Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Challenging, Interesting, and Enjoyable experience Past Review

By (Saint Anselm College) - abroad from 01/15/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was very worthwhile, and I am very glad I did it. It taught me independence and gave me confidence in my ability to travel on my own as well as succeed in a very rigorous academic setting.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

I was self-catered

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The National Health Services in Scotland were confusing and unhelpful to work with, and there were no health services on campus. I would have been concerned to study here if I had a preexisting health condition.

* Safety:

St. Andrews was a small town with a community feel, and I never felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I might still choose St. Andrews, but I would study through a program other than Arcadia. It was not the most helpful or involved program.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget, and keep track of your spending week to week

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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 town community
* What could be improved?
  • Better explanation of the health services
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how the classes are set up year-to-year at St. Andrews. I took a first year, second year, and fourth year course, and the difference in structures made it more difficult to succeed in the classes.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!