Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Heartbreaking and Fleeting September 29, 2026

By (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/07/2026 to 05/20/2026 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new sense of freedom. A reminder of the value of sentience. Everything is worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Hard to access resources as an exchange student within the Edinburgh Uni system.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very hands-off approach which was both disconcerting but also fine.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A herd of rats followed me. I had mice in my apartment on the 6th floor. Our sink had no running water for 4 months. So many stairs and no elevator were very bad. It was a good location and nice to be with full-time students.

* Food:

I cooked my own food and I found great joy going to the grocery store.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made many friends who were full-time students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was very ill, and I got access to a good GP. I did this on my own accord though so I really cannot speak of the effacacy of the program itself.

* Safety:

I felt safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would rather have gone for a whole year. One semester within the context of a 4-year uni is just too short.

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)

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
  • 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
  • Scottish Culture
  • other students
* What could be improved?
  • more hands-on assistance getting settled
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to be unafraid to do whatever I wanted earlier on.

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.