Scotland: The Happiest and Most Beautiful Place on the Planet. Past Review
By Hannah F (Psychology, Western New England University) for
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Stirling - Summer in Scotland
I gained a better perspective of myself and what I was capable of doing while abroad. I met some people who I know have become my life long friends. I learned about a culture completely different than my own, and yet similar in so many ways. I am more culturally aware of life in the UK having never experienced it before, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat if given the chance.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was an incredible style of education, focusing more on discussion rather than lectures. the grading system was completely different than what I am accustomed to but I found it very interesting and useful as well as challenging at times. My professors were always more than happy to answer any questions I had, and they were great sources of information and knowledge. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The members of the ISS team were extremely helpful and informative on literally any issue that came up during my stay in Scotland. I felt comfortable going to them about everything because of how open and friendly they all were. They made the transition into a new country extremely easy and fun, but educational at the same time. I have absolutely no complaints when it comes to the ISS team, they were fantastic and I miss them all dearly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with 4 other students from around the United States, as well as a student from Asia. We lived in the on campus flatts each with our own individual room and shared bathrooms, kitchen and common room. We were very close to our classes and the rest of campus. The campus location was great, only a quick bus or taxi ride (or even a walk!) to the city where there was great food, shopping and of course the best night life I have every encountered. I have never felt more welcome in a place than I did in the city of Stirling. |
| * Food: |
It was interesting growing accustomed to the food in Scotland. Although there were many similarities compared to the American cuisine, there were also a lot of differences. It was fun experiencing new foods and tastes in the city of Stirling including a variety of Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian and many other ethnic foods. We were also able to find quick burger joints that felt close to home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I can't put a finger on what I would consider the best part of the trip. I'm not lying when I say that I enjoyed every sight I saw and every new place that I was able to enter into. St. Andrew's may have been my favorite place in Scotland if I had to pick, with it's amazing scenery, shopping and restaurants as well as historical sights. Loch Ness was also an adventure, visiting all of the castles and other historical sights deffinitly added to my experience while abroad. I think the ISS team did an amazing job organizing trips and picking out the overall highlights of Scotland considering I was there for such a short time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe while in Stirling, and I never had an incident where I felt I was unsafe. The general population is extremely friendly and accepting of foreigners, and I never once felt unwelcome in a place. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think that anyone could benefit from this program, especially someone who has never been to the UK or Europe. You are exposed to the real Scottish culture while participating in the program, and it is definitely one to be appreciated. Be careful how you spend your money, but most importantly be respectful, have an open mind and be sure to have the time of your life, because I know I did. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Psychology of Evil |
| Course Department: | Psychology |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Very challenging but great course. It made you think about very gruesome parts of history in ways that I had never thought of before. The professor forced us to think abstractly about man kind and the psychology behind it. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | None |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Crime and Justine in Scotland |
| Course Department: | Criminal Justice |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | |
| Comments: | Also a very challenging course that offered information comparing criminal justice systems all around the world. We were given the chance to tour a prison in Scotland and an up close look at what life in prison is like, including conversing with inmates. It was an interesting course and taught me valuable facts regarding criminal justice in the UK |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
