Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Is it time to go back yet? Past Review

By (Sociology., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile-- I learned a lot about independence, solo travel, and unexpected differences in dialects of the English language.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Unhelpful, but I didn't really need them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

n/a

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get any program support, but the healthcare I received when I hurt my knee was accessible and efficient.

* Safety:

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)

The U.K. is expensive and the exchange rate is brutal. A budget was totally necessary.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 100 pounds ($175 USD)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop and don't eat out too much, eat breakfast and make coffee at home. Discount stores and charity shops!

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

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Freedom and independence
  • The city of Edinburgh
  • The people I was able to meet
* What could be improved?
  • The orientation program
  • accessibility for mobility-impaired students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You CAN survive on one suitcase and packing light is an art. Having a few easy and cheap meals you know how to make makes you life so much easier. Bring sneakers!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Scotland: Social Structure and Social Change
Course Department: Sociology
Instructor: Michael Rosie
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging and fascinating, very well taught, up to date and engaging materials. Lots of class participation, two large papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: