Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Edinbraaah! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of San Francisco) - abroad from 07/20/2013 to 08/02/2013 with

Adelante: Edinburgh - Observation Assignments in Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I met amazing people, I saw the beautiful countryside of England to the Highlands of Scotland, I ate foods I had never heard of, and I got to experience life in Northern Europe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The psychology program in Scotland was a great opportunity. I met many different students and professors in the field of psychology, all of which were studying a vast variety of topics that I was able to learn about. I did different tasks ranging from data entry, to attending meetings and discussing current research in the field, to actually participating in a study as a subject. My only complaint about the educational experience is that the transportation to and from the university is quite costly over time and not paid for by the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never met the on-site administrator, but I was able to email him.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment was spacious and very comfortable. It was also in a great location near the center of town. The only issue was trying to contact the landlord for issues here and there was at times difficult.

* Food:

I enjoyed trying all the local foods like haggis, fried mars bars, pot pies, scones, and more. The program does not include food and thus my roommates and I did grocery shopping once to twice a week. There are plenty of places at least in New Town to get groceries, and the food tasted fine. Saturdays there were markets at a nearby square which was a great cultural experience to partake in.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel any sense of culture shock. The Scottish people tended to be very friendly. It was very easy to join the masses of Scottish people in the park on a rare sunny day with some cider, cadbury, and pot pie.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was easily accessible in my experience. I did not need any vaccines to participate in the program.

* Safety:

I felt safe in the city. I always was with one of my roommates, and I highly advise that. If you are up and out till later in the night/morning, as expected, it is not unusual to run into drunk people acting out or trying to grab your attention.

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)

Scotland like the rest of the UK is very expensive, and the pound to dollar rate is not too good. Tours of the highlands by bus ranged from 30-50 pounds which was not too bad though!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? depending on the places/activities I went, anywhere from 100-300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? baked potatoes are popular and cheap. if you and your roommate like the same things, it helps to split your grocery bill/ shampoo/ laundry stuff. always ask for student discounts. enjoy free things like hikes, the park, the national museum, ect.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 I met
  • The coach tours of Scotland
  • The nature in Scotland
* What could be improved?
  • The price/ what is included in it
  • The communication
  • The time frame
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing in particular.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.