Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Authentic Scottish Experience Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/07/2019 to 05/24/2019 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being in a new place by myself. I really enjoyed the chance to travel around Scotland and Europe as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not rigorous courses, but interesting content and engaged professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were mice in my flat and the walls were thin. A good location and unfortunately the drawbacks were pretty standard across the halls. Did not think the front door "locks" were great.

* Food:

I cooked for myself and the restaruants were good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I found Edinburgh to be very safe and had no issues.

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

The program I participated in was excellent.

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)

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
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Great support staff
  • Insider tips on Edinburgh
* What could be improved?
  • Hard to meet non-Americans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Europeans do not attend their classes and the standards for residential life are not even close to what is in the United States. Go with the flow and expect it to be different.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Economics of Inequality
Course Department: Economics
Instructor: Ana Chiquero-Nuevo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good course on inequality, a bit dry at time. Had a paper and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Scottish Literature
Course Department: English Literature
Instructor: Multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting course with great lectures and content. A great way to get to get to know Scotland and read widely.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

History of Edinburgh
Course Department: History
Instructor: Multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: I am not sure yet. I enjoyed the class. A great course to take when you were in Scotland.