Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A valuable experience of a different university in a fun town Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/05/2016 to 12/16/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about different teaching and educational styles. I learned to be flexible when plans changed. I think I'll need more time to tell if it was worthwhile or not.

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.

The classes where academically rigorous. In my field, computer science, there was some difference information already covered at my level. Though I've been told that St Andrews has a lot of resources for a European university, there were fewer resources then I'm used to at my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I enrolled directly into classes at St Andrews, but the general student advising was sufficiently helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in St Salvator's Hall, which is in a good location close to town (though far from the science buildings). The rooms were comfortable and the communal spaces were clean.

* Food:

I stayed in a catered hall, so I eat meals in my residence hall (except dinner on Saturday and Sunday was not served). The food was fine, though not amazing. There were always several options including a vegetarian one.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

St Andrews (and my residence hall on particular) has a large percentage of international students. I did not feel isolated from the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues. If you are going for more than one semester then you will be on the national health service and medical help will be available. There were no prevalent health issues and I didn't need any vaccines.

* Safety:

I felt safe in St Andrews, but I also did not go out much alone or at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I think that this university is a good fit for me.

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)

I opted to do the meal plan even though it was moderately expensive since it was convenient.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 15 dollars

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Orientation Week
  • Disability Advising
  • Academic Family (older students)
* What could be improved?
  • Class advising before leaving
  • Longer hours for food service
  • Better heating in dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes are more strictly divided by year then at american universities. At St Andrews, classes that first and second year students take are called sub-honors and classes that third and forth are called honors.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.