A chance to live in the heart of Scotland! Past Review
By A student (Communication Disorders, Communication Sciences, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/09/2015 to 05/08/2015 with
USAC Scotland: Stirling - Undergraduate Courses
I got the experience to learn a lot about the Scottish culture and people. It was definitely worth while!
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The school has a great library, the classes are set up differently at home, but easy to get used to and the teachers are always there to help! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Amazing study abroad office! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It would have been nice to live with Scottish people, but overall I loved my American roommates and the layout of my dorm. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There is free healthcare in Scotland, but when I was hurt and needed to go to the hospital, I learned that you have to call NHS to get permission to go to the hospital, which can take a few hours, then you wait a few more hours at the hospital. Overall, the process took a while to get help, but is still accessible for sure. |
| * Safety: |
Stirling is crazy safe! Went places alone all of the time, just be more cautious at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
One of the more expensive countries to live in, but Tesco offers great options for cheap grocery shopping. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy Tesco everyday value everything, very cheap versions of basic food. Tesco also has great deals on different foods so keep watch. Also, when you spend money they give you back little receipts with money off for your next purchase. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Mailing stuff is very expensive, so don't plan on doing that. Also, leave room in your suitcases because you will buy a lot of stuff you want to bring home! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
