Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lifelong Learning in Scotland Past Review

By (Gustavus Adolphus College) - abroad from 09/11/2015 to 05/20/2016 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained lifelong friends, a higher level of academic intrigue, cultural understanding of the U.K., and had the support and ability to travel to many other countries and experience Europe fully, while still immersed in my community in Edinburgh.

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

* 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

IFSA-Butler gave excellent support and the weekend trips were fantastic. The administration and counselors were a pleasure and very competent.

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? 50.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy local groceries at Lidl, Tesco and farmer's markets! Pre-game before going out drinking and look for student deals and discounts everywhere, including restaurants and clothing stores.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Orientation
  • Weekend Trips
  • Constant support and tips on FB
* What could be improved?
  • Better Orientation Food
  • More emphasis on making local friends
  • Encouraging students to stay for the entire year
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Getting involved in as much as possible, taking risks, and travelling solo are extremely important and while I did this eventually, I wish I had from the very beginnning

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!