Great Experience for Equine Students Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 05/20/2018 to 06/16/2018 with

Adelante: Edinburgh - Equine Summer Program in Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a broad understanding of all the body systems of the horse, and learned a lot about getting a horse fit. Both courses had hands on components, making it very worthwhile. All of the school horses have the biggest personalities, and it was a joy getting to know them all.

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 courses were very informative, and a great way to get a new perspective on the equine industry!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I adore everyone who worked with us on this program. Louise in particular is an actual angel, and deserves all the best things in the world for how much she helped us on a day to day basis!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were cleaned everyday, and the bathrooms were also very clean and worked well. However the rooms were small, the campus wouldn't replace the lights above your mirror, so you had to go to the bathroom to do your makeup, and the mattresses were awful.

* Food:

For campus food, it was pretty good! We were definitely exposed to some of the local cuisine, and the kitchen staff were so friendly and readily took our suggestions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

On the campus, we didn't interact very much with the Scottish students. But we met some amazing people in the local towns and on other adventures. Most everyone was very welcoming and open, and definitely wanted to talk to the Americans.

* 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

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)

We went into the city more than other groups. If money is tight, this program is definitely doable, as a lot of the free days have planned events that the program pays for and transports you to. The biggest problem we ran into was cash for splitting taxis, and making sure you had enough coins to do laundry.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your evenings! Use cash as well, it helps you keep track of how much you've spent. I would also advise getting receipts for when you pay with a card, to make sure your bill matches with what you spent.

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?
  • Opportunity to meet students from both other states and Scotland
  • Riding 4 times a week on different horses
  • Planned weekends to see the country
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Variety in food
  • More rigourous riding for advanced groups
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A lot of girls wished they had brought their own helmets. The school's are fine, but can be uncomfortable. I also wish I had brought more cash, as the program is not in Edinburgh, you have to take a taxi to the train station. Splitting taxis is a lot easier with cash, and bring your student ID! A lot of places offered student discounts, but they needed to see your ID to apply it.