IFSA-Butler Edinburgh Became my Second Home! Past Review

By Lindy R (Environmental Restoration Science, University of Nebraska- Lincoln) for

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Studying abroad was extremely worthwhile for me. I became more culturally and politically aware. This increased awareness and sensitivity to different perspectives helped me to decide what my career goals were, which changed my future plans dramatically. I found my focus and passion for environmental justice while abroad and have decided to continue my education through law school. I developed a level of confidence in my academic and social abilities that helped me take initiative about my goals for the future.

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.	The workload was challenging, but not overwhelming. The teaching methods and educational system differ from my American university in the emphasis on individual pursuit and integration of knowledge with the lecture material. While there is less structured individual interaction with professors, in the form of open class discussions mediated by the professor, it is still possible to build a connection with your professor if you are willing to take the initiative and make contact yourself.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The support staff in Edinburgh were always accessible and helped to facilitate a smooth transition into the study abroad experience. The staff were confidential and familiar with the American education system as well as the Scottish education system. The staff were very willing to help us resolve issues with Edinburgh lecturers and American credit transfer staff on an individual basis. The program was small enough to make me feel welcome and included. All contingencies were anticipated and communicated well so that I could concentrate on my studies and cultural experiences without distraction.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The University operated apartment I lived in was clean, well-maintained, and very close to classes and restaurants/pubs/clubs. I could walk to class and to socialize easily. I needed to buy kitchen utensils and cookware, but bedding was provided. When I stayed with a host family for a weekend they were more interested in entertaining us than having us participate in their daily lives.
* Food:	Edinburgh can provide food for any dietary restriction or cuisine imaginable. The food I purchased was always fresh, but tended to go bad earlier than I was used to in America, so I went grocery shopping more frequently. Dining out options are abundant around campus, but I would especially recommend Mum's near the Meadows, Bedlam Theatre, and the Scottish National Museum for great Scottish food. Otherwise, just ask your friends and classmates which places they recommend because the locals always know the best places.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The friendships I made with local students and fellow Americans provided numerous opportunities for cultural exploration and unforgettable memories. The field trips arranged by IFSA-Butler to the Scottish Highlands and the holiday meals they planned were very well planned and helped us all to overcome our culture shock by experiencing a new culture together.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Healthcare was easily accessible, especially with the program provided health insurance. It was very easy to get care from the university health center and prescription information was not difficult to communicate with the health care providers. I felt very safe in Edinburgh because a local police officer spoke with us during the IFSA-Butler orientation about safety and awareness. I was also reassured by the proximity and accessibility of the local police station, fire station, and hospital. I only updated my tetanus vaccine prior to going abroad.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The abundance of pre-departure information and interaction while abroad.
* What could be improved?	More pre-departure information on the class registration process.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	A student who values high educational expectations would enjoy the academic atmosphere of Edinburgh, but they should also be open to new social and cultural experiences because you never know what opportunities will come your way in Edinburgh.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Scottish Literature 1
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was challenging because of the specificity of the topic. Taking this course in Scotland allowed for ample opportunities to explore the locations and history that motivated the writers that we were studying. All of the lecturers were very knowledgeable and accessible for individual questions. The small-group tutorial instructor was knowledgeable, well-prepared, and enthusiastic about helping students to articulate and understand literary concepts. I participated in class less that I would have at home because I wanted to first observe the discussion and then contribute in a constructive manner.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Celtic Studies 1A
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was challenging because I was unfamiliar with the extensive history of Scotland and the Celtic countries. Taking this course in Scotland allowed for access to historic and cultural artifacts that helped me to connect to the history and culture being studied. The lecturers were knowledgeable, but not readily accessible outside of lecture. I participated less in this class than I normally would because the diversity and scope of the information I was trying to retain was extensive and challenging to organize. The majority of the assessment for this course was a large term paper that included a minimal structure of guidance and discussion opportunity.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Earth Dynamics
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was challenging in the amount of laboratory work included. The field trips offered were very useful and reinforced the material being taught in lecture and lab. The lecturers were knowledgeable and the lab instructors were very willing to help clarify a concept that was not understood from lecture. I participated in this class the same amount that I would at home because the structure of lectures, labs, and field trips closely matched the structure of other introductory science courses I would take at home.
Credit Transfer Issues: