So Worth my time! Past Review

By (Biology And Psychology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/21/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new sense of perspective while abroad and I learned from my peers. I think I personally grew a bit too. Being thrown once again into a new country and environment only helped make me more confident and I feel like I am a lot stronger after the program. I have also made some great friends while abroad whom I am very grateful for.

Review Photos

Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews Photo Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews Photo Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews Photo Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Brandeis- level of work and it seemed like I always had something due which made it hard to travel as much as I would have liked.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful people and they were always ready to help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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? No

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)

It was hard to keep money in perspective but I think i did a pretty decent job of saving money and yet having a good time.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 30- 40 pounds a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groceries can save a lot of money but comes at a price. Cooking meals is time consuming.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Integration with real students there
  • One with the University- not a stranger
  • Allowed you to experience the university the way you wanted to- no bound rules for the program
* What could be improved?
  • Wish there was a way to help spring students be more involved with student community
  • Spring students should try to get academic families too
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The whole concept of academic families. That way I would have tried harder to get a family of my own. Other than that I really enjoyed learning about things and felt that i knew enough about the local culture and lifestyle choices.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'