Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Summer and International Experience! Past Review

By (Pubic Service and Adminisration in Agriculture, Iowa State University) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 07/04/2014 with

Adelante: Edinburgh - Observation Assignments in Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a new perspective on my field of study that would not have been possible in the United States. Although it was challenging to hear opinions and perspectives so very different from my own, I learned quite a bit through my internship abroad.

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.

Had access to several academic resources pertaining to my internship focus but it wasn't exactly my academic focus.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartment location was great! It was fully furnished and clean.

* Food:

I was responsible for purchasing and cooking my own food. Gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in Scottish culture.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Between my internship and location of housing, I had unlimited opportunities to immerse myself in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I purchased health care while I was abroad through my University.

* Safety:

I felt safe every where I went in Scotland. Edinburgh is a very safe city.

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)

The UK is expensive in general.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Depended on the week, but probably close to $250/week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your expenses and budget week by week.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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 through the program
  • The new experiences
  • The different culture
* What could be improved?
  • Internship could be more structured
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have had a better idea of what I was going to be doing and my responsibilities were going to be at my internship.

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.