Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging, tons of fun, and worth it. Past Review

By (English Language and Literature, St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/12/2015 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live on my own in an unfamiliar place. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

We had access to Keble dining hall, but I mostly cooked for myself. We had a kitchen and refrigerator and the administration was always happy to supply missing items from the kitchen.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I joined a church and a rowing team but because we were not living with Keble students I never felt like we were fully integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very well cared for. Insurance was taken care of and administration made sure all of the students knew where to go if we were feeling the least bit poorly.

* 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)

Things are expensive, but I made a budget so it worked out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Friends I made within the program
  • Academic Resources
  • Administration
* What could be improved?
  • More integration with Keble students
  • Ability to borrow books from the Bodleian
  • Academic feedback during the term
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to pack for the trip. Now I know. It's not a huge thing, but it did give me a lot of anxiety while I was preparing to leave.

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!