Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Lightest and Happiest Months of My Life (complete with haggis). Past Review

By (WGST, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/21/2015 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the most amazing time, learned to rely and trust myself, met people who were happy and made me happy, and felt free for the first time in a long time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses I was taking were definitely tough but had most of the work focused later in the term and it was entirely self-directed study. As the lectures were large you could choose if you wanted to go, but tutorials were helpful and a very enjoyable part of the academic experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was assigned a dorm very far away from campus which was difficult, but also allowed me to see more of the city in a really beautiful way. The bus rides and long walks home were some of my favourite memories.

* Food:

I cooked for myself, which was so worthwhile!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As they speak English, I felt completely integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

NA

* Safety:

The city is small manageable and always felt safe.

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)

Scotland is expensive. The exchange rate is unfavorable and everything is expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely live in a self-catering flat. The food will be cheaper. Find living that is not through the university but sub-letted apartments.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people I met.
  • The city.
  • Being able to travel.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to take advantage of every quiet afternoon and walk around the city more.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.