Fall 2022 at St Andrews January 23, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

STEM courses are a little more rigorous than Wellesley (because of the way their academic paths are structured) and Humanities are of about the same rigor if not easier. Classes meet 2-4 times per week. Grades depend on few assignments. Lecturers are mostly accommodating and are willing to meet to help you with material/essays. Extensions are granted sparingly. CEED can help with minor academic problems and are helpful when arranging a study schedule.

On-site administration of your program

They postponed the first event and so abroad students didn't get to meet until much later (too late) in the semester. It would have been nice to have a welcome dinner/cocktail hour to meet each other as I didn't meet many other abroad students throughout my time there. Course advising could have been better. It seemed impersonal. I was disappointed as I was not made aware of a co-requisite until too late.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very good! I stayed in Gannochy House and was pleased to be place on a floor with all women. (Felt right at home!) Bathrooms were very clean and cleaning staff worked hard to keep building clean at all times. I liked my single room with sink included and the bed was comfortable.

I was self-catered. (Cooked in the dorm kitchens) Tesco and Sainsbury's were close by, for cheaper groceries ALDI was a 25-30 min walk, fine for a weekly shop. Induction cooktops and ovens worked well. I got most of my cooking supplies in the first week from the (re-use) transition sale for free. (Highly recommend if you don't mind used items)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very well! I put myself out there at every opportunity. I enjoyed going to Forgan's Ceilidhs and the various balls. I joined artistic and religious societies as well as sports clubs and had an easy time making friends both international and local. Town is full of charming pubs, cafes, bookstores--you will find a go-to spot during your time there. Concerts/nightlife in Dundee was possible through bus travel. Direct bus travel (2 hours) to Edinburgh on the X59 route allowed for day trips to explore museums, Christmas markets, castle tours, and extensive shopping.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with healthcare while there but heard that ambulances were affected due to strikes, so be careful.

It was a very safe area. I would just use general caution. The traffic will not stop for pedestrians.

I think that going to a smaller town allows for deeper cultural immersion compared to a large uni Edinburgh. I met a lot of locals as well as Americans and other exchange students. The academics are very good and people very friendly and welcoming. The balls were fun and the community was just big enough. There was always something to do.

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

Depends on if you constantly eat out, got to pubs, and balls. You have to pay for the gym, sports clubs, and society (clubs) memberships. (sometimes quite a bit)

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Traditions
• Ceilidhs
• The many clubs and activities

• Advising
• Academic Support
• Events for Exchange Students

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