Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Cobblestone Step into the Majesty of Edinburgh July 08, 2024

By (Linguistics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/09/2024 to 05/25/2024 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, as many do on their journey abroad, and my ability to engage with strangers. Traveling with people you've just met and getting around on a budget teaches you a lot about your limits and allows you to grow intrinsically. I definitely would say it was worthwhile. I also gained some amazing friendships and memories.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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 thoroughly enjoyed my time in Edinburgh. I felt that it was a good mix of engaging in a different culture but still being able to navigate by myself with some familiarity. The size of the university is a great opportunity to be involved in any capacity and I like being directly enrolled. The city itself is a magical dream and the people are incredibly lovely. It is also easy to travel all over Europe.

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)

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • I loved being directly enrolled and taking classes right alongside local students and full time international students.
  • the city itself
* What could be improved?
  • The communication and support of international students selecting classes.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I knew that the grading scale in the UK is much different, but I wish I had more knowledge on how this correlates to the different types of classes. Also I wish I had been more prepared on the going out culture in Edinburgh.

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.