Incredible Experience Past Review

By (Kenyon College) - abroad from 01/15/2018 to 05/26/2018 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence and independence. It was so worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought it was the perfect balance of freedom, but classes that were actually worth taking.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were INCREDIBLE. So helpful but not overbearing, always there to be supportive but I still felt like I was independent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were exactly what I expected and wanted.

* Food:

This was self catered flat, so I cooked all of my own meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was living with actual University of Edinburgh Students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt like I was guided and provided accurate information.

* Safety:

Scotland is incredibly safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program was special because it gave the confidence to make mistakes and then know I had someone looking out for me just in case. However it was not micromanaging or overbearing at all. The IFSA staff was so supportive.

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)

I think if you budget your money, you are able to live in Edinburgh comfortably. It was not as expensive as London and it depends on how much you go out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I made an excel spreadsheet and gave myself a daily budget that allotted me how much extra cash I could spend for everything from coffee to souvenirs to travel.

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
* 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?
  • The support
  • IFSA Staff
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation could be a bit longer.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That life goes on abroad, you can take a day to watch netflix and not waste your experience because your experience is your own. This is not an instagram contest, its a moment for you that you can never have again.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'