Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Tartan-clad Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (International Relations, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 05/19/2015 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and the world. I would do it again in a heart beat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes I took where challenging but still allowed me to have ample free time to explore and travel, which I appreciated.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Visiting Students Office was a dream! They were so kind and attentive!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed my housing but the location left something to be desired as I lived in close proximity to a night club.

* Food:

Food was self-provided

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very welcome and integrated from the start.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The University helped me to establish residential standing with the NHS so that all my health needs were met.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe on campus or in the city itself.

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

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 very easy to live on a budget in Edinburgh

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $4,000
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan meals ahead of time before heading to the shops

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The Integration with local students
* What could be improved?
  • Personal Mentors could be more proactive about meeting with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I could have been given a little bit of information about my flatmates before I arrived.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.