Lots of opportunities but you need to plan wisely Past Review
By Emily S (International Studies, Ohio State University - Columbus) for
Arcadia: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh
Yes. It has opened many doors for me in the the realm of my career and graduate study. Got an opportunity to work abroad in the UK due to my previous experience in Edinburgh.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Took awhile to get used to the Scottish higher educational system. Different lecturers every 3 or 4 classes, zero to no contact with professors and only recitations with graduate assistants. Two courses were only evaluated on one final exam. Other courses only had an essay and final exam. Highly suggest taking science classes as they have more contact among students and you will not be one of 10 Americans in a class as you are in 3rd year liberal arts classes. Very much a culture of cram and regurgitate information on paper. Did not retain much information in this system but did improve my research skills. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The director of the office was ill during my program so only had significant contact with assistant director. Very helpful and knowledgeable and gave us much independence. Did not hover or treat us like children. Planned good weekend trips and was always available for help if needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
This is the main aspect that Arcadia can improve upon. I was lucky to reside with only one American and a few ERASMUS students b/c most other students in my program where put into 'American ghettos' where 7-15 Americans all sharing one university flat. This creates an American student sub-culture and makes it very difficult to meet students from the host country or other nations. I HIGHLY suggest that you contemplate finding your own private accommodation when arriving in the country. It will be stressful, yes, but you will have control over the type of people you live with and I feel it will be the best way to meet and befriend host country nationals. PLEASE consider this if you do not want to spend your time abroad with 10 other Americans... |
| * Food: |
Lived in self-catered flat. Cheaper to buy and cook own food as opposed to going out. Ethnic restaurants are the best in the area. 'Traditional' Scottish food is not that good... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Had lots of fun, tried to be more social. Going to pubs is definitely a large aspect of social life so if you don't drink then Scotland may not be the best choice. Program arranged optional weekend/day trips. Took advantage of a few and had fun, but also went off and did my own thing from time to time which was nice too. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Felt very safe in the city. Some bad neighborhoods but not near the university and easy to avoid. Health care was great. The student health clinic can handle most of your basic needs and prescriptions are very cheap (£10 flat fee). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | PLEASE consider finding your own private accommodation upon arrival. It is by far the best way to meet local students and to avoid the American study abroad student 'scene'. Take less popular courses such as those in the sciences. |
