This is the best year for me! Scotland became my second home. Past Review

By (Marketing & Communications, Northeastern University) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 06/30/2015 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What I've learned is that we should risk and get out of our comfort zones in order to grow. This year has been full of challenges, adventures and best memories!

Review Photos

IFSA-Butler: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo IFSA-Butler: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo IFSA-Butler: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo IFSA-Butler: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo IFSA-Butler: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh Photo

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 Edinburgh University immersed me in UK culture. Lecturers are extremely knowledgable and helpful. International students have unlimited resources to improve their academic writing and overall study abroad experience. It's been one of the best decisions of me to come to Edinburgh! Thanks Ifsa Butler for making my adjustment period smooth.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* 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?

* Safety:

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? 200$

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College English 1
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Communicate with other students. Join societies, it is one of the great ways to make friends and improve your english. Please take Academic English For International Students class if you struggle with lack English proficiency. It is very helpful class for international students. Use resources in university. I found Peer Proofreading Service extremely helpful for my final papers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • Ifsa-Butler Program
  • Edinburgh as a best student city
  • Lectures and tutorials
* What could be improved?
  • Additional language workshops for international students, since it was full when I wanted to register for workshops.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish were more proactive during my first semester and could have asked more questions to lecturers.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.