Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible experience abroad while studying at a uni similar toWellesley. December 30, 2023

By (Political Science and Government, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2023 to 12/01/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the greatest lesson was learning how far my independence goes. Living abroad and living alone was very new to me but Scotland was the perfect place to test the waters.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

* 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

St Andrews was always my first choice and I truly loved every second of it. Being that far away from home is very difficult but the university works so hard to ensure you can meet as many study abroad students as possible.

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? $15

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

  • N/A
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Courses
  • Location
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Communication before classes begin
  • Clearer picture of how registration works
  • Payment process for housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? St Andrews has a very different registration process than Wellesley and I would have appreciated if the university would have explained how it works before hand. There were months that we would have no communication about what was to come.

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!