The trip of a lifetime! Past Review

By David C (PSYCHOLOGY., The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/05/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My experience in Great Britain has changed me profoundly in ways that I am not yet entirely conscious of. I obviously learned how to manage a budget, as well as the value of public transportation (as I was without a car). I learned that there are large concerns beyond the US border that I never even hear of living in Texas. The British education system also forced me to hone my independent study skills. And finally, I gained hopefully lifelong friends from another continent. Needless to say, I feel I have 2 homes now: one in Texas, the other in Great Britain.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The academic work was just as challenging as at The University of Texas, but overall much less demanding. By that I mean there were far fewer assignments. Two of my psychology classes were graded 100% on a final examination with no prior assignments or feedback. For the humanities courses I took, there was just a midterm essay and a final, but there were tutorials (similar to discussion sections in America) which provided an opportunity for feedback.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	My university accomodation used central heating which took some getting used to, but it got the job done.
* Food:	I cooked for myself so there's not much I can say. Groceries are a bit more expensive in the UK because the pound is worth more than the dollar.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The selling point of this program is that I was a fully matriculated visiting student at The University of Edinburgh. I.e., I had full access to all Edinburgh Uni resources, student societies, living accomodation, etc. I was in class with Edinburgh Uni students, and you are even given a student ID card to receive discounts at the many venues around the city.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Arcadia provides health insurance as part of the program fee. This is very fortunate because healthcare is very expensive for non-UK citizens who are staying for less than 6 months. That being said, you will have to arrange to find a doctor for yourself and in most cases pay up-front for the very expensive British doctors, then mail in a claim form to be reimbursed. Really not a bad deal if you are sick though.
* Safety:	Edinburgh is a very safe city. But as in any city, just beware of drunken individuals on Cowgate late at night.
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)	If you purchase groceries and cook for yourself you can live on a relatively inexpensive budget. Groceries stores are abundant and within easy walking distance from housing.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	probably around $70/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Purchase train tickets in advance online to save tons of money. Also, invest in a 16-25 year old railcard if you are not given one (Arcadia provided one for me)

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	Local Students Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans 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?	full immersion into the University Abundant and easy travel opportunities
* What could be improved?	I really cannot think of anything. Arcadia does their job very well.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Leave shorts and most of your t-shirts at home. You will NOT need them in Edinburgh because of the weather and they just take up luggage and closet space. You may need a few t-shirts to wear inside heated buildings, but that's about it. Another thing I wish I had known is how to prepare for classes. Each class will typically give you a reading list of suggested readings for each lecture, but you will find yourself overwhelmed very quickly if you attempt to read all of them. In most courses, the bulk of the grade will come from a final examination over 2 to 3 essay questions in 2 hours, so overwhelming yourself with every reading listed week to week will not help you. Choose the key readings which spark your interest and focus on those, and then go out and experience the culture.

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 Linguist You 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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Memory and Perception
Course Department:	Psychology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The memory section of this course was quite boring and rushed. The perception component was quite interesting in contrast. Be advised that lectures are 2 hours long (with a 10 minute break in between) with no assignments until the final examination.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Mind, Matter and Language
Course Department:	Philosophy
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	Fantastic course: wide and interesting reading assignments and you have the opportunity to follow your interests.
Credit Transfer Issues: