Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

It gave me a glimpse into independence and self-reliance. Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/26/2014 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile in a sense and not so much in others. I wish I had more support but I think the lack of it was a silver lining because it allowed a lot of time for myself and I really got to know my strengths and capabilities and forced me to confront myself in hard situations.

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 wasn't as rigorous and challenging as I had anticipated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host university could've structured the program so that it would be easier for the exchange student to adapt to the new territory, especially since the student doesn't know anyone or know much about the surroundings.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I've had problems from plumbing to mold to broken heating fixtures the whole time there.

* Food:

N/A I was not on a meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found few available opportunities for me to do so.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The administrators were often curt and unhelpful.

* Safety:

I didn't have a problem.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It was not very easy considering the exchange rate.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I typically spent 15-20 pounds on groceries every week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget oneself especially since the dollar has half the value in the UK. Plan your outings and use your best judgment when it comes to spending. You're going to have choose between some things but if you get in the habit of it, you won't find yourself penniless by the end of the program.

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Spanish Baroque Course
  • City was lovely so I went on a lot of walks
* What could be improved?
  • Program Structure as a whole
  • Accommodations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My accessibility to a lot of things was limited and I wish I was a bit more prepared and aware of it before I enrolled.

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!