Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad was the most eye-opening cultural experience! May 31, 2022

By (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/12/2022 to 05/23/2022 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was definitely worthwhile. Perhaps the most significant thing I learned while abroad included how to be independent and travel on my own/with friends. I had to deal with stressful new situations, make new friends and connections, understand accents and important words in other languages, try new foods, and keep to a budget. I also really enjoyed my classes and the ability to experience a different university atmosphere than my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My educational experience was great but the classes were not as hard as my ones from Brandeis. I specifically loved my 2 Scottish studies courses because they felt very unique!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish we would have been told that we were going to be living with all freshmen. My suitemates were quite loud and messy.

* 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

Edinburgh was a very manageable city. I knew I wanted to mid-size city in an English speaking country, but that would also allow me access to travel to other places. I also really valued being part of a university.

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)

Food and travel were luxuries but also they added up quickly and became expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • The freedom I was given
  • My classes
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • More information beforehand
  • Housing situation
  • More in-person IFSA events on site to be able to meet other students on my program easier
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? IFSA was great at times but also did not really help in forming connections while I was there. Because of this, I wish I knew to be more outgoing in the beginning and really push myself to go to events and make friends and join clubs because that is how you really have fun!

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.