Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CHALLENGING BUT WORTH EVERY SECOND OF IT August 12, 2025

By (Linguistics and Philosophy, Tulane University) - abroad from 01/15/2025 to 04/21/2025 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learn a lot, read a lot, make a lot of friends, etc. I regret nothing and would do things all over again the same. Love the program!

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

What distinguishes this program from other Oxford programs is the research component. I love research, and it has been fantastic to research in Oxford with the excellent Oxford professors.

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 think pretty easy, England is not as expensive as most people think and I do not drink or party much (which save a lot)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 (I am in love with coffee and tea so it is a bit high)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook and prepare yourself meals. Look after how much you spend for drinks (I love boba, tea, and coffee so i'm very bad at this). Manage not to go crazy with going out, drinking, and party.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The close-knit relationship with Keble College, Oxford (bring a lot of opportunities)
  • The program's library
  • The supportive professors and administrators
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe the timeline, I lowkey want to stay longer and the program is a bit shorter than the usual semester in the US
  • It would be best if the program could cover 3 terms like other US visiting students have instead of 2 terms max for the academic year
  • I hope to have longer time formal talking and checking in with the administrators (we did have more time outside of school though which I very appreciate)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would read more, read religiously, and read like tomorrow is my last day on Earth. I did read a lot during the program, but as I am not used to the fast pace and high demand of reading, sometimes I slacked off on the reading (and sometimes I skimmed the texts instead). So I hope I set myself up better for the days and nights reading.

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!