Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Throughly Enjoyable February 02, 2024

By (Anthropology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2024 to 12/02/2024 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My time abroad taught me a newfound independence. I was thrown into the fire of living "on my own": I had to cook for myself, I had to navigate public transport by myself, I had to budget. It strengthened my negotiation skills and my co-habilitation skills; yes, it was worthwhile.

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.

Compared to Wellesley, the academic rigor was not on the same level. I attended 3 classes, two tutorials, and had two days off a week. This compares to the five classes I am used to taking at Wellesley.

* 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

While I would choose the same program again, I understand why many would not. Edinburgh is a predominantly white institution and city, and that in and of itself was a culture shock for me, a white woman, after living on a relatively diverse campus and outside of a diverse city. The academics were not rigorous compared to Wellesley's caliber, leaving me feeling moderately unprepared for the upcoming semester. However, I met wonderful friends, and the experience has equipped me with a slew of life skills I use in my day-to-day.

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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Ensure that you make a budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • Edinburgh the city
  • Meeting new people
  • The academic material
* What could be improved?
  • Recourses offered to students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The lack, or difference, between my home institution's academic rigor versus Edinburgh.

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 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.