If you're a lifelong learner, Oxford is the place for you. February 17, 2023

By (English, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/31/2022 to 12/10/2022 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury – CMRS Oxford Humanities Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program is worthwhile because I learned a lot of researching, writing and time management skills. My academic work definitely improved. I liked being in England because it is culturally similar enough to the US that you are comfortable, but it is different enough that you learn and experience something new.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I remained pretty healthy during the program therefore did not require healthcare. From speaking with classmates, the healthcare that they received was not great. The local pharmacy was great though.

* Safety:

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

It was a once in a lifetime experience. The academic rigor was the most I have experienced before, but the place is full of history and beautiful art and architecture. It made it really fun.

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? depended on the week. If we went out to eat, I usually spent $40-50 per dinner meal, two grocery trips a week were about 30-40 pounds each
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook more, eat out less.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • Learning from Oxford tutors
  • Sightseeing
  • Access to the Bodleian Libraries
* What could be improved?
  • Living conditions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would have done more sightseeing and traveled more during the research course. You have more free time than you think.

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:

Jane Austen

Course Department: English
Instructor: Octavia Cox
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I thought that it was inherently hard to read novels every week for the class, which I did not consider enough before I applied. I learned a good about Jane Austen and society at that time, but the instructor did not give criticism on my writing, so I felt that I did not improve much.
Credit Transfer Issues: