Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Scotia's Darling Seat Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 01/09/2017 to 05/25/2017 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely a worthwhile time. I learned a lot of things about myself, by being in a new place where I didn't know anyone. I learned about other cultures and their perspectives by having international friends. I learned about literature, and I learned about Scotland.

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.

The University of Edinburgh is a phenomenal university and I enjoyed my classes. However, the workload was not very rigorous.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were fine, I have no complaints. The excursions were fun, although somewhat disorganized. I did not really use them as a resource much when I was in Edinburgh, but they helped me enroll in the University of Edinburgh.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The flat I lived in was not that nice, but that was fine with me. I loved the central location next to the park and the university, and I loved living with other students at the university.

* Food:

I cooked my own food. There were many supermarkets in the area.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I chose to integrate myself with the locals and international students from other countries. The only times I hung out with only Americans were on the Arcadia excursions, and it was a culture shock to me to be back with Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but I went to the pharmacy with one of my friends once, and it was relatively easy to find the medicine she needed.

* Safety:

The city felt safe to me. I could walk through the city after dark by myself without incident (completely sober).

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

I made a lot of friends there, and I would not trade them and the experiences we had with the world. Also, I learned a lot about literature while I was there, both in my classes and in exploring the city. Edinburgh is proud of its literary history.

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)

Groceries were really cheap, and a lot of people made me food. I did spend money on traveling and other recreational activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prioritize what's important to you and spend money on those things, and save as much as possible on other things

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends I made in Edinburgh
  • Exploring Edinburgh
  • Learning about other cultures
* What could be improved?
  • Excursions could be more organized
  • Homestays could be more organized
  • They could have more spots on the excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I really didn't need to buy a new phone/SIM card. My friends an I all communicated via apps/internet and didn't use phone numbers. I was encouraged by Arcadia to buy a UK SIM card that I never used.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'