St Andrews: great setting, great academics, little guidance Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic resources, variety of classes, and knowledge of professors were fantastic. Academics were fairly rigorous and intense, but definitely manageable.

On-site administration of your program

As a study abroad student, I received very little guidance. The lack of programming and guidance was most impactful and frustrating during the first week, when guidance and programming through which I could meet other study abroad students was most necessary. There was one orientation meeting during the first week, but beyond that programming was insufficient. Throughout the school year, the administration and the study abroad office were largely invisible, which was disappointing.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was merely fine. The rooms were small and very dated. The housing policies were very restrictive. I was not allowed to hang up decorations in the room, nor was I able to move furniture. Nevertheless, the housing staff was very warm, kind, and approachable, which made the living situation better.

The food was bad. The portions were very small. I would often find myself hungry after meals. I also found the dining staff to be rigid and rude, which sometimes made for a tense dining experience. Similarly the hours of operation very rigid, where the dining hall would only be open for 45 minutes to an hour for each meal, resulting in long lines and make it challenging to make certain classes or events, since the day had to be scheduled around the dining schedule.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While the hall I lived on did some social programming, it was somewhat challenging to integrate into the community at large. It was also challenging to meet other study abroad students, since we were scattered across campus, and there was little to no programming to facilitate our interactions, even with the existence of a study abroad office.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with the health care system; it was not necessary.

While academics were fantastic, the school and setting were beautiful, and I met many wonderful people from all over the world, I would most likely choose a program with more structure and study abroad programming. Also, the small town of St Andrews was isolating without access to a car, which made traveling and visiting Scotland beyond St Andrews more difficult.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Living on a budget was not too challenging during the week. However, on the weekend, the dining halls would close, so I had to buy food for myself, which was expensive.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Academics
• The setting
• Very international student body

• Guidance from administration
• Housing
• Student integration

The Academic or Linguist