Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Working hard and studying abroad! Past Review

By (Film/Cinema/Video Studies., Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/09/2014 to 04/19/2014 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I built a strong work ethic. It is very rewarding to know I can handle lots of work, while still being able to have a good time.

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.

The entire academic experience is really good overall. I felt challenged, but was still able to manage my times. Additionally, the resources provided to us by Oxford were excellent.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was friendly and welcoming.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I shared a double and got along really well with my roommate. However, the size of a room was a little bit cramped.

* Food:

The food was fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Oxford students tend to keep to themselves. As a result, one really had to make an effort in order to get to know the non-American students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt really safe in the town.

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)

Not very easily. England is very expensive in general.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try and cook as often as possible! Also, try and eat at the dining halls. It is a good way to make friends and eat on a budget.

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

  • 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?
  • Academics
  • History
  • Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Student integration
  • Price
  • Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Oxford undergrads do not go out of their way to make new friends. That being said, it is still possible to make friends if you put yourself out there.

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:

20th Century Literature
Course Department: English
Instructor: Tony Lurcock
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Excellent class. We covered a wide variety of 20th Century authors. This is one of my favorite classes I have taken during my college experience. Tony is a great teacher who challenges you to think critically and apply outside knowledge to the classroom environment.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Oratory

Course Department: English
Instructor: Dr Kerr
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Dr Kerr is extremely knowledgeable about Oratory. He challenged me to be well-prepared for speeches and comfortable on stage. I personally had to work on not speaking too quickly, which has helped me improve on getting messages across to large audiences.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Inklings
Course Department: English
Instructor: Dr Crowe
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: