University of Edinburgh Past Review

By Zoe P (HISTORY., Middlebury College) for

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

I always ruled out Graduate School, but after spending 4 months studying at the University of Edinburgh I fully plan on going back to get my Masters there. As much as I missed Middlebury while abroad, my time in Edinburgh was the best time of my life. Academically, I think that Middlebury is much better suited for me as a student. At times I missed the small community vibe at Midd. Living independently in a beautiful city is pretty hard to beat though...

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	There was not a lot of work assigned throughout the semester. I had two (short) papers and a final for my Scottish History Class. A weekly journal for reflections on my readings and a take-home final for American History. And two papers and a take-home final paper for Scottish Literature. The grading seemed fair. There didn't seem to be as much grade inflation at the University of Edinburgh as there is in American Colleges.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Was basically on my own, and it worked well!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I chose to live in catered first-year housing. It was a lot of fun, there were a ton of Scottish and International Students. Since they were first-years, it was kind of rowdy. They went out everynight and would frequently wake me up upon arriving home. That being said, it was a lot of fun and I made my best friends from my semester from my housing. It was about a 20 minute walk to the academic buildings in George Square.
* Food:	Truly, impressively disgusting food. The food in town by campus is delicious but can get expensive if you don't keep an eye on your budget.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Wasn't on a program.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	Very safe city if you were responsible and smart.
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)

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 International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The people
* What could be improved?	It would have been cool if we could have gone with IFSAButler on some of their trips around Scotland. I don't feel as if I saw nearly enough of Scotland.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Live in self-catered! Do it, you can cook for yourself!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	American History 2
Course Department:	History HIST08017
Instructor:	Varied
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	My tutor had pretty high expectations for our class, that being said, it was my most challenging class. I felt awkward taking an American History class as an American study abroad student, I definitely participated not as frequently as I would have at home. Overall, it was really eye opening to see how the British treat American History. The first lecturer of the term was with us for about 4 weeks, he was incredible. The second one wasn't as fantastic.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Scottish Literature 2
Course Department:	ENLI08004
Instructor:	Varied
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Lecturers would frequently lecture in depth on books I didn't know were assigned. Also, sometimes lecturers felt like lecturing on the text it self and sometimes on the historical context of the novel. For example, on the syllabus it would say 'Lecture on Walter Scott', the class would have no idea what specific book of Scott the lecturer would be focusing on. The class was a good introduction to all things Scottish. As I mentioned before, my tutor was incredible and really added to the whole experience for me.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Modern Scottish History
Course Department:	SCHI08011
Instructor:	Murdoch
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Don't take it. Just don't. So boring. I had friends enrolled in a Medieval Scottish History class that seemed INFINITELY more interesting. Honestly though, we spoke about sheep for like 3 weeks straight.
Credit Transfer Issues: