Past Review

By (Neurobiology and Neurosciences., Wellesley College) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made close friends from all over the world that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. They introduced me to peices of their home culture and I left with a very rich, diverse cultural experience.

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.

I was able to work very little for a A+ - B+ grade range, this was not the most academically challanging experience. This could be in part due to the British system of education given students were expected to do readings and research on their own. It required a lot of self motivation, which was difficult for me given I wanted to meet new friends and travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I didn't work through a particular program. I took classes and interacted with students at St. Andrews as if I were a regularly enrolled student on their campus.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

University Hall, Lumsden Wing. <br /><br /> I had a double ensuite room to myself. I lived very comfortabley. I had many close friends that lived on my hall, I had a great time.

* Food:

greasy, unhealthy, repetitive

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made very close, long term friends at St. Andrews. Nothing particularly memorable done through the program, but my St. Andrews mad friends and I went on several trips to the Scottish highlands and London which was very fun.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

St. Andrews is a very small insular town, very safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~ 30-40 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? food, dining halls don't provide dinner on weekends, also there are very rigid meal hours and it is easy to miss a meal.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

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
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? make an effort to become friends with non-American students who regularly attend St. Andrews. Study abroad students usually form groups on campus and miss out on the St. Andrews social scene and culture. Also, American students usually form cliques and miss out on many great social events.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Behavioral Neuroscience

Course Department: Psychology, PS 4071
Instructor: Dr. Eric Bowman
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class had its challenging moments, I had a lot of background information coming into the class. It was a senior seminar course, we did not leave the classroom. Yes the teacher was knowledgeable and well-prepared. I participated more than I would have at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: I should not have any credit transfer problems.
Course Name/Rating:

Social Memory

Course Department: Psychology, PS4080
Instructor: Professor Malcolm MacLeod
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class had its challenging moments, I did not have much background information coming into the class given I have no psychology background. It was a senior seminar course, we did not leave the classroom. Yes the teacher was knowledgeable and well-prepared. I participated more than I would have at my home institution.
Credit Transfer Issues: I should not have any credit transfer problems.
Course Name/Rating:

Information and Communication Technologies

Course Department: School of Computer Science, IS1101
Instructor: Lisa Dow, Sonia Evans
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class had its challenging moments, I enjoyed learning new material.
Credit Transfer Issues: I should not have any credit transfer problems.
Course Name/Rating:

The Psychology of Visual Art

Course Department: Psychology, PS4084
Instructor: Dr. Paul Hibbard
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was a joke. I was very disapointed in the teaching and assigned course material. There was a lot of unutilized material.
Credit Transfer Issues: I should not have any credit transfer problems.