Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Autumn in Oxford August 05, 2025

By (Religion, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/04/2024 to 12/14/2024 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained valuable research skills, which give me confidence to trust my instincts when navigating research in both academic and professional settings. I learned to identify and review sources efficiently and tie together large quantities of information into precise arguments.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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

Attending Oxford for a semester significantly enhanced my reading and writing skills, immersing me in the culture of academia and genuine curiosity. There is no better place in the world to learn; the architecture and libraries fostered an environment that made me excited to do so.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself and make your coffee and such whenever possible.

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The library resources were phenomenal.
  • The city of Oxford is beautiful, and the location of the CMRS dorms could not have been better.
  • The tutorial-style course helped me give more attention to detail in my writing and reading comprehension.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I had a better idea of what the program would be like before I got there, especially the schedule.
  • It would have been nice to travel more, or have more free time. We had one break for a few days between our research project and the term, but aside from that it was a grind.
  • I did not meet many local students, I think that should be encouraged more.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had started my research project before arriving in the fall, as that would have been the best time to travel. While I am delighted with my experience and would 100% do it again, I still regret not seeing more of Europe.

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:

Philosophy of Religion
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Ian Logan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The tutorial was rigorous, but Ian's instruction helped me vastly improve the quality of my writing, especially in conveying precise and nuanced philosophical arguments.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Science and Christianity
Course Department: History
Instructor: Nuno Castel-Branco
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The structure of the class was excellent, with the concepts and events analyzed each week built on those of the previous week. Nuno always gave constructive feedback on my writing and comprehension.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Lions and Lilies
Course Department: History
Instructor: Emily Winkler
Instruction Language:
Comments: The seminar was engaging for everyone and challenged us to abandon our preconceptions of life in the Middle Ages.
Credit Transfer Issues: