Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My wee Scottish adventure was absolutely brilliant! Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/27/2016 with

Arcadia: Glasgow - University of Glasgow

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I found that I can do this traveling abroad thing all by myself! It was so amazing to find that independence again! I also loved that I found the confidence to just go out and do things that I had never done and not once did I ever doubt myself. This trip was absolutely worthwhile and I think about going back everyday.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I am finishing up my Biology major at Trinity University and compared to the courses that I have taken here I did not find the courses as challenging at the University of Glasgow. I will say that I did take courses that were a level down from what I normally take so this could have been why. I loved that I was able to have a break because it really gave me the chance to explore and know the city (and also allowed me to travel!)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our housing was not as good as the housing that I experienced in the states. I was also a little disappointed that the students from my program were not all able to be housed together.

* Food:

Oh my goodness the food in Glasgow is amazing! Everything that I was absolutely amazing and I have craved it everyday since I have been back!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found that everyone in Glasgow was very welcoming! People offered to help me with directions, recommend restaurants, and more often than not wanted to tell you about their favorite spots. I couldn't have asked for better social and cultural integration!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have an issue but signing up at the clinic on campus was very easy and they offered a lot of times for students to come in with questions and concerns.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe in any part of Glasgow. I think that if you view it just like you would in any other big city in the United States you should have no problems!

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

I found everything spectacular! Everything that I had a question on was answered in a timely manner. I felt that my experience was important to the program and I really appreciated that!

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)

2.5- I found that if you shopped at places that other students shopped at and limited the amount that you ate out the costs were not that bad! Also all of the museums are free and the program helps you find student discounts on travel, hostels, and pretty much everything else!

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look online and see what is free to do in your city! Seriously there is so much stuff happening! I also looked to see what a student could get discounts on and there is pretty much everything from hostels, to train tickets, to free coffee, and discounted restaurants!

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?
  • Excursions!
  • Historic Scotland Card!!!! I used this like 3 times a week.
  • 16-25 Railcard- I used this almost every weekend!
* What could be improved?
  • Instructions for registering for classes.
  • Making sure we take advantage of the excursions.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish that I had left more space in my suitcase for all the things that I wanted to bring back with me.

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.'