Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging and Intellectually stimulating - I loved it. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2016 to 04/14/2017 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really learned how to care about my work because it was personally interesting to me, not because it was assigned. Super worthwhile.

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.

It was incredible valuable as a literature student to have a year in which I was allowed to follow my instincts and write about the things that fascinated me. Yes, it is a *lot* of work - this is why I recommend going for the year, because you do adjust to the rhythm.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I absolutely loved the on-site administration - the program is rather tailored for people studying English Lit and Philosophy like myself, so I found it easy to get credit and fun.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There are parts of the building in which you can't drink the water - but the location of it pays off a million times. Loved it.

* Food:

The kitchen can get pretty gross if the cleaning isn't organised among the students, but as a person with a lot of allergies I really enjoyed cooking for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It takes more work to integrate with the local students than anticipated - I recommend joining a sport or a choir.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have a lot of health issues and they were super super understanding.

* Safety:

Oxford is a safe city!

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I admittedly know better know, but I fell in love with Oxford city and the lifestyle there. Even if it is just for a visit, please go!

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? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Farmers market!!! The best vegetables for much more affordable prices - and easy to buy for one.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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
  • 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?
  • The academics
  • The city
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • The seminar structure
  • -
  • -
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how little I needed to bring with me, and how crucial a proper extracurricular is - otherwise it is easy to get sucked into spending all your time on school.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Literary Theory

Course Department: English
Instructor: Emma Salgard-Cunha
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was difficult and a lot of work, but Emma really dove deep in my personal style as a student and helped me find my areas of improvement. She made me love and invest in a class I was very nervous about.
Credit Transfer Issues: It was tricky for this one, because it is one of the core major requirements that is meant to be taken at Middlebury. But the department was super helpful!