An Amazing Academic and Life-Changing Experience Past Review
By Mariya Khan (George Washington University) - abroad from 01/04/2018 to 04/14/2018 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program
Since I spent every week writing two essays and worked on a giant research paper for the last three weeks of the program, I really improved my essay writing and analytic skills and learned many tips. I became close with a lot of the students in the program, and established great connections with the students and staff. This was definitely worthwhile for me, especially as a literature and history lover.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This is definitely a program where academics are the number one priority. It could be difficult to take time to travel on big trips, but honestly I didn't mind. You only have class for a total of 4 hours a week, so most of your free time is spent in the library working on papers and readings. It seemed like a lot at first to produce two 5-10 page essays every week, but I definitely got more efficient in preparing and writing essays. I loved being able to choose my subjects based on my interests, so I was enthusiastic about my work. Also, the tutors were very knowledgeable about their topics and I loved working with them one-on-one. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very nice and easy to talk to about our classes and experiences. They were really helpful when we had problems and responded quickly to issues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had one of the smaller rooms, but overall the living arrangements were clean and spacious. There is a very nice common room and kitchen for people to cook and socialize. I really liked that and spent a lot of time there, especially because I never got that experience at my home institution. |
| * Food: |
You only get a small amount of money to spend in the Keble College Dining Hall (30 pounds). Keble had really cheap brunch on the weekends that was fun to go to with other students. There are also a lot of restaurants and grocery stores in Oxford to buy food from. Many people cooked in the shared kitchen. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You mainly spend your time in the building where the students live, the program is housed, and where some classes are located. You have to take the initiative yourself to attend social events, club meetings, and other activities around Oxford to interact with the British students and staff members. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experience with the healthcare system, but it was nice to know that we could get treated for free when we needed to. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The history in Oxford is unparalleled and you really feel like you're studying in an amazing place that other prolific people have studied at. I got a really in depth and challenging education from the tutors and classes, and I am more knowledgeable and passionate about my interests. You make really close friendships with the other students in the program. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Since they don't give you a lot of money for the dining hall, you need to pay for 90% of your food. Not all the restaurants and cafes were expensive, and groceries don't cost that much (if you don't think of the conversion rate). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50-100 pounds |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Getting groceries from Tesco or Sainsburys is cheaper than going to restaurants and eating. A lot of stores also have cheap 'meal deals' where you can get a sandwich, chips, and drink for 3-5 pounds. I mainly used cash while purchasing things abroad so I could manage my money better. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How much time I spent on academics and how much free time I actually had to travel and explore Oxford. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
