Past Review

By (Animal Science/Pre-Vet, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for

Scotland Rural College: Broxburn - Oatridge Campus, Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This study abroad experience helped me see how different our culture is to others. I gained a lot of knowledge about horses. I went to Scotland with very little knowledge about horses. Now, I know more than I thought I would. If anything, this experience made me more determined to become a veterinarian. It drives me to help those that do not have a voice.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really enjoyed the way my instructor taught us. We learned things inside the classroom and outside of the classroom. We got to get hands-on experience with how to get a horse fit for different competitions. We got to label the parts of the horse on an actual horse. This made learn both exciting and fun at the same time. It also made it easier to see what makes a horse function.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very helpful and understanding. Sometimes we could not find the person we were looking for because they were not in their office or just were not there.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in the Cromarty accomodations on campus. The boys and girls lived in separate flats. Each flat had its own common room. We each had our own room with a bed, bathroom, chair, desks, closet, nightstand,and dresser. <br /><br /> The accomodation was on the other side of the campus. The campus was small enough to where we did not have to walk so far to get to class. The bathroom was really small.

* Food:

The diet of Scottish people is different than ours. They eat a lot of potatoes and fried foods. Sometimes we just did not like the flavor of the food such as the hamburgers. We could skip eating in the cafeteria and order food from local restaurants. You could also get food from the supermarket to eat later. If you don't like the food, don't eat it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We got to go to local events that were pretty exciting. We got to experience the Scottish 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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $50-$80 dollars a week on souvenirs. I did not really spend that much on food. I have spent money on personal items at the supermarket.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not spend more than you need to. Also, always have cash on you. You never know when you need it.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to love horses or want to learn more about them. You cannot be afraid of them because you will be around them almost all of the time.