Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

CMRS: the most excellent Oxford experience I could have asked for! Past Review

By (Medieval-Renaissance Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2013 to 12/14/2013 with

Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies - Oxford

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I participated in an entirely different manner of academic study while at CMRS, which would be the same for any program which introduces American students to the Oxford or Cambridge tutorial style of learning, but I was able to do so while at the same time receiving all the support such a transition called for and then some. I saw my own abilities to argue thoughtfully, read widely, and write intelligently expand, and I acquired a sense of confidence that came directly from reading my work aloud and receiving immediate feedback. My confidence in navigating unfamiliar cities and negotiating a new culture was also improved, and I have a brand new sense of myself as someone capable of independent living and travel.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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:

The kitchen facilities were more than adequate.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was as integrated as I felt comfortable being; the program gave us a safety-net and a bubble which we could leave but which provided a degree of sheltering for those of us who desired that.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no real health care experiences while studying at CMRS, but I am aware that two of my fellow students were helped when necessary, and my understanding was that this care was provided quickly, easily, and well.

* 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)

The exchange rate made it easy to forget how much you were spending, what with the pound being quite a bit more than the American dollar, but it was easy to be an intelligent spender on this program, if you tried.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $100

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
  • 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 community within the program itself
  • The Oxford university resources (libraries, student organizations, architecture) it made available
  • The courses
* What could be improved?
  • Disclosure about how often students will find themselves cooking their own meals, just because the dining hall was less convenient than advertized
  • Timeliness of grade reports
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How easily the weather can delay a ferry across the Irish Sea.

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!