Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Adventures in St. Andrews September 18, 2026

By (History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/06/2026 to 07/04/2026 with

University of St. Andrews: Monastic Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about what I valued in not only classes, but friends, and just out of life. We get caught up in all the fluff of life; we never truly find ourselves until later, but it was great to know how to continue with my life from this point forward.

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.

I think that although the program was great, there were portions I thought could have been expanded on. For instance, the archaeological methods could have been improved on.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were pretty accommodating, no issues imo.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great, very clean and I loved having my own bathroom!

* Food:

As someone with food restrictions, it was genuinely so hard to find food that I could eat. I do know they tried in some capacity though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think the course did a good job with the historical immersion, but would have loved more people immersion.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never needed it, but I think it was probably fine.

* Safety:

Never felt unsafe whatsoever, even as a short woman.

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

I think that I would still do this program because I learned a lot about not only the subject matter but myself! I genuinely think study abroad is one of the best things any student can do.

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 budgetted pretty well, so not really an issue for me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe around $900 but I splurged on gifts/soveneirs for family
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk if you can! Train fares add up a lot. I didn't drink so that really helped. Also, I got Tesco meal deals (used a club card) and that was pretty chill.

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
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • The Professors
  • Scotland
  • The Friends I keep in contact with
* What could be improved?
  • The Food
  • The Time span (should be longer)
  • Some of the inner parts of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To take it easy, that nothing is ever that serious, and that you are going to have a blast.

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!