Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Explore the Area! January 03, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/11/2021 to 12/17/2021 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I think the experience was worthwhile and I am glad I did it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

At the University the classes were not too challenging. I took a first, second, and fourth year course and that mixture was never too stressful. There were not that many resources to support the classes beyond professors which was sometimes challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program was very hands-off. There was little information about what to do when. I was also unable to register for courses until three days before classes because they were not responsive to my many emails asking for help.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in College Wynd and I loved it. It was an amazing location, albeit loud on the weekends. The flat was clean and had a reasonable amount of space. However, the toilet in the flat would often not flush and despite many repair requests, was never properly fixed.

* Food:

I was on a self-catered meal plan so I provided my own food. The kitchens were nice and had all the basic essentials.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was exposed mostly to international students. This school is really international so I mostly knew people from the US and from Europe. I did meet some Scottish people who taught me about Scottish culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Thankfully, the government made COVID tests really easy and free to access which was all the healthcare I needed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Edinburgh aside from a few instances. I quickly learned about areas to avoid and was never forced to walk through them. At night I would be sure to stick to busy or well lit streets and that made me feel very safe.

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

I think Edinburgh is a fantastic city to study abroad in because it is not too big and overwhelming, you have good access to sites in the city, and you have access to a lot of places through trains and airport.

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)

I was shocked by how expensive food is in the UK. I spent on average $125 on food a week for myself, but it is important to note that I ate out a fair amount. Museums are mostly free in Scotland which helped ease costs. Student discounts were also plentiful at restaurants, bars, shops, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 or so
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think meal planning is key! I think also being prepared for a very expensive city will help set expectations.

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

  • Apartment
* 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
  • 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?
  • Freedom
  • City
  • Diversity of Experiences
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with Host School
  • City Price Expectations
  • Drinking Culture Expectations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much there is to see in Scotland!

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!