Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the best decisions of my life. Scotland is beautiful & people are amazing Past Review

By (Northwestern University) - abroad from 09/07/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Scotland politics, ways of living, and different world views/experiences from my own. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo

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.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning in a new environment and from instructors who had different life experiences from my own. I loved taking classes with local students as they became some of my closest friends.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were all very helpful in getting used to living in Scotland and helped with any issues I had while abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was nice to live in a flat-style accommodation but it was difficult to buy all of the necessary items after arrival and the housing people were not as accommodating to my personal preferences as I would have liked.

* Food:

Scotland is not known for their national cuisine, but the pastries are delicious and you can find nice restaurants anywhere. Haggis is pretty good and bacon rolls are the best things ever.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were certain difficulties with being in a different country, but all in all it wasn't a hard transition.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no interaction with Health Care while there so I'm giving it 5 stars.

* Safety:

Overall, I felt very safe in Edinburgh. As I wasn't used to the city, I tried to get home early at night, but I never actually felt unsafe there.

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

I met amazing people and grew to love Edinburgh with all of my heart. Its literary history, beautiful architecture, and amazing people made my entire experience absolutely perfect.

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)

I definitely spent less money than I thought I would, but eating out or shopping abroad is expensive. Grocery shopping is very cheap and easy!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~70 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at grocery stores (Tesco is the best). Find cheap places to eat. Don't shop on Princes street.

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
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions around Scotland
  • Freedom to do our own thing
  • Academic advising
* What could be improved?
  • Preparing us for purchases made in Scotland
  • Don't buy us the bedding packs - they suck
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think learning things is part of the process. There was nothing that I desperately needed to know before going abroad. Perhaps, I would have encouraged myself to be even more confident to begin with.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.