Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Freedom!!!! Past Review

By (Philosophy., Millsaps College) - abroad from 02/05/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

Arcadia: Stirling - University of Stirling

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the value of a study abroad experience is ineffable. Yes.

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.

Grading was rigorous but attendance and participation were unregulated. The onus was entirely on the student, therefore it wasn't very intense, but I imagine it would have been had I striven for an A.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never interacted with them except for Sterling Yates who was excellent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied. The accommodation was nothing special, in fact I think it was the worst on campus but it suited me fine. I very much appreciated living in a single.

* Food:

I lived on PB&J, ham sandwiches, cheesy potato wedges, pepperoni pizza, water and beer for 4 months. Nothing else. I bullshit you not. I put that on the country more than the program, however.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made no Scottish friends, only a few acquaintances. I don't lament that at all, though. I didn't go seeking integration, so I didn't pursue it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I don't know, I didn't get sick. I don't think I can adequately give a star rating but the survey makes me so I chose middle of the road, but don't let that reflect the quality of health care in Scotland. Let it reflect the mediocrity of this survey's methods.

* Safety:

Very safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $156
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Groupon; buy travel tickets far in advance. Invest in Historic Scotland membership or other such travel/site-saving card.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The extracurricular activities it sponsored
  • John and Karen
* What could be improved?
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Chavs are scary people whom it's best to avoid.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.