Scotland: Where Freedom Lives Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload at Napier was not bad at all. Over the course of the entire semester I had to write one essay and take one written exam for each class. A full course load was three classes there. A bulk of the workload came from research and outside reading for class. The grading system was very fair in my opinion and I never felt like I didn't deserve the grade I got. The classes I attended were divided into lectures and discussions, much like American universities. However the breadth of topics we would cover in one class was much larger than in an American class and my professors were always prepared for each class and able to get through their material quickly. The major differences in the education system were largely the amount of self guided learning we were asked to do. Professors were there for guidance but otherwise we were free to do research on our own, or slack off if we felt like it. The lecture and discussion format was similar, but class met only once a week and discussions were also once a week, with equal importance being given to both. I ultimately liked the system in place there better and when abroad it allows a lot of time for exploration of your host university and traveling as well.

On-site administration of your program

Everything for the program was very accessible once I was on site at the University. There was a 24/7 computer lab for our use that was somewhat nearby, we had access to any major facilities we might have needed over the course of our stay, and staff were incredibly helpful and communicative. The program was not too large, however it did feel as though not enough effort was made to introduce us to other Scottish students and instead was focused on introducing international students to each other. However, that would be my only real complaint with regards to the program. It was fantastic and I highly recommend it.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was largely well furnished. From the silverware, to the tables, to the bed, everything was from IKEA, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. We didn't need to buy much when we got there for the apartment, asides from towels and the like, but we didn't have things like a large cooking pot or baking tray (or somewhere to put dishes to dry for that matter). The housing wasn't particularly close to the university, however there was a bus line that ran frequently too and from university facilities which was very helpful. In addition we were situated in the heart of the old city right next to a fantastic park. Any nightlife was within a 5-10 minute walk of the apartment. The neighborhood was very safe and the heaters were incredibly effective (I actually had to turn them off completely sometimes because it got too hot).

There's not much to really say about the food. The U.K. doesn't have as many things to eat and the grocery stores are smaller than American groceries, but this was rarely a problem. We were largely left to our own devices for cooking and the meals we did get were standard food that you could find anywhere in America. I would recommend trying haggis once while you're there (they even have a vegetarian version) and definitely go to a kebab shop or two. Do go to the Auld Hoose and get the big nachos. Just make sure to bring some friends or you won't be able to finish it all.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One of the great things about Edinburgh is all the stuff there is to check out. There are a lot of cool old Scottish ruins and the castle is awesome. There's also a giant hill in the center of the city called Arthur's Seat which you can climb. It's really fantastic during the day and at night. There's always something going on in the city as well. At one point while I was there I attended a masquerade that was a lot of fun. And hiking in the highlands was a blast too. There's just a lot of things to go explore and check out in Scotland and it really made the entire experience just that much better.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Edinburgh is an incredibly safe city. There were very few sections where I really felt sketched out or like I was in any real danger. Scotland has free healthcare for everyone so signing up for medical was fairly easy as well. I never had any issues with safety or healthcare while I was there.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans

• I loved meeting people from all over the world and in and around the U.K.
• Exploring Scotland
• The education I brought back to the states is incredibly valuable now

• More opportunities for socializing with local students and international students.
• More events to explore Scotland through the school.
• Not putting all the American students in the same housing!!!!!!