Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

it is what you make it! Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/12/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had a lovely time in Edinburgh- it's a beautiful city with a lot available to students. Directly enrolling doesn't provide much structure, so study abroad students really are able to shape their own experience, for better or worse. You have to put yourself out there and join groups you're interested in or your experience will not be very rich. It's easy to get isolated in a big school, especially

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

food was not provided through my housing, cooked independently

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $40-$70, but I was cooking for myself
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery store prices vary drastically, it's worth the trip to a cheaper store. Edinburgh in general is not a very expensive city, but groceries with exchange rate can add up.

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
  • 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?
  • Lots of freedom
  • Interesting courses
  • Beautiful city
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Information
  • Programs and communication for visiting students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Wish I had looked into other housing options and student groups more before arriving.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.