Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Making memories and turning into a true, independent adult Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 01/28/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

USAC Scotland: St. Andrews - Undergraduate Courses

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much more about myself, what the world has to offer and about how differently people live. It was almost completely opposite from how I live at home, which made me realize some things that I will need to change once I get back. Being away from family was the hardest part, but what got me through was the fact that I will only get to do this once and I will be a much better person because of it. I am leaving with no regrets and knowing that there is nothing I can't do.

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.

* 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:

1000x safer than my university back home!

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

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 only was the exchange rate expensive, but all the shops in town were a bit pricey compared to the rest of the country. Many said it was due to the fact that I lived in a college town.

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? Always look for deals, don't buy the first thing you see and definitely do your research

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • The people
  • How easy it was
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. I felt very well prepared going into my study abroad, especially with a specific required study abroad course I had to take before I left

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.