Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This is a challenging and very worthwhile experience. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/03/2019 to 04/13/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have had the opportunity to improve my reading and writing skills. The variety of courses I took is also very new and refreshing - those are the courses I have never had the chance to take at Middlebury. It was a very worthwhile experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I really like the academic experience although it is very intense and I wish I have a bit more time to explore what is outside of the academics. However, I do find it a very challenging and rewarding experience. I benefited a lot from the tutorial system which is a lot more engaging and customized towards the individual student. I have also made great friends from other US colleges via this program.

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? 140+ pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? meal preps

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

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Rigorous academic program and wide variety of student clubs
  • The location and environment
  • The organized and supportive structure of the program and administration
* What could be improved?
  • The intensity of workload
  • Opportunities to make friends with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? 1) Have a good understanding and expectation of the workload every week 2) Clubs and student organization activities 3) Time management skills is very important

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:

International Economic Governance
Course Department: Political Economics
Instructor: Yasmina Abouzzohour
Instruction Language: English
Comments: IEG was a very challenging course. The instructor has very high expectations for the reading and writing assignments every week. The instructor is very knowledgeable and have many relevant academic experience. The course is very well-structured. This course is very engaging as it is a one-on-one tutorial in which I discuss the topic of the week and review my writing with the instructor. My paper is assessed every week.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

19th Century Symphony
Course Department: Music
Instructor: John Traill
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very challenging and informative. The instructor offered plentiful opportunities for students to attend concerts hosted in Oxford University which is an amazing experience. The instructor is very knowledgeable however, with criticisms regarding my written work, the expectations or ways for improvement are very unclear. I was assessed based on papers and other written assignment (reflections).
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Shakespeare
Course Department: Literature/ English
Instructor: Edwina Christie
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very challenging as it was my first English literature class. The course made use of the Shakespeare field trip to Stratford Upon Avon. I participated in class more than I have at my home institution. I was assessed based on the weekly discussions and responses, as well as a final paper.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.