Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Scotland was a dream Past Review

By (Emmanuel College (Massachusetts)) - abroad from 09/06/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

API (Academic Programs International): Stirling - University of Stirling

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This semester was absolutely worth it! I learned how to push myself out of my comfort zone and to expose myself to new experiences. I came back feeling more sure of myself and with a desire to learn so much more about the world.

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:

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

I loved the area of Scotland that I was in, and fell into the routine of classes easily. I never felt unsafe or bored and could have spent so much more time exploring Scotland.

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 including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-75 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I found it easier to keep track of how much I spent by taking out larger amounts of cash for a few weeks. This way I only had to figure out exchange rates for one transaction, and I could better keep track of my spending.

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

  • 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 town I was in
  • The trips that my provider took us on
* What could be improved?
  • departure services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I do wish I had known more about the political climate of Scotland at the time and had a better understanding of the elections that were coming up. It was brought up often, and I wish I had taken the time to research that information before I arrived.