Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great UK University Experience in a Beautiful City Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/16/2019 to 12/20/2019 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to function largely on my own without the safety net of my support systems from home and from Wellesley. While certainly worthwhile, my own mental preparation was lacking and detracted from my experience. However, I learned a lot about myself and my priorities. As a result of my study abroad experience, I have become more independent and self-directed both in and out of school.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Edinburgh is a top ranked global university. Classes at the upper levels are very rigorous. Professors are knowledgeable and accessible if required.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

You have to seek out guidance from the program administrators. The University of Edinburgh has a direct enroll study abroad program, so I was enrolled as a visiting student at the university rather than in a more comprehensive program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a university-affiliated self-catered dorm.

* Food:

I lived in a self-catered dorm, so I cooked all my meals myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Depending on the extracurriculars you choose to engage in, you will receive more or less exposure to the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a bad cough and went to the emergency room (A&E) at the local hospital after enrolling as a short term student with Scotland's NHS. My entire visit was free. The university provided instructions with registering with the nearest GP.

* Safety:

Edinburgh is quite safe. I generally stayed in groups when going out at night, but even alone at night I never had any issues.

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

I loved the University of Edinburgh and the people I met while I was there. I found some really interesting areas of study that I will be pursuing when I return to Wellesley. The school has such an incredible tradition of learning and is a huge part of the city.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're travelling by yourself, make sure to book in advance! Railcards can help get you discounts if you're taking transit or long distance trains frequently.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • courses
  • academic resources
  • flexibility
* What could be improved?
  • more structure for visiting students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's very easy to let your mental health slide when you're on your own at a new school in a new country.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.