Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Stepping out of my comfort zone Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/10/2018 to 12/21/2018 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I got taste of what it would be like to truely live independently, as I had self-catered housing and school housing was separate from campus in the middle of the city. I gained an international perspective through talking with many of my UK flatmates that was unique from how many things are viewed in the US. I got to travel further than my home state, as I was able to travel to multiple countries and experience even more cultures.

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?

Much like a standard US dorm corridor,but a seperate apartment with our own kitchen and living room. Noise will likely be a small issue depending on which part of the building you are in, many of the school's housing options are located near multiple pubs. But they are central and only less than 15 min walk to campus, generally even less than 10.

* Food:

Self-Catered, many grocery stores nearby and cafes on campus. Decent seleted, fairly similar to back home. There is no shortage of nearby take-out places.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Had other UK students in my flat and went to events in the city

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easy to register for the NHS during orientation. Appointments were easily made online.

* Safety:

No incidents. Felt very safe walking alone in the city, even at night.

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)

About $100 a week, often much less.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30-$40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't order take-out, its weirdly expensive for things like pizza compared to the US. I would go with self-catered housing and always make your own food. Find the budget grocery store, Lidl. Although its very easy to get a bus because there are bus stops on nearly every corner, avoid taking the bus as it's $2.20 per ride. Edinburgh is generally pretty walkable

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
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?
  • Academics
  • Campus Events
* What could be improved?
  • Housing Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Not to worry about being lonely and not making friends. There are many people you can meet through RA events, your flatmates, tons of school clubs and events, and tutorial groups in your classes.

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!