live off maybe 50-80$ a week through groceries or by eating at Keble
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	100$ or so
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Eat at Keble when possible!! Much cheaper

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	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?	10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Integration with Oxford community Helpful/encouraging administration Opportunities to go places + see new things and meet new people
* What could be improved?	Some aspects of communication e.g. emails Direct involvement with Keble (I had to seek out some opportunities on my own) Course expectations (for certain courses)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I only wish I met my boyfriend sooner - I think I made great use of most opportunities and met a high number of interesting people while participating in really cool things (e.g. choir trip to malta after the year). I do wish I knew about certain clubs earlier, though!

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:	Political Philosophy I
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Yes, the course was challenging - a high amount of reading and plenty of opportunities for in-class participation. Very interesting!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Jurisprudence
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was highly challenging and was an opportunity Rob immerse myself in the philosophy of law. One on one discussions were highly interesting, too!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Poetry
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The course was more interesting than challenging 1 plenty of opportunities to read and practice poetry, with many interesting discussions!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Political Philosophy II
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Very challenging and interesting course. Many opportunities for class participation and interesting passages in historical works. Thoroughly enjoyed discussions!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	History of Mathematics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Challenging and highly unique course. Absolutely loved the material and discussions with Audrey. Amazing experience!!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	"Techniques in 20th Century Composition "
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Interesting and challenging course, but did not have enough expectations set from the outset. Unsure of evaluative criteria! (Great discursive experience, though)
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Independent Research - al-Khwarizmi’s Revolutionary Mathematics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Yes, the course was highly challenging, but I felt well-prepared and enjoyed working on this project. Felt really proud of the end result!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Independent Research - Uncertainty and Kepler’s Cosmology
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was challenging and required a high amount of reading and writing. Expectations were clear!
Credit Transfer Issues:	Yes, make sure you tailor your independent research to match degree requirements!