Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An examination of social classes, international life, and self Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 01/31/2012 to 05/25/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I, and only I, am the only one in the way of my own progression. Regardless of what I liked and disliked about the program, the experience I had in St Andrews, Scotland is a reflection of my own choices. If I could go back, I definitely would! With maybe a few tweaks here and there, but overall I am so glad I did things the way I did and experienced them how I did.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

With the exchange rate and with St Andrews already being a pretty expensive town, staying on a "student's budget" was definitely an issue at times. But it was never impossible! Just be prepared to spend more money than you might like!

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50+
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check out the deals of restaurants in town! Many of them have set prices for lunch menus or early evening menus! Try to eat in your dining hall, if you've paid for it, as often as possible because that will also save money!

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? Exchange

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?
  • The international, connected feel of St Andrews. Both a tourist destination and a destination for international college students, meeting people from all over the world was never difficult.
* What could be improved?
  • The efforts made to integrate International and Study Abroad students to the local culture. While it was easy to meet other study abroad students, it was not so easy to connect us with local St Andrews students. The Study Abroad department could also make more of an effort to have activities for study abroad students during the semester, not just at the beginning and at the end.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how much upper class life would be an adjustment for me. The town of St Andrews is pretty upper class and many of the students are, as well, and that comes with certain attitudes and customs that I am not used to or always comfortable with. However, as with any situation, I chose not to shun the system but get to understand and learn from it.