Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cold Hawaii--Beaches, on and off rain, and amazing memories Past Review

By (Wofford College) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/15/2017 with

Arcadia: Aberdeen - University of Aberdeen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned much about myself and how I behave not just out of my comfort zone, but out of typical environment. I also learned that people of different regions and cultures aren't as different as some like to make out. As a Southerner, I found that I had more in common with an international student from Switzerland, than I did with an abroad student from California.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For me, housing and food coincide as I chose a catered plan that required students to live in a specific hall. When signing up for this arrangement, The University of Aberdeen promised a certain set up to the meal plan that included a card with "points" that could be used "at any venue on campus" including Starbucks and Subway. However, the plan didn't go through in time for an unspecified legal reason concerning the companies in charge of the cards and information. Because the system was not ready, catered students were restricted as to where they could eat (a special dining area near the accommodations and away from campus) and what times. Furthermore, students were only provided breakfast and dinner at the start of the semester and were expected to buy lunch from other venues. The cards and system were eventually put into action, although they still were not what was promised to students, and venues that had originally promised to be included were not. A number of students ended their catered program contracts early as they believed they weren't getting what they paid for and it would be cheaper to switch to an un-catered option. Overall, if I were to go through the program again, I would choose an un-catered option.

* 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

Aside from the minor mishap with the food and accommodations, I genuinely enjoyed my experience and would gladly do it again (just with a different living set up ^.^)

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead with your flatmates. It's usually cheaper to buy in bulk (and sometimes you have to--as lemons, onions, and other items usually come in bundles rather than singles.) Everyone can pitch in so much money for the week and share the food that has been bought.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The people and friends I made
  • The new environment
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between students and non-teaching staff
  • Understanding of/ and signing up for classes/ class schedules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Again, the accommodation situation. I wish I had known that the university was only responsible for two meals rather than a full three. Had I known this, I definitely wouldn't have chosen the catered option.

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!