Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Scrambling over Scottish Rocks and Loving It Past Review

By (Geosciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/06/2012 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?
YES, so worthwhile! I found out that I love field geology and field mapping, and I got to hang out with future geologists/miners/oilfield engineers. My experience abroad put me on a completely new path, one that branches in a thousand directions. It really opened up a world of possibilities for me.

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.

This Scottish university was so far beyond anything I have experienced in the States--students were put in the field as often as possible by professors who challenged and encouraged them at every step.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The orientation process at St Andrews did not quite cover everything. It was difficult to find buildings/rooms, and advising was kind of chaotic. But everyone was very cheerful and helpful! And they did a very good job of scheduling social gatherings.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a self-catered student hall administered by the university. It was a lovely room, and I really enjoyed cooking with my hallmates, but it was a little far from my classes.

* Food:

I was in a self-catered hall, which meant that I was entirely in charge of buying and cooking my own food. There was only one supermarket in town, and it was overpriced. But the kitchen came very well-equipped, with pots and utensils and even some free food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In the town of St Andrews, it was difficult to meet anyone who was not connected with the university in some way. But during my field excursions and trips to Edinburgh, I felt like I was glimpsing Scotland.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was assigned a local doctor and given a map to the local hospital. Also, the warden of my residence hall was a sympathetic ear and could offer advice on any health problems.

* Safety:

The British are ridiculously thorough when it comes to safety. I read and signed a list of potential hazards for each field excursion, and I was issued goggles, a helmet, and a high-visibility vest.

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)

Buying my own food really took a dent out of my bank account. Also, the relentless pub visits!

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60-$200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Setting a budget is good. I figured out how much it would cost for me to buy my groceries and have at least one night out a week, and that was my spending goal for each week.

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
  • International Students
* 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 open camaraderie of the other students
  • professors who were totally willing to help
  • the chance to see some classic examples of geology
* What could be improved?
  • more formative feedback would have been appreciated before we started being graded on projects
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A lot of structural knowledge that would have been very useful to have, in order to think about problems in constructive ways. As it was, I had to learn what everyone else already knew, and THEN I could start problem-solving.