Fun in Edinburgh Past Review

By (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/09/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am more independent than I thought I would be. I also learned that I cannot live somewhere that is cold for the majority of the year. But, in the end it was worthwhile. I got to meet some amazing people. had some fun adventures, and got the chance to travel throughout Europe.

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.

Two of my classes were huge lectures and my two computer science classes were much smaller (30 kids). Definitely more independent coursework compared to Wellesley.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful with everything! A bunch of programs to introduce you to Edinburgh as well as a great way to meet other study abroad kids.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was nice but was ridiculously far from campus. It was a 40 min walk and a 20 min bus walk. It definitely affected how often I went to campus.

* Food:

Self-catered

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Edinburgh is nice in that it isn't too big. You could probably explore the whole city in a week. That said, I felt myself befriend more study abroad kids than local Scottish people. In my classes, it also seemed like the majority of kids were study abroad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare is free and accessible. Normally you could go through the campus office but my dorm was too far, so I needed to register with a local doctor.

* Safety:

I never felt in danger at Edinburgh. I would walk home at late nights/early mornings and feel perfectly fine. That said, definitely don't go walking with headphones in. Just be aware of your surroundings.

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)

The pound to dollar conversion was not too great. Everything was more expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set up a local bank account so you can avoid conversion fees.

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
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?
  • city
  • friends
  • proximity to airport
* What could be improved?
  • meeting local people
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how expensive Edinburgh would be and also how far my dorm was from campus. I would have considered different housing.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.