Studying abroad will open up your mind Past Review

By Maeghan D (Music Theory and Composition., SUNY - Binghamton) for

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

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

I learned so much about the world, and moreover MYSELF! You discover your weaknesses and strengths, especially when it comes to meeting new people and being in a completely new place. Studying abroad, no matter what country it is, will open up your mind, and make you see how completely shallow the American way of life is (unfortunately).

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.	Compared to American Universities, I found the UK system of school much less stressful! I learned the same amount, however!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I would have liked more attention from my DoS, seeing that I was in a completely new country, had no idea what I was doing, and needed help!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Loud neighbors, but hey, the Scottish like to party! <br /><br /> Excellent location, wonderful clean flat. loved it!
* Food:	I cooked for myself!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Once again, JOIN SOCIETIES! Edinburgh has MANY!!!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	I never felt unsafe once in Edinburgh- it is a very safe city!!!
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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Make sure your banking account and credit/debit cards are settled before you go over- I was without money for a whole week because my bank messed up!

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Edinburgh and the University! Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in the world, is safe, and has TONS of history and historical figures attached to it. The University is full of prestige, and has wonderful, talented professors. I loved all the societies I was apart of, and love all of the English and Scottish students I met. I LOVE EDINBURGH SO MUCH I WAS THERE RIGHT NOW! GOOOOO!!!!!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Music and Human Communication
Course Department:	U04413
Instructor:	Dr. Nikki Moran
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Extremely interesting course, and not stressful at all (considering it was a 3rd year course!). Very philosophical, so Dr. Moran was extremely open to the differing opinions of the class.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Celtic Civilisation 1B
Course Department:	U01993
Instructor:	Dr. James Fraser
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Not a challenging course, very interesting though. Tutorials were very good for background knowledge relating to the many powerpoint presentations showed during lectures. Less participation in lectures, but much in tutorials!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No

Course Name/Rating:	Music and Technologies 1B
Course Department:	U00762
Instructor:	Professor Peter Nelso
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Would not recommend the course....very disorganised, with a different professor lecturing each class. Tutorials were terrible. Did not really learn much!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No