Spring in St Andrews Past Review
By Caryn H (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) for
University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was very worthwhile. It was great to experience something that was very different from Wellesley. I became much more independent from doing a lot of traveling over spring break and weekends. It hasn't changed my future plans but I am very glad that I did it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
One of my courses was very interesting, the other was not. The small tutorials were discussion based and much more engaging than the general lectures. Grades are based one just one or two papers and a final exam, which was different. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I didn't really have any problems, but whenever I had a question about tuition or payments or traveling in Scotland people were very helpful. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a roommate in one of St Andrews dorms. John Burnett Hall was my dorm, it was close to the town and the academic buildings, and it had a great community. People were very friendly and very social. The dorm itself was comfortable, it was often cold there, but no other complaints. |
| * Food: |
The food is bland and not very healthy. Little fresh fruits and vegetables. Not ideal if you have special dietary needs. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was much more of a party scene and a lot more socializing than there is at Wellesley. It was a nice change, just for a semester. Join a club for more social events and to meet people. Travel as much as possible. It is very easy to get to Edinburgh airport from St andrews and travel from there. One of my favorite parts of the semester was my spring break spent traveling around Europe. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
St Andrews is an incredibly safe 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about 50 pounds |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | save money for spring break -- book cheap flights through ryan air plan how much you want to spend each week on going out/fun stuff |
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 |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | - someone who wants an experience very different from wellesley - someone who enjoys small towns |
