Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

University of Edinburgh (Spring 2014) Past Review

By (HISTORY., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/13/2014 to 05/28/2014 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained valuable international experience, both in the UK and outside while making global friendships. It was also an important lesson in independence and living on your own.

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.

While you spend fewer hours in a classroom, there is a greater expectation that you will have completed the reading independently. The independence can be difficult if you don't prepare or aren't expecting it and are used to more guidance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Its a large university, dealing with the needs of many students so things can be a little formulaic and not always the most efficient when it comes to finding answers.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in self-catered accommodation in a more residential part of the city. Not far from campus or the night-life, but quieter than where another of my friends was living (in the Cowgate area). The only problems would have been the walls being a little too thin between rooms and the noise of people coming back from the pubs/clubs in the early morning.

* Food:

I made my own food, so any dissatisfaction I have would be my own fault. There are several good (cheap) places to get takeaway when you don't feel like cooking, depending on where your living (check out "The Piemaker" across from Old College).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

After a couple of weeks of getting lost, I pretty much felt like a local. The city is fairly contained, so it doesn't take very long to get a good mental map of the area. Its also a very international city, so accents don't really stand out (especially with the number of students wandering around at any given time).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any personal experience, but there was a "Surgery" a block away from where I was staying. The only thing I would reccommend, would be bringing your own OTC pain relievers if you're prone to headaches or anything like. Ibuprofen or Tylenol can only bought in blister packs of up to 16 at a time and you have to take them with any kind of regular schedule, it can get really expensive really fast.

* Safety:

I pretty much always felt safe walking around, although I did stick to major streets after dark. Cabs are taken regularly and not exorbitantly priced (not to mention always around), so that is always an option if its late or your uncomfortable.

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)

Not counting trips/special occasions, the city is very easy to live in affordably. Food is not overly expensive, as long as you cook for yourself as much as possible. Going out gets expensive anywhere, so you just have to be careful about how often.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use cash. You know exactly how much you've taken out and spent at any given time. Also, take out as much as possible at one time if your bank at home is going to charge foreign transaction fees.

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
  • International Students
* 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?
  • City Location
  • People I met/worked with
  • The University's international reputation
* What could be improved?
  • Contact with professors
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!