Historic St Andrews gave me a new Perspective on History Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of Southern Maine) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Scotland was a beautiful country. I was able to travel on my own both around Scotland and internationally, that has given me so much confidence and freedom. I got such a new perspective on history, and loved being able to not only see, but study in and around buildings as old as those on the St Andrews campus. Living with international students gave me better understanding of how others live, and the overall experience has made me more passionate about being able to travel throughout my life.

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.

The overall educational experience at St Andrews was great, the work load was different as a full class load is only 2 to 3 classes instead of 4 to 5, but because you have those classes more often, you get to the know the professors and other students well. The university also has tutorials in addition to lectures, once a week meetings with only a few other classmates and a professor. It was intimidating at first, but a great way to get to know other students. I enjoyed the subjects covered in my history classes as well as the readings assigned.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The study abroad office was really helpful, I had a problem with the original visa I got upon entry, and the staff was really helpful with the problem. They also hosted events for the study abroad students and day trips.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The cafeteria's on campus had acceptable foods, but very heavy and little variety. There are some good seafood dishes, and they do serve some authentic scottish dishes. I was glad to have a kitchen to use, but it only came with basic supplies, and being there for a short period of time made me hesitant to buy many items, St Andrews is also an expensive town, and that includes food. I would suggest a catered meal plan.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

St Andrews is a great town, beautiful and historic, with good restaurants and shopping, while there is plenty of student centered night life. I didn't expect to spend so much time at the beach in scotland, but the towns beaches are amazing, I brought home tons of sea glass!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

St Andrews is small and much of it is centered on students. Walkways to student housing was always lit late at night, and the police station was right down town.

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)

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • School and Campus
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Expensive
  • No group activities

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Medieval History

Course Department:
Instructor: Multiple Lecturers
Instruction Language: Engligh
Comments: The class was very interesting, there were about 7 professors that switched of lecturing. Some of the primary source and assigned readings were difficult, but the tutorials offered ample place to ask questions.
Credit Transfer Issues: