Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My Scottish Experience January 19, 2024

By (History, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/03/2023 to 12/14/2023 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the British/Scottish Culture as well as made many friendships with people from all over the world. I definitely think that my experience abroad has made me a more independent person. I am so eager to go back to visit Europe!

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

I really loved the town of St Andrews. It was a perfect size and there was so much history. The student community was very welcoming and I had so much fun exploring.

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? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely save in the beginning and be mindful of how much you are spending so that you do not have to cut out experiences towards the end.

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
  • 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?
  • The People
  • Location/Town
  • The History
* What could be improved?
  • Assimilation into Program
  • Housing
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the organization of the courses and the methods of assessment because they are very different than American norms.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Medieval Europe
Course Department: Medieval History
Instructor: Rory Cox
Instruction Language: English
Comments: My location was ideal for studying this type of history--a medieval town! However, I found that this course was a lot of information that was somewhat difficult to organize and go in depth with since there was so much to cover. The only assessments were papers and the final exam was very difficult.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Early Modern Western World
Course Department: Modern History
Instructor: Maria Zukovs
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was challenging however I really liked the course material. It was a bit broad at times and covered a lot of different topics making it difficult to go in depth with any particular one. The assessments were all papers.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Scotland, Britain, and the Empire

Course Department: Modern History
Instructor: Valerie Wallace
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I absolutely loved this course! Before this course I had not studied British history ever before and I learned so so much. All assessments were papers and the final was challenging however I got a lot out of taking this course.
Credit Transfer Issues: