Good food, good people, good times, and great places Past Review

By (Zoology; Wildlife Ecology, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 01/06/2016 to 05/08/2016 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I grew academically and culturally. I now have a better understanding of how the rest of the world views America. It was one of the best experiences of my life despite missing a semester with my friends back home.

Review Photos

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland Photo CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Semester in Scotland Photo

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 a lot of focus on individual studying far in advance of examinations. The library system was fantastic and easy-to-use.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

My CIS program coordinator was helpful, honest, and always looked out for my well-being. However, the school administration was lacking and was often difficult to contact.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The walls were thin so I heard way too much from the other residents. The people working at the front desk showed little interest in any concerns I brought to their attention such as a leaky shower or lights that wouldn't turn off (or on). In general, I could barely sleep due to noise from rowdy students outside and security never followed up on noise complaints. Worst of all, they charged excessively for everything. For example, leaving a piece of paper behind would result in a 25 pound fee.

* Food:

Scottish pies, tea, and scones were worth waking up early for.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never be out late alone, whether male or female. Make sure your friends are responsible with alcohol because it could be a long walk back to the apartments.

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

I chose this program because it was the only one that was in a relatively safe part of the globe, the program got out around the same time my home university did, and it offered classes related to my field so I could graduate in time with my double major.

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)

Most of my money was spent on food and bus fares, but it is still difficult to live on a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out too much and don't waste all of your money on alcohol. Save money for day-trips and flights to nearby countries.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Location-tons to do
  • Trips-felt like family vacations
  • Academics-different style of learning
* What could be improved?
  • Housing-many complaints
  • Ways to meet locals
  • More guided tours around the city in the first weeks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how the payment plan was set up because the money did not go where I had wanted it to.