Scotland has rain! Past Review
By William M (University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 05/28/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
Adelante: Edinburgh - Ecological Conservation Summer Program in Scotland
It was totally worthwhile!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was the first year for this program. There are obviously some kinks to work out. There is a lack of communication between the students and the staff as far as the technology. This is referring to the fact that the access to the internet was limited at times and that skype barely worked. There were many little things that are needed to be remerbered when studying abroad: bring an alarm clock, get used to eating bad food, the beds are not comfortable and the comforter will barely cover your feet when you sleep at ngiht. This being said, this was a great trip. The issues are very small and not really a big issue in the grand scheme of things. They are just a part of studying abroad. Scotland has a beautiful contryside and the scenery is great. The castles here are awesome and very historical! The best thing about this program is that you get to see a lot of the countryside. You get to see a lot of cultural sites, such as prehistoric sites. The college is slightly away from the nearest town. It takes thirty minutes to get to the small town of Uphall, which really only has pubs and a convenient store. It is an hour walk to the train station in Uphall. The train is the best way to travel to Edinburgh, Glasgow or St. Andrew's. This really isn't bad you just need to get used to walking a little. You will need to walk in order to not get fat from the heavy meals that they feed you in the kitchen, or "canteen." Everyone in Scotland is very friendly and nice! I have met so many people in Uphall, Edinburgh and St. Andrew's that it isn't even funny. If you are ever lost somewhere don't hesitate to ask someone how to get somewhere. I have never had anyone ignore me. Everyone is very helpful and polite. It is not like New York City where people are rude. This trip is great. I would recommend that you only go if you are an Environmental Science or Ecology major. If you aren't then it will still be a neat trip, it just won't be as interesting as the other students think that it is. Bottom line is that it is a country of beautiful scenery and the most laidback people ever! The castles are so awesome too! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
see above |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
see above |
| * Food: |
see above |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
see above |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
see above |
| * Safety: |
see above |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about £100 a week or $150 a week for anything and everything else |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Walk when you can and avoid paying for transportation |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Fluent |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I speak English |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | know english |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I need an alarm clock and the sandwiches are bad. |
