Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventure and Fun in the Kingdom of Kilts and Coos Past Review

By (Biology, Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 09/06/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Arcadia: Stirling - University of Stirling

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned about a different culture, submerse myself in it and make friends with locals and other students abroad. Learned a love for travel as well as a love for the outdoors.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Friendly and very knowledgeable. It was particularly helpful that the administrators were all Scots or people who had lived in Scotland for many years.

* 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?

I ended up getting tonsillitis that I couldn't shake for almost a month. Although it was odd seeing different healthcare providers every time I went in, not having to pay for the treatment was definitely a perk.

* Safety:

Someone got attacked at two points just outside my apartment complex, but overall I felt quite safe.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $120
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do grocery shopping with a friend and share certain food items that you know you won't be able to finish alone, it saves you from throwing out food you can't finish in time.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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
  • The location
  • The outings (the highlands!)
* What could be improved?
  • Do more to integrate students into the university they'll be at
  • Tips for how to get involved in the uni as an international student
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring half the clothing you think you need, and twice the amount of money--their fashion is much better than ours is, and it helps you blend it. Don't be afraid to break out of your comfort zone and try something new!

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.'