Going abroad is worth the depression of returning Past Review

By (Political Science & Criminal Justice, SUNY - College at Oneonta) for

SUNY Binghamton: Edinburgh - Exchange & Study Abroad Program at University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like I understand the world much more after going. I have a great desire to travel for the rest of my life now. I was on the fence about going, and I am so glad I made the decision I did. Going abroad is worth the depression of returning. It really will change your life.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned more than ever before, and enjoyed doing it for the entire semester (a collegiate first). I wish I had studied in Edinburgh for all of my undergraduate years. Returning to SUNY Oneonta is both depressing and regrettable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was not a program administrator from my home SUNY system, but the Edinburgh study abroad department was quite involved and dedicated. There were many opportunities to participate in special activities and the staff was very accessible and helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in university-owned flats in the center of the city. There was a 7-minute walk to campus, and extreme ease in getting anywhere in the city. I lived with students from the US, Germany, and Scotland, and I made friends for life. The university maintenance staff was decent and fixed any problems in a reasonable time. We quickly became accustomed to the bar noise below us, and it did not pose any problems. Robertson's Close, Cowgate. <br /><br /> The location was ideal. The bar below us was not, but it did not hurt the experience after the first week.

* Food:

British food is bland, but I ate a lot of new things. We cooked at home to save money, and there is a large ethnic community in Edinburgh (Arab, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Polish). Haggis is a must-try (go to the malt shovel on cockburn st.), and fish and chips are a common meal. Deep-fried mars bars (on the royal mile) are the ideal late-night snack. Bar food is cheap and filling (go to black bull on grassmarket).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many clubs to participate in, and the city offers so much. Travel is amazingly easy (use Ryanair for cheap weekend trips). We bought a castle pass and traveled around Scotland to see them, and flew to Oslo, Stockholm, Dublin, Galway, and Rome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is quite safe, although it is a city so I would advise to walk in pairs/ groups. The health system was surprisingly disappointing. I tried registering with the University health center, but they insisted it was not necessary since i was there for one semester. I got a double ear infection and severe cold, but was denied service because of the heavy demand (swine flu season). A friend went to another doctor and ended up spending a significant amount of money. Consequently, I did not go to the doctor and suffered a ruptured eardrum. My advice: demand to be registered in the Health Center (it shouldn't be a problem), just in case.

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 40 pounds (70 dollars) on groceries and quick food each week. I probably spent an equivalent amount at the bars, but this could certainly be avoided.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? See if your home uni will pay for the gym membership (60 pounds). Budget extra for bar money - you will use it. Look for student discounts (get the frankenstein food card) - they are everywhere.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do it; there isn't a better city. I've talked to people from other programs and they wish they went to Edinburgh.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Social Demography

Course Department: SY0011
Instructor: John MacInnes
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I enrolled in this course because I had no other options that would count for my major. Ultimately, it was my favorite course this fall. Dr. MacInnes is obviously dedicated and extremely knowledgeable. The course was taught in a conversational manner, and every student wanted to research, participate, and learn. I am quite proud of the research done and work I produced in this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: