Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging but very rewarding experience February 23, 2024

By (International Politics & Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2023 to 12/09/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Exposure to the Oxford tutorial model improved my overall academic skills considerably, from reading through sources to writing and analysis. I feel much better prepared to pursue a thesis and other academic projects in the future. I also met some incredible people and got to attend some amazing events through participation in clubs. 100% worthwhile and I would encourage getting involved with clubs to be more connected to Oxford students and culture.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

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
  • Other
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?
  • Tutorials/personal relationships with tutors
  • Research period and acquiring important skills
  • Club and speaker events
* What could be improved?
  • CMRS speaker series
  • Keeping common spaces clean
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's a lot of writing, but as long as you figure out what works best for you and your working habits, it will all work out. And listen closely to your tutor's feedback!

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:

European Politics
Course Department: Tutorial - PSCI
Instructor: John Helferich
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging but very rewarding. John was incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and cared about his students and ensuring they were becoming better students, writers, and scholars throughout the course. It is hard to compare it to courses back home as the format is completely different. Assessment was continuous, based on participation and performance in the tutorial, the weekly written essays or presentations, and improvement over the course of the term.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.
Course Name/Rating:

The Islamic World, c.600-c.1300
Course Department: Tutorial - HIST
Instructor: Edith Chen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging, particularly as it was a subject I was not very familiar with, but very rewarding. Edith was incredibly prepared and knowledgeable at every tutorial, and she was always constructive and supportive in her comments and guidance. Tutorial model is completely different to classes back home so cannot really draw a comparison. Assessment was continuous, based on weekly essays, participation/performance in tutorial, and improvement over the course of the term.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.
Course Name/Rating:

Political Philosophy I
Course Department: Seminar - PSCI/PHIL
Instructor: Sophie Nicholls
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging but rewarding. Sophie was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, particularly in her moderation of student discussion every seminar. I participated often, and found this mostly comparable to a small 10ish student socratic seminar at a liberal arts college. Assessment was based on participation in seminar, and a final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues.