Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My STEM Research experience was rewarding, educational, and life-changing. Past Review

By (MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS., Spelman College) - abroad from 06/13/2014 to 07/26/2014 with

Arcadia: Glasgow - University of Glasgow

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a very valuable graduate level research experience as an undergraduate which was very critical in helping me to decide whether or not graduate school was right for me. I learned a lot about myself as a person and as a student and was able to gain invaluable experience as a researcher.

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.

I had amazing professor as my research mentor who was willing to work with me regardless of how well I was prepared by my home institution. I had a strong mathematical background but I had never had topology and I was doing research in knot theory. My professor worked with me while challenging me, helping me feel more prepared for graduate school and giving me a graduate school level research experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We did not receive food but the group outings where we received food included good food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated into the culture. Everyone was very welcoming and polite and were more than willing to tell us about their favorite places to go and things to do in the city. We also met friends there so were able to have an authentic Scottish experience.

* 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

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)

Our money did not stretch well in Scotland but learning how to make our own food and not eating out as frequently helped me to budget my money better.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between 50 and 100 dollars depending on the week (laundry, traveling around the city by public transportation, etc)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would say be very aware of how much US dollars you have at all times because when you go to ATMs, your money will appear as how much you have in whatever country's currency. If you are not sure what that converts to, you might end up taking out more money than you planned to be using at a given time. Also, carry cash. DO not try to use your ATM card everywhere because it will add unnecessary expenses and it will be tragic if it gets lost.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • My professor
  • Friends I made
  • My research
* What could be improved?
  • More extracurricular events to experience Glasgow
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing. I am very happy I went with no expectations and no real knowledge so I could experience it fully.

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.