The Aberdeen Adventure Past Review

By (Applied Science, University of Wisconsin - Stout) for

University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most definitely!!! For once I felt confident and proud of myself and I made life-long friends.

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.

The grading system was really different because they use a CAS system with a numbering up to 20 instead of A,B,C, etc. The workload was managable, but hard to stay motivated since you don't really hand anything in; its up to you to keep yourself busy. The teaching methods didn't seem as interactive as I'm used to. The tutorials were fairly interactive, but most of the time it was a lot of lectures. Yet, it really depends on the classes you take.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My advisors while abroad were extremely helpful and quick to respond.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing arrangements were great! They were extremely close to campus (actually on-campus) and kept rather clean. The building I was in alternated between boy and girl single bedrooms with sinks in each and a bathroom and shower on each floor. I met people from all over and amazing friends this way. Plus, my housing provided food as well.

* Food:

Its not amazing, but there were always plenty of options to choose from.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My program didn't have that many opportunities, but I had tons of fun doing things in the area with the friends I made. We would go to the movies, beach, amusement parks, clubs, pubs, etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe while in Aberdeen; of course, I made sure I was always with friends. In addition, I never experienced any health problems while abroad.

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? This depended on what week it was. Having catered accommodation, I didn't spend a great amount on food each week. The friends I made loved to go out, so that's where most of my money went. I'd say about on average 50 pounds a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't use credit or debit cards while traveling to pay for things. It is better to go to an ATM and take out a large sum of money, so you get more for the roughly $3 charge.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

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  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

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A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't be afraid to talk to people in order to make friends, put yourself out there!