University of Edinburgh: Exploring European Cities Past Review

By Lucy S (PSYCHOLOGY., Wellesley College) for

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was amazing. I got to meet tons of people from all over the world. I also had the opportunity to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh. My favorite part about studying at University of Edinburgh is that I had free weekends to travel all around Europe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	Workload was easier than what I was used to, which allowed me to spend a lot of time on each class and truly learn. It was very odd for me to go from small class sizes of fewer than thirty people to lecture halls with over 200 people. It was an experience that made me truly appreciate small class sizes and individual professor attention. Grading in Scotland is very different in terms of what percentage gets you an A, but once you figure that out your grades should match up with what you are used to. At Edinburgh I had fewer assignments that counted for more of my grade.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Since Edinburgh is a direct enrollment program there were a lot of study abroad students in the university. The program administration for study abroad students came from the office of international study. It was difficult to find some information, but luckily student organizations helped the study abroad kids.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	I made most of my meals in the flat. That said, I found a few favorite restaurants (MUMS, Redbox, Mother India Cafe) and ate there as well.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The International Office offers weekend trips to places in Scotland for a very reasonable price. Go on these! They are a lot of fun.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I felt pretty safe throughout my time in Edinburgh.
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?	50 pounds/week for food expenses 10 pounds/week for laundry, toiletries, supplies
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	You'll spend more on food than you think you will.

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	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students International Students Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The city The exploring The people
* What could be improved?	Help with pre-departure such as visas/student visitors and housing Make more upper level classes open to study abroad students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Make the most of your free time. Walk around the whole city and explore. Find your favorite park, restaurant, and museum. Travel everywhere you can. Use budget airlines and hostels to get the most out of your trips. Embrace being in Europe. This is one of the only times that you can travel around Europe at a reasonable price.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Social Work: Making a Difference
Course Department:	School of Social and Political Science, SCWR08003
Instructor:	Multiple
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course focused on Social Work in Scotland. Even though it does not apply to anything I am going to do in the United States, I found it incredibly interesting and thought-provoking. The main lecturers brought in over 12 guest lecturers who talked about their first hand experience with whatever we were learning about. Tutorials allowed for in depth discussion about Scotland and the rest of the world. Even though I knew nothing about the Scottish social work system I was able to bring in my experience in the United States. The students were all incredibly driven and passionate. This is nothing like I could ever take at my home university.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I had to appeal the Sociology department for credit.