Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life-changing experience. Past Review

By (Arcadia University) - abroad from 01/08/2018 to 05/25/2018 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective on life for sure. Also I found new academic and casual interests, new friends bonded in a unique experience, and a new appreciation for the world beyond the USA.

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.

Edinburgh Uni is one of the best research institutions in the world. Although the UK academic system allows for loads of free time, really use some of that time to prepare for your exams way in advance. The exams come up fast and only one weeks worth of studying probably wont be enough to do well. However, If you are scheduled throughout the semester, you should be just fine.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Arcadia and the University of Edinburgh did a tremendous job of preparing us for the semester that was ahead of us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

As should be expected, the best accommodations that the university owns are reserved for full time students. However, there are still some quality options to choose from. I recommend Kincaid Courts for shear atmosphere, and Darroch Court for best flat.

* Food:

SO MANY GOOD RESTAURANTS. I recommend going to every single middle eastern/asian cafe and takeout place located nearby the Edinburgh mosque at least once. The best cheap eats are located in old town near the university.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people and community at the university are wonderful and very welcoming. However, it is very hard to break into established student friend groups in classes, as alot of the students are very close with people in their particular major and program. While I encourage you to make friends in classes, your best bet are your flat roommates or those you meet through study abroad orientation. I made a big group of friends of all study abroad students who I know will be apart of my life for years to come.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

One of the safest places Ive ever been. I never felt in danger or uncomfortable even when I was out in the wee hours of the night. However, do be mindful of the busy club sectors of Old town and New town, can get a little dodgy.

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

The city, university, and locals were as incredible and lovely as they come.

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)

The UK pound can be brutal, but can be easily managed by finding cheap eats and shopping at Tesco and other chain stores.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly 60 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget your expenditures and definitely utilize cheap alternatives. However, with that said, do indulge in the many great restaurants, bars, boutiques and other stores that Edinburgh offers.

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
  • 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 University
  • The City
  • Traveling around Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly cant think of anything that needs to be provided by the program. The beauty of studying abroad is learning through experience and growing as person and adult.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was more conscious of the difference in academic styles.

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.