Engineering in Edinburgh Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/26/2017 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to travel- planning and logistical things like how to buy plane tickets and book hostels, how to navigate foreign public transportation, how to travel cheaply. 100% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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:

* 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

Edinburgh was a good city because this exchange was my first time abroad. Getting used to the difference in weather, meeting completely new people, figuring out logistical issues like SIM cards etc was not easy and I'm glad that I didn't have to stress about a language barrier on top of it all. Also, Edinburgh is a very safe city with respect to things like crime, theft etc.

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? ~$75/week for groceries, nights out a few days per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Lidl is the cheapest grocery store; for non-housing expenses, Edinburgh in general is not an expensive city to live in.

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
  • 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?
  • Non-american flatmates
  • The courses were very good
* What could be improved?
  • First-day arrival; getting from the airport to my accommodation, and instruction on connecting to wifi, etc when I arrived
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Two most important things to gain from going abroad- travel experience (throughout Europe), and meeting local/international students. Frequent travel at the expense of establishing solid friendships with other students isn't worth it in the end.

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!