Extremely enlightening and one of the best experiences of my life! Past Review

By (Biology/Justice Systems, Truman State University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 06/01/2013 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Dundee - University of Dundee

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got to know a lot of locals through living at the university. It was interesting getting to know more about them and their culture. The Scottish are wonderful people and they made it very easy for me to transition into their lifestyle. I have nothing but good to say about studying at the University of Dundee. It was 100% worthwhile.

Review Photos

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Dundee - University of Dundee Photo College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Dundee - University of Dundee Photo College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Dundee - University of Dundee Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were much more laid back than at home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food was not provided by the University.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All of my flatmates were from Scotland, and I was able to stay with them in their homes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St. Andrews. I was very involved with Scottish culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, but we were able to sign up with a GP. Scotland has universal health care, so going to a GP was free.

* Safety:

I was required to check in with the school regularly so they knew I was safe. Also, the location of the school was in a safe area.

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)

The USA to UK currency exchange rate made it a little difficult, but it was not difficult to fine clothes, bedding, food at reasonable prices. I did not spend more on food than I would have in the USA.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Lots of pasta!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My local roommates
  • Traveling across Europe
  • Being out of my comfort zone
* What could be improved?
  • My home institution was not clear about what classes could be transferred
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What classes were not going to transfer, despite the fact that I filled out the substitution form.

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.'