Past Review

By (Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin) for

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. My future plans already include a trip back next summer to visit my friends and old familiar places and my further future plans could include and job and home there. I was worried when I first went that Scotland would be too much like "America" and I wasn't choosing the most exotic location but I couldn't have been happier. I made friends, had fun since the classes weren't so intense, traveled, and got to fall in love with the city. From the second day I was there I felt like it was a home away from home and knew I wouldn't want to leave. Can't wait to go back!!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt that the workload was extremely light. Most classes had only one graded assignment and a final exam to determine the grade - assignments were given routinely every week they were not graded and therefore optional (they were extremely helpful and necessary to keep up with the work and do well though). The teachers lectured mainly from powerpoint and notes were easily available online. The classes were small (a plus) and all the students in your grade and major take relatively the same classes so you get to know familiar faces. The biggest difference between the American system and theirs was just the amount of work that is graded and goes into your final calculation.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't have any contact with the international office once orientation was over. They briefly pointed out their office on the tour and showed us the webpage but that was the extent of my contact with them. As far as we were told, however, they were always available in their office and had a student lounge area.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the Robertson's Close student flats. Great location for being near the Edinburgh nightlife and Old College. A 40 minute walk from the engineering buildings if you miss the buses, but they run regularly. <br /><br /> Excellent location in terms of nightlife and Old College but not the engineering buildings. The engineering buildings are not near much though so this is the IDEAL location for any student. The flats are located down a narrow alley that can be hard to navigate at night and seem a little unsafe, but I never encountered any problems. The inside of the flat was not very open and you are very separated from your flatmates. This hindered the ability to really spend time with them. No kitchen ware was provided and the refrigerator was very, very tiny. I ordered the university provided bedding but it wasn't worth the money.

* Food:

Most of the cheap student food you will find isn't very healthy. Food was a little expensive, but the grocery stores had just about anything you could want. I would advise going to the chippies (local fish and chip shops) for the cheapest meal but know not to expect anything healthy there.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went on several trips with my friends that we organized ourselves, through the Catholic Students Union, or with a tour group. Because so many tourists visit Scotland, its easy to get on an affordable bus tour (the one I did was 3 days) and are really fun and educational. In January there is Burns Night which is a huge Scottish holiday to celebrate the poet and usually includes haggis and ceidlhs. A ceidlh is a traditional dance and is so fun - you can't go to Scotland without participating in one!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Edinburgh is a very safe city - the usual precautions are always a good idea (take taxis if going long distances alone at night, etc.) but other than that I felt safer than at home because the city is still so bustling at night you are always surrounded by a crowd. I didn't have any need for healthcare over there but did stop in my first week and was explained that if I needed anything, I just had to make an appointment - the same as at home.

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? I spent more money than necessary on toiletries and food. Most of my meals I ate out which obviously cost more than if I cooked, and I stuck with my usual brands of toiletries which were more expensive there.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Local 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? They are so much more laid back in Scotland than in America so you don't have to stress about things as much - everyone is so helpful and willing. If you are nervous, this is a great program because you don't have the added stress of language.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Dynamics 3

Course Department: U01099
Instructor: Michael Zaiser
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Extremely challenging. The instructor was an excellent lecturer and attending class was essential in keeping up as he moved through material FAST. We were provided with printed notes he wrote himself (in place of a book) which were helpful for the most part, but the assignment (worth 20% of grade) was still very difficult and unlike anything I'd ever done before.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Fluid Mechanics 3

Course Department: U01102
Instructor: David Ingram
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Moderate difficulty. Dr. Ingram is a really great teacher and his lecture slides cover all material. Doesn't say much in class that isn't in the online notes, but he makes the material interesting and worth going to class. His ungraded assignments were the most helpful part of grasping the material - you definitely don't want to get behind on these!
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Instrumentation and Control 3

Course Department: U01110
Instructor: Markus Mueller
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Difficult course - there is a precursor to this course that all Edinburgh students took in the fall but I did not so was behind and had to catch up. I wouldn't reccommend taking this without some knowledge, but it definitely isn't impossible. Teacher is great but lecture slides are only helpful if you attend class and can supplement with your own notes.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Sustainable Energy Group Design Project 3

Course Department: U03889
Instructor: Jamie Taylor
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Excellent course - by far my favorite! Dr. Taylor is a great teacher - fun to talk to, extremely helpful, and guides the class in a way that really simulates "real life" engineering. Also, you work in groups which is a great way to meet students and takes the pressure off. Aside from a few checks, this is a self paced project. Really fun!
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Manufacturing Technology 3

Course Department: U01107
Instructor: Jane Blackford
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was not a difficult course. The material is very straightforward and all lecture slides can be accessed online. The assignment (worth 20%) was easy, fun, and was really helpful in terms of learning the material. Very friendly, approachable teacher although at sometimes seemed a little disorganized and skipped around the material making it difficult to grasp a clear outline of the course. This was cleared up by the time the final came around,however.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.