University of Edinburgh- Good Choice Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/10/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living on my own in a foreign country was an interesting challenge! Being able to visit cool places and historical sites in Scotland was definitely worth it

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.

Pretty tough, but not unrealistically so! I sometimes had a little bit of trouble finding books/reading materials I needed for class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Deaconess House was a great location!

* Food:

I didn't have a meal plan so not really applicable for me; plenty of decent restaurants in the area, though

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not have any particular health problems; flu shot not provided by school but could be got pretty easily from local pharmacy

* Safety:

Normal for a fairly large city; did not have any safety-related incidents

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I lived in a good location and had a lot of fun exploring the city and visiting sites in Scotland; I also enjoyed the classes I took at the University. Some of my fellow international students thought the classes were too easy but that definitely wasn't my experience. It probably depends on what classes you're taking

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Not having a meal plan might save money but having to buy all your own food also costs money... I'm not really sure which way would come out on top

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • Sightseeing
  • Dorm Location
  • Class Topics
* What could be improved?
  • Resources not always available
  • Grades heavily dependent on one final exam or paper
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Being in a foreign country can be stressful even if you don't expect it, so stay calm and keep a good handle on your emotional health

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!