A Place Where You Find Exactly What You're Looking For January 12, 2022

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/20/2021 to 12/21/2021 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can make a home anywhere

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were well taught. Professors very understanding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Visiting Student Office provided adequate support. Did not provide many opportunities for visiting students to meet or little to any orientation week programming. Facebook page for students was enough.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Pollock Halls w/ catering and I was very satisfied. Living conditions were better than my home university

* Food:

JMCC was great. If you like a lot of variety in what you eat, I would advise against catered though. JMCC is good quality food with little variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

University health center did not accept abroad students due to limited capacity. Had to apply to local GP, and I applied to many. Was never confirmed that I registered, so I assumed I wasn't accepted. I went weeks being sick until I finally called 111 for help and possibly antibiotics. 111 finally told me I had a GP after a two hour phone call. Seeing the GP was a great experience.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20-50 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? plan ahead and ask fellow students the cheapest places to shop

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • City
  • Academics
  • Nightlife
* What could be improved?
  • Student Support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Information on issues in country (ie. IRA history, political climate, introduction to the political and economic system)

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!