Abandon your Expectations Past Review

By (Astronomy and History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a sense of self worth and independence. I was abroad for the first time without a 'program' or even friends and I thrived. I gained a new global perspective and went native. Overall, I'm glad that I didn't do the traditional study abroad experience. I got to truly know the place I was staying and I was able to fully comprehend and admire the academic experience of Wellesley.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although there was a plethora of resources, I was not impressed by the academic environment. The 'hands off' approach, though admirable in its ability to provide independence to its students, seemed more of a lack of interest in its students than a means of preparation. I did not feel like I was pushed or supported academically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Being on direct enrollment, I did not have any on-site support apart from the University's visiting student office. Though helpful, they were not ideal in academic support due to the large quantity of visiting students. I wish they would have been more of a presence because I might have had a more rewarding academic experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They were decent. I lived in a closet, but it felt like I was living on my own and fending for myself which I enjoyed quite a bit. I opted to live in self catered housing which though connected to the university, felt more like an apartment than a dorm.

* Food:

I did my own cooking, so if I have any complaints, the fault is entirely my own. City living made shopping for food interesting, because most stores had a limited selection due to spacial limitations.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like I wasn't studying abroad, but instead living in Edinburgh and taking classes as a job. I didn't do the normal SA experience jetting off across Europe every weekend like my flatmates (primarily due to my lack of experience, and higher level course choices.) I liked it that way, however. I never left Scotland and by the end I felt like I had truely become part of the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I miss the healthcare or at least their opinion of healthcare. If you were sick, even just a cold, you were sent to the doctor because it was free. I did find it difficult at first finding OTC medication because it isn't such a big thing to buy cold meds at the grocery store. Instead, you go to the doctor and they send you to a pharmacy.

* Safety:

I felt remarkably safe in the city. The only time I felt even slightly concerned was walking alone in leith in the middle of the night, and even then I didn't encounter any danger... not even a drunken cat call.

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 thought it was extremely easy, but then again, I primarily just stayed in Edinburgh. The only money I had to spend while there was on food, shopping, and the occasional tourist experience (highland trip, or specialty museum). I did spend more than what I would have at Wellesley, but hell, I was in Scotland! You have to splurg every now and then.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? typically a little under $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? don't go tourist crazy. There are plenty of free things to do in Edinburgh and some of the not free things will sometimes be free when planned ahead (St. Andrew's day = free castle visit, free ghost tour at 7 on grassmarket). Also soup and crusty bread is always tasty... for mouth and wallet

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • the independence
* What could be improved?
  • preparation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That in most UK universities, undergraduate academic writing is centered around the critique and argument of secondary sources as opposed to primary source interpretation. Also, although it may not be listed as such, higher level Scottish Studies courses are taken by scottish studies majors who like to have their courses taught in Gaelic.