Past Review

By (Biology, General., 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?
Yes. It was great to get a new perspective on the United Kingdom as well as the United States, and to see everything from the outside looking in.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks
The term and year this program took place: Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A different system to the United States, I'm not sure I loved the amount of emphasis on the final exam (up to half of your grade), but found it manageable and enjoyed my classes.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had no issues with registering, but a bit of a problem getting the form to confirm classes I was taking filled out.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Rooms were very nice, people in my hall extremely friendly.

* Food:

Decent, but lacked variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made so many fantastic friends there, everyone was really welcoming and warm, and urged me to visit again.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The town of St. Andrews felt extremely safe at any time of day or night

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? Laundry was more expensive than I thought ($9 for two loads)

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

  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Absolutely do it, It was one of the best experiences I've had. Definitely get to know the local students, don't just hang out with students you already know. Getting into pub quizzes is very fun, as are all the pubs in town. If you can, make it out to the Highlands, they are fantastic.