A Semester to Encounter the Scots in an Inspiring and Dynamic City Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses at the University of Edinburgh are generally engaging, especially if you take higher level courses that are smaller and more like American liberal arts classes. The first-year courses are often large lectures with small tutorial groups. Unlike in American colleges, classes in the U.K. require you to work hard/seriously study only 2 or 3 times throughout the year (for essays and final exams), and the rest of the semester I found I had a lot of free time for travel.

On-site administration of your program

Orientation was pretty brief. The study abroad office staff were very helpful in helping me one of my courses.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in my flat in the center of Edinburgh right across from the old college as it was easy to get to George square campus and easy to reach the center of Edinburgh or Arthurs seat. The flat itself was slightly old and a bit small, however the views and location more than made up for it!

My flat was not catered so I bought my food from the grocery store which was only a 2 min walk away. My lack of cooking skills made me rate it 3 stars, yet I am proud of my improvement over the semester.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in the city center and attending the university with local students made me feel quite integrated into the city of Edinburgh. However many students I hung out with both in and out of class generally were Americans or other foreign exchange students.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Having free health care with the NHS felt like the way life should be! There is a doctors office on campus in Bristo Square which was extremely convenient.

I always felt safe walking around night or day. Scottish people are extremely nice, and will often ask me if I need directions!

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Scotland! The people are super friendly, the city is grand and diverse with so many things and places to explore, and the country feels dynamic as they look forward towards possible independence. Each time I flew back into Edinburgh after traveling mainland Europe, I would feel the mildly cool, and ever present Scottish wind hit my face and be struck with the sense that I had returned home.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Edinburgh is an expensive city to eat out in general, however restaurants and pubs near the university cater to students by offering discounts and cheaper options. Grocery stores like tesco were surprisingly cheap to shop at!

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Independence with your schedule/ lots of free time to travel
• History courses at the University of Edinburgh and being integrated into the university culture (ceilidhs, student union, study cafes, hanging out in the meadows)
• The city itself is beautiful and unique!

• It was hard to participate in events that the University of Edinburgh International students office held like trips to nearby cities since there were limited spots
• More events for international students
• A weekend home stay would be cool

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer