Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had a fantastic time in Scotland! Past Review

By (Art History, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to really value the small class sizes at Wellesley. I also learned to put myself out there when I am in situations where I don't know anybody!

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:

The meal times in my dining hall were very difficult to make. Also, the staff was very rude, and the food was not all that great. Definitely would recommend cooking for yourself.

* 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

I met some awesome friends, and got to see all of the art, people, and beautiful scenery that Scotland has to offer!

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? $100 each week, not including the total that we paid for food in the dining hall at the beginning of the semester.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • My fellow study abroad students
  • Edinburgh, all of the art and history it has to offer
* What could be improved?
  • The food (dining halls)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had signed up for more advanced level courses. I took 2 intro level courses so that I could get distribute on requirements out of the way while also studying art history abroad. However the intro courses were very tedious, and I do not think that I got to experience some of the better faculty that I would have had in advanced classes.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!