Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I never want to leave! Past Review

By (European History, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I absolutely adored studying abroad. It was completely worth every penny spent, and I look forward to coming back to visit some day.

Review Photos

University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Certain aspects of my courses proved to be fairly difficult. I took all history related courses, and there wasn't much work consistently throughout the semester, but there were long essays and difficult exams.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I spoke to the administration the first week I was here, beyond that I haven't spoken to anyone.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Johnston Halls are amazing to live in. Right on campus and not a bad walk to classes from here. Living in the students flats is really nice, I have become really good friends with the people I live with and they're from all over the UK. Also, be warned that they test the fire alarm between 10 and 10:30am every Tuesday.

* Food:

The food included in the meal plan is edible, though nothing to boast about most days. Breakfast was always really good, but dinner left a little something to be desired.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture in Scotland is not all that different from the US. The only issues I may have had were with some of the slang they use here.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If you're a non-graduating student you cannot register with a doctor.

* Safety:

DO NOT WALK HOME ALONE AT NIGHT. This goes for men and women alike. A friend of mine walked home alone once and got mugged. Lost his phone, wallet, and his watch. BEyond that, Aberdeen is very safe to be in. But like any city, nighttime can be dangerous.

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)

I had a sponsor, so a budget was not entirely necessary for me. But those I know were on a budget were able to do so fairly easily. It helps that in Johnston you get breakfast and dinner.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I couldn't say
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Before you travel, save save save. You can never have too much money saved up for traveling. Once you're at your institution, be smart about what you choose to purchase!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Friends
  • Atmosphere on campus
  • 3 week spring break!
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with Administration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That traveling alone may seem scary and lonely, but is actually so much fun!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Celtic Scotland
Course Department: Language and Literature
Instructor: Dr. Dumville
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The lectures have virtually nothing to do with what is discussed in tutorials. Dumville uploads the powerpoints online so we can use them for not taking, but there is very little there for note taking purposes.
Credit Transfer Issues: I did not get this course pre-approved before signing up for it, so I likely will not get credit for it.