I'm already saving up to go back Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Both studio practice and the FOCI critical studies class was engaging and interesting, there was just some confusion as to what was expected especially since this was my first time in an art school environment. You were expected to be in studio from 9-5pm, schedule your own tutorials and prepare for discussion groups. However, I learned most of what was expected of me from my peers rather than my tutors. The switch to Canvas for the school seemed to be a rather interruptive/confusing process, which lead to a lack in communication.

On-site administration of your program

I only spoke with my abroad advisor once to switch my program to a semester. One big issue I had was when I was applying for my tier-4 visa, as I had to constantly email and remind them that I needed specific information to apply for the visa in the first place. By the time I received this I was cutting it really close to the deadline, and am still surprised my visa came back in time.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in freshmen housing, and lived with international students except for one other American. The only drawback was the small fridges/one freezer to share between six people. The housing unit was gated, so that provided a sense of safety. Figuring out how to get mail was difficult, as you could only get flat mail and had to send your parcels to a 'pick-up' location; this is something I wish I knew beforehand.

This program is independent living, so you have to budget your own meal plan and do your own cooking. The residential housing is very close to Tescos, Sainsbury's or even Farm Foods, so there was plenty of options, there was just very little fridge space, so that was something to navigate.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was surprised by how little Scottish students/professors were in my specific program, as they were mostly English. GSA was good about hosting events in the Art School (a local bar that hosted parties/djs etc) that encouraged socializing with your peers. My specific program led us on a tour around the area where our studio was at the start of the semester, but other than it was mostly self exploratory.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

At the start of the semester during orientation nurses came to the school with forms to register with NHS, the local healthcare. Although I never had a need to visit the facility, I'm sure it would have been fairly simple.

My studio was relocated to the city center, and I was advised not to be alone in the studio passed dark or in the area for that matter. There were shuttles that would bring students to and from the Tontine building and the Library, so that was helpful. My housing was located right above Sauchiehall Street which is a strip of bars/clubs, so my advice is to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night on the weekends. The best advice I received from one of my flatmates, who was from just outside Glasgow, was that drunk and/or homeless Glaswegians will come up to you, and the best way to resolve any issue is to engage with them and then wish them a good night, its a very different culture in respects to Boston or New York where you would just keep going in those types of situations.

Although unorganized as it was, once I finally got the hang of things I really enjoyed the city and the friends I made along the way. I was really disappointed-am still disappointed- I had to cut short my stay, but l greatly value my experience for what it was.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The only thing I found to be a burden was buying all my supplies, as the art department at Middlebury is organized around a comprehensive studio fee, vs pay as you go. I was also unaware that all GSA sports/activities were pay as you go as well, I felt this restricted my participation in a lot of organizations, as well as how I approached making art.

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• Dorm
• Other

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• The people I met
• The city I lived in
• The classes I took

• The school's organization: timely, coherent communication
• A more comprehensive orientation, so that incoming students have a better familiarity with the campus before classes start, have a chance to meet people, and also just to help buffer the adjustment/culture shock.
• A closer connection between middlebury and this program, despite it being external. I think that would have helped bridge a lot of gaps in my overall experience.

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer