Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Experience In Edinburgh September 26, 2025

By (Politics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/07/2025 to 05/31/2025 with

Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My independent living skills increased very much as I had to navigate a new city and grocery shop for myself, which was different from my life at Brandeis. I also loved getting to experience life in the UK and take in Scottish culture. In addition, my occasional travels taught me a lot regarding planning, resourcefulness, and spontaneity.

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.

All of my courses were fascinating and I enjoyed getting to learn about British politics and history.

* 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

Edinburgh was a gorgeous city and the perfect size for me as someone who did not have experience living outside the suburbs.

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

  • 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
  • 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?
  • The lifestyle
  • Arcadia staff responsiveness
  • Social opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • The Orientation Schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that meeting friends and getting adjusted would take more time than I expected.

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.