St. Andrews - Love at First Sight Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., The College of William and Mary) for

University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so fulfilling to me to be at St. Andrews. I learned so much from the atmosphere there and from the different study style. I feel like I grew as both a student and as a person. I met some incredible people from all over the world and really realized what undergrad is supposed to be about - learning and growing as a person, and having tons of fun along the way!

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.

The work style is much more self-directed. Not all classes are given a reading list. You are expected to find reading on your own to supplement lecture material. The assessments are mostly essays, not exams. Grading system is a 1-20, but it doesnt directly correlate to a percent. A 16.5 to 20 is a very good grade, and is hard to achieve.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I wasnt with a program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Loved it. Lived in the dorm and all rooms were single rooms, which allowed for much needed privacy with still plenty of socializing.

* Food:

They accomodated allergies etc. Qualilty was normal for hall food, generally good but not fabulous. Packed lunches if you werent going to be able to make it back, which was nice. Eat in halls - it makes life, and making friends, so much easier.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Town is FULL of great things to do. Really enjoyed the opportunities there, so I didnt feel the need to travel away very often.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Police were around if you needed it, free healthcare in the UK but the hospital was a LONG walk away.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? In the UK, things cost more. Also adding drinks into the equation makes your money dissappear much quicker.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly, nothing. Loved every second.