Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Semester to Reflect January 23, 2026

By (Anthropology, Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/05/2025 to 12/23/2025 with

Arcadia: St. Andrews - University of St Andrews

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself during my time abroad, and I think I got a different view of the world. It was definitely worthwhile, and I'm glad I did it, but I think what I gained most was an understanding of my limits and what I want out of life which is definitely not in Scotland.

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:

* 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? No

I think I might have chosen a program in a bigger city, or a program in a more foreign country for a slightly different experience. St Andrews was isolating, and pretty similar to home, and I sort of wish I'd gone to Spain or Italy to use my language.

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? ~£30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You will likely be eating out on weekends because the dining hall was closed, as well as expenses for going out. I'd say have a good budget ahead of time and set aside about $20-30 per week to live on. There are a lot of relatively cheap local 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

  • Local 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?
  • Flexibility in schedule
  • opportunity to travel
  • beautiful magnificent country
* What could be improved?
  • guidance
  • adjustment process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how hard it was going to be for me to adjust so I could have prepared a little more for the homesickness.

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!