Good food, good people, good times, and great places Past Review
By A student (Zoology; Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 05/08/2016 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland
I grew academically and culturally. I now have a better understanding of how the rest of the world views America. It was one of the best experiences of my life despite missing a semester with my friends back home.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There is a lot of focus on individual studying far in advance of examinations. The library system was fantastic and easy-to-use. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My CIS program coordinator was helpful, honest, and always looked out for my well-being. However, the school administration was lacking and was often difficult to contact. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The walls were thin so I heard way too much from the other residents. The people working at the front desk showed little interest in any concerns I brought to their attention such as a leaky shower or lights that wouldn't turn off (or on). In general, I could barely sleep due to noise from rowdy students outside and security never followed up on noise complaints. Worst of all, they charged excessively for everything. For example, leaving a piece of paper behind would result in a 25 pound fee. |
| * Food: |
Scottish pies, tea, and scones were worth waking up early for. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never be out late alone, whether male or female. Make sure your friends are responsible with alcohol because it could be a long walk back to the apartments. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I chose this program because it was the only one that was in a relatively safe part of the globe, the program got out around the same time my home university did, and it offered classes related to my field so I could graduate in time with my double major. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Most of my money was spent on food and bus fares, but it is still difficult to live on a budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$175 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't eat out too much and don't waste all of your money on alcohol. Save money for day-trips and flights to nearby countries. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how the payment plan was set up because the money did not go where I had wanted it to. |
