Edinburgh was exactly what I needed June 08, 2022
By A student (Sociology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/13/2022 to 05/27/2022 with
IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh
I learned about Scottish culture, that I don't need a ton of stuff to be happy, and that if you show up for people they will show up for you. It was definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There were a couple strikes throughout the semester, so there were some subjects that didn't get covered in an already short semester, but the breaks in teaching did allow for more exploration of the city! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Michelle and Kevin were very communicative and organized events for us to get together, and also provided one-on-one meetings at the beginning of the semester to go over expectations and such. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I chose suite-style self-catered living, which was perfect for me. I liked having the freedom to buy my own groceries and cook my own meals, and it was nice to make friends with UK students in my flat. |
| * Food: |
Again, I was able to buy my own groceries and cook, and Edinburgh has so many amazing restaurants as well! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My friends and I had several local businesses we went to regularly, and made lots of friends with those from the UK and beyond. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Covid information was communicated relatively effectively, and I didn't have any big health issues that needed addressing. |
| * Safety: |
I felt pretty safe walking around Edinburgh, although I would travel with friends late at night if you're a woman and don't walk through the Meadows at night! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved Edinburgh as a city and was lucky to meet so many amazing people from all over the world. |
Finances
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* 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 took lots of little trips and bought things/went out to eat because I could afford to, but if needed to I could've saved more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $75 on food a week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take turns cooking dinner with your friends! Prioritize what you'd like to spend money on, whether that's travel, going out, souvenirs, etc. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I didn't have to buy a gym membership to attend dance classes |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
