Best decision in my life: Study Abroad in Scotland Past Review
By Samantha K (Hospitality Management, San Jose State University) for
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I absolutely think my experience was worthwhile! Of course there were times when its hard to be away from family, but having been home for 4 years now since my experience, all I can think about is my time in Scotland! Whether it's songs, scents, or even some sounds that trigger an experience, Scotland is always on my mind! The best things were the experiences I had and the friends I made. I think studying abroad really changed my view on what I want to do in life. I always wanted to work in New York City after graduation but after this experience I want to go work abroad or travel some more before I really settle down in my career. I feel there's so much more for me to learn about our world and the cultures in it!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | n/a |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load was not much different. The classes consisted mostly of large projects or case studies that was outside of class time. The classes themselves were only an hour per week, so it required mostly outside work. The grading system was completely different than the US, so that did make it a bit different only because a 70% there was an A and a 70% here is a C. The problem though was I had a class that I got a B in there but it came back as a D+ here so I had to retake it. That really stunk because I was really hoping that would push me further along in my SJSU courses, but it set me back. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was one person we reported to if we had problems, but we didn't report often. I can't remember her name, but she was the person to drive me from the airport to my flat on my first day. I was really grateful for her and the other lady that came because I was one of 4 students who arrived late at night and they waited for us. She was available for financial questions or transfer problems, but I didn't need any of that so I really had no issues. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my housing! The apartment I was placed in was the perfect distance from downtown as well as school. It was right next to a park so it made it very home-like. It included basic furniture (bed, closet, chairs, desk, etc) but other than that we had to buy everything else. We were lucky enough to have dishes and silverware left over from the previous renters, but other than that we paid for the rest. Ikea and ASDA (or Walmart) were really close by bus so purchasing items was not bad. |
| * Food: |
They had the same food as us for the most part, just different manufacturers. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was great living in Scotland! The people there are SO hospitable, loving, and entertaining! Most of the students I met first semester were international so that was great! It really showed me how small the US is and how wonderful throwing yourself in something so unknown is! The second semester I met a lot of American and Canadian students which made me feel like I was home again. It was weird at first because my friends and I were so used to having so many different cultures around us, but after a couple weeks of traveling we opened up to them and made some of the best friends I've ever had! I learned not to hold myself back from any experience! One of the best choices some of my friends and I made was joining the International Club on campus. While we felt really nerdy joining it, we actually saw a lot of Scotland because of it. We just had to pay a small fee in the beginning of the year and that covered the transportation for every trip! I think we paid a couple pounds upon arrival and for our tickets, but that was it. Every few weeks we'd go on a day trip to a museum or famous place like Rosaline Chapel! Some trips were over night but by that time my friends and I had spent all our money on trips to Paris and Norway! I highly recommend finding a club like that since we were able to explore the country without having to pay too much. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The health system is different so I was a little scared when I got sick. I had a cold for two months which resulted in largely inflamed lymph nodes! I went to the doctor for this and all he said was it was something that would eventually go away. I suppose being in a foreign country made me nervous but it wasn't too assuring. I did get better after a couple weeks, but I'm sure lots of hot tea and staying warm helped! As far as safety goes, I always felt safe in Edinburgh! They're so loving and helpful over there so how could you not! |
| 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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
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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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The student to study abroad in Scotland should be someone who wants to do the study abroad experience but without the language barrier! The great thing about Scotland is they speak English, even if they are hard to understand most of the time! Scotland is such a beautiful, loving, cultural country. It's so breath taking, visually and emotionally! Why not study abroad in a city with a castle in its center!? |
