Best semester of my life! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/12/2012 to 05/23/2012 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes! I had such a great time and it was an amazing break from Wellesley. I got to travel and see more of Europe and also visit my family in England. I made some amazing friends both from the U.K. and around the world. Everyone should go abroad! Don't be afraid of what you are missing at Wellesley.

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.

I took 2 second year courses which weren't that hard during the semester due to the different teaching style - most of your grade is in the final. The final was pretty tough but grades are usually lower in the U.K. anyway.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Didn't really interact with them much, had a few issues with matriculating originally but I had a somewhat tough dual citizen situation to deal with. Otherwise, no complaints.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great - lived in Robertson's Close. Met most of my friends there and the flat was perfect for socializing and my bedroom wasn't big but functional.

* Food:

You can buy pretty much whatever you want to eat from the grocery stores and there are lots of great restaurants around that have student discounts.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Scottish culture isn't that different but we definitely saw it - kilts being worn etc.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't have any problems.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe.

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)

Food is pretty cheap, could have spent less if I spent less on having fun.

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you are tight on money, budget how much you are going to spend on food and don't underestimate the cost of a night out.

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
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Social life
  • Relaxed academic environment
  • Being back in the U.K.
* What could be improved?
  • Not much really!
  • One of my courses was pretty poorly organized.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wanted to stay longer!