A Fantastic Fall in Scotland Past Review
By A student (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/16/2013 to 12/20/2013 with
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about a very new academic environment, where the student is held to a high standard of academic curiosity and self-motivation. This independence given to students allowed me to explore my coursework on my own accord, as opposed to it being required. This helped me learn about my areas of interest and change my attitude about the traditional academic environment. I gained a lot of new writing skills and self-motivated study skills. In becoming involved with society's on campus I also grew a lot in my creative pursuits, including photography. In doing this, I was able to see a lot of Scotland I wouldn't have had the chance to see otherwise. My semester was entirely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
All of my courses were rigorous in their grading of essays and exams. Reading, aside from tutorial, was not required, so how challenging and intense the course material is was left up to the individual student. The university's library resources were expansive, making conducting research for essays, etc easy to do. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was helpful when I had questions and had a large support system study abroad students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was living in a dorm with primarily freshman and other study abroad students. The dorm was nothing special, but it was in a good location and had regular events hosted by the RAs. |
| * Food: |
I was not on a meal plan, so I did all of my own cooking, which I preferred. I was able to eat what I wanted and save money as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The University did a good job of offering cultural integration programs and clubs for visiting students. Additionally, living among and taking classes with full-time students really aids in the integration experience. I joined the Photography Society that took several trips around Scotland and a variety of outings in Edinburgh - this experience allowed me to get to know a lot of different areas of Scotland as well as become an involved community member. I would highly encourage visiting students to join a society. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to see the school's infirmary for an infection, and I was able to get an appointment easily and receive what I needed. Also, as a visiting student, I had access to the nationalized health care, so I didn't have to pay anything to be seen by a doctor. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe in Edinburgh. The city center is quiet late at night and is populated largely by students. I rarely went anywhere late by myself, and used general common sense, and was never in any kind of unsafe situation. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 would go out every other weekend and shopped at cheaper supermarkets, such as Lidl, in doing so I was able to spend a minimal amount of money on my daily expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take advantage of the free shop for students, you can go pick almost anything there, just so long as you have your student ID. It's where I got a lot of the kitchenware I needed, without having to spend any extra money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew the different standards of writing between the British university systems and American liberal arts schools. The writing standards aren't necessarily higher, just they hold different expectations and expect social science writing to be very similar to social science professional research papers, rather than critical analysis essays. I did not expect this, and would have greatly benefitted from knowing the style of writing that's desired from students. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
