An experience that changed my life. Past Review
By Eric L (Economics and Religious Studies, Hamilton College) - abroad from 01/18/2015 to 05/17/2015 with
IFSA: St. Andrews - University of St. Andrews
I gained friends that will last my entire life, a better knowledge of the world, and learned how to take a breath and enjoy place that I am.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I took two courses in Divinity and a course in Economics. Both Divinity courses were rigorous, informative, and really enjoyable, but the Economics course was not taught well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IFSA-Butler staff was incredible! Their orientation was very informative and focused specifically on Saint Andrews. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a double bed, a roommate, a bathroom, and a kitchen that I shared with 7 other students. |
| * Food: |
I made most of my food and had a refurbished kitchen. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I put effort in at the beginning of the semester to get involved with a couple groups at Saint Andrews and made dozens of friends who are still students at Saint Andrews. I plan on visiting them in a year or two. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have to worry about healthcare, but I had a card that worked throughout the UK and Europe. |
| * Safety: |
Saint Andrews is incredibly safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I had a fantastic time, made lifelong friends, experienced Scottish culture, and am a better person because of it. |
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) |
The pound is an expensive currency. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make your own lunch and bring it around with you. |
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? | 10+ |
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? | How quickly plane prices go up. Buy plane tickets at least a month in advance. |
