Something fun and new, punctuated by terrible weather Past Review
By A student (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/14/2015 to 05/21/2016 with
University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Very much worthwhile. Learned my own capacity to enjoy and engage with the circumstances I find myself in, and to adapt effectively.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Large courses, occasionally unfocused curricula, very qualified lecturers |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very hands-off, many resources for help if needed |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Well-located, food and heating were inconsistent, rooms in older halls are fairly small and cramped |
| * Food: |
Fish and chips: good. Everything else: edible. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Scottish are very used to and very welcoming of foreign students. St. Andrews has a sizable American population. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
A good deal of help and useful medication available at pharmacies. Long wait times at clinics. |
| * Safety: |
St. Andrews has very little crime and safe streets. Some environmental hazards, slippery sidewalks, and drunk belligerents at bad times. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Got to spend time with my brother, made many enduring friendships, and felt comfortable living abroad by the end of my year. When language is not a significant challenge, longer time abroad is much more rewarding than just one semester. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You paid money for your student accommodation. Eat food in dining halls! |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just because it does not snow doesn't mean weather is not a large factor in affecting health and morale |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Scotland and the English Empire, 1070-1500 |
| Course Department: | Medieval History |
| Instructor: | Christine McGladdery |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very interesting material. Good balance of facts/themes/personalities/institutions. Poses big, nuanced questions about medieval history. Very qualified instructors. Good essay guidance. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
The Foundations of Social Anthropology |
| Course Department: | Social Anthropology |
| Instructor: | Karolina Kuberska |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Not particularly challenging, especially if you are attentive in lectures. Somewhat dry. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Modern World Cinemas |
| Course Department: | Film Studies |
| Instructor: | Sanghita Sen |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Knowledgeable instructor. Engaging topic. Wide-but-shallow approach at times. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Moral and Political Controversies |
| Course Department: | Philosophy |
| Instructor: | Lisa Nowak |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Lectures unhelpful. Surface-level introduction to topic. Topic is inherently interesting, though. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Ethnographic Encounters |
| Course Department: | Social Anthropology |
| Instructor: | Karolina Kuberska |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very fun, self-directed course. More challenging workload. No final exam. Lectures less important. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Film History and Historiography |
| Course Department: | Film Studies |
| Instructor: | Tom Rice |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Shallow but broad introduction to topic. Good selection of film. Incinsistent essay grading. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
