Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Scotland: The High Road to Life Past Review

By (Philosophy., The University of Texas at Austin) for

Arcadia: Stirling - University of Stirling

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I now have friends around the globe.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There is more emphasis on fewer assignments. Other than that, there is not that much difference. The instructors are helpful and hold regular office hours. They are also very understanding with foreign students.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This covered much and was very effective. The administrators were knew about academics in the host country and America, so they were able to compare and contrast easily. People from the university were brought in and all questions were answered satisfactorily.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in the chalets on campus. These were within five minutes of class and a short bus ride from town.

* Food:

Many of the places in town make really good food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is a bonfire on Guy Fawkes' Night (November 5th) near the campus which is worth going to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city for the most part was really safe. Some areas could be avoided but this wasn't hard and fast. If you use the same judgment you would here, you'll be fine.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food and meals are often more expensive than they are in the States.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Life in Stirling can be slow at some times. IF you get bored too easily, it can be tough. You have to just go with it and allow yourself to be interested by everything. Once you accept it all for how it is, you become a part of it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Religion, Ethics, and Society
Course Department: REL911
Instructor: Dr Tim FItzgerald, Alan Sage
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The was a very broad look at the way religion impacts society, focusing mainly on Christianity. Students had to do group projects focusing on a specific topic and give a presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Cognition
Course Department: PSY9AC
Instructor: Dr Stephen Langton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course looked at several topics in cognition from different psychological perspectives. Students had to design and perform their own experiments.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Cognition
Course Department: PSY9AC
Instructor: Dr. Steven Langton
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course consisted of lectures and one two-hour seminar. During the seminars, students worked on an experiment in a group that they developed throughout the semester. The experiment must be carried out and written up in a lab report when finished.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Gender in Britain, 1750-1930
Course Department: HIS9F5
Instructor: Dr E. V. Macleod
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course focused on the roles of women in different areas of society between the years 1750 and 1930. Students gathered in groups during the class and discussed different questions from a specific topic and later present their ideas to the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Religion, Ethics and Society
Course Department: REL911
Instructor: Dr. Tim Fitzgerald
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Religious issues were examined in the light of conflict and progress focusing primarily on the history of Christianity with some Islam and Judaism. The class mainly consisted of lectures with one seminar a week where issues raised in class were discussed. Each student had to give one 15-20 minute presentation over the course of the semester based on relevant discussions in the class.
Credit Transfer Issues: NO