Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Trip Past Review

By (English - Writing Emphasis, Rider University) - abroad from 09/02/2014 to 12/14/2014 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I mostly learned independence and how to live in a thriving city.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

While studying abroad, my mother was diagnosed with stage III brain cancer at the end of October, halfway through the semester. The staff in Edinburgh were extremely helpful and hands-on with guiding me through the rest of the semester after, helping me to keep up with my classes, gain counseling, and guided me through talking to my academic adviser and professors to get the assistance I needed to get through the semester.

* 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? No

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? about $80-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't pay co-pays at clubs, just leave early. And don't buy more food than you can eat--go to the grocery store often and buy smaller amounts. Tesco tends to give waivers after you spend a certain amount on the same card (get a Tesco card!!) so that helps to save money as well.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Fun
  • Adventurous
  • Full of great experiences you won't get anywhere else
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
  • Nothing at all
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I could get a bigger bed on request.

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.