I think I'm in love and her name is Scotland! CCSA Scotland Past Review

By (Business Marketing, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga) for

Study Abroad Programs in Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad is completely worthwhile. My experiences were amazing, and I only have good memories while I was abroad. I learned so much, and the program taught me that their was so much more to learn in the world. It opened up a whole new love of learning that I never knew about. Although my major didn't apply for my study abroad experience, it did not deter me from wanting to go or enjoying it the trip. It made it better actually because I didn't "have to" learn it. I just got to experience it. And that's really what life is all about, experiencing. Because of my great experiences, I'm planning on traveling abroad again.

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in Scotland Photo Study Abroad Programs in Scotland Photo

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.

When taking a course abroad, you want to experience as much as you can! After all, you're in another country! Not being bogged down by class work and not having to worry about a course load is ideal so you can experience as much as you can in the little time as you have. Although a little history and work is nice for a cultural perspective, worrying about school is the last thing you want to deal with.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our host institution had a 24 hour lobby with someone always there to ask questions. It had free maps of the bus routes and certain parts of the city as well as several brochures for all kinds of sight-seeing. Even though I personally never used the lobby, it was a good to know that someone was there. The campus overall was pretty accommodating to any international students. We quickly realized that we were not the only ones visiting a new country. I never met the host institutions faculty leader or even knew if there was one, however I was never in desperate need of someone like that.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was much better than I would have ever expected. The University of Edinburgh runs their dorms like a hotel service in the summer to cut cost of tuition for students in the academic year. Therefore, we got clean towels, sheets, and coffee refills every day. Plus, you get your own room, which you really can't beat. Even though it was small, it was completely accommodating for one person. Especially for the little time you actually spend in your room anyways. Another great plus was that we had a common area that had a fridge and microwave. A lot of us bought groceries and used these facilities. It not only was cheaper way to eat abroad, but it was also nice to not have to eat out every meal. The hotels we stayed at for group-related trips were quite nice, although only staying at them for one night doesn't really matter over all. Furthermore, the one hostel we stayed at in Inverness on our free weekend was found by us students, and therefore would be subjective for future students applying.

* Food:

Our trip including breakfast every morning in the student cafeteria; with the exception of a few other meals, all of the rest of the meals we had to pay for. The breakfast was great at the University of Edinburgh. Although it was the same meal every morning, there was enough variety that I never really got tired of it. Plus, everything was pretty tasty. The only thing I wished was that more meals were included in the program so we didn't get so tired of eating out by the end of the trip.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Having a lot of free time is a definite plus for traveling abroad! There is so much to see and do, and not having the time to do it heartbreaking. This program offered PLENTY of free time. That's not to say that I was bored ever; it's just to say that I definitely felt as though I had plenty of time to see everything I wanted. We didn't have many non-academic programs besides eating out a few times together, but that's not a bad thing in my mind at all. Just having two hours to visit what we wanted in Glasgow before we all headed back on the train, or an hour to shop around St. Andrews was worth it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

You're in a foreign country so you're never going to feel as safe as you do in your home country. With that being said, I never felt in danger while I was abroad. We were told multiple times to not doing anything stupid, and that really is the best rule to follow. Girls should never be left alone on their own, and no one should ever go home with a stranger. If you feel as though somethings not right, get out of that situation. It's not hard, and it's a lot easier to enjoy things if you're not worried the whole time.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Hotel
  • Dorm
* Who did you live 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'll never fully know what to expect, and you'll never experience anything like going abroad. You just have to get the guts up and jump in and do it!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Under the Kilt: National History of Scotland

Course Department: HIST 385
Instructor: Kittrell Rushing
Instruction Language: English
Comments: In any course, people ask, "When I am going to use this in real life?" The great thing about this course was that it was taught around what we saw everyday. It put things into perspective and helped us understand what were seeing and doing. Instead being of overwhelmed by an onslaught of foreign culture and history, we had an inside perspective and could appreciate all of the museums, statues, castles, etc. more.
Credit Transfer Issues: All credits transfer. I would definitely recommend this course if it was offered again.