Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I wish I was still there I loved it so much. Digital Culture in Glasgow Past Review

By (Film, Video, Photographic Arts, Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/06/2015 to 06/12/2015 with

Glasgow School of Art: Glasgow - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worth my while in every way imaginable. I learned to be self-sufficient, how to live away from home, how to cook, how to travel by myself and really enjoy it. I learned to be happy while being alone and how to live in a city. I met people that gave me hope for my future and made me smile until my face hurt. I felt so much more happy there than I do at my home university.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The student housing was in such a convenient location. Clean and with functional facilities, it was perfect for what I needed. And it was guaranteed to international students- I didn't need to search for an apartment on my own.

* Food:

There was no meal plan so I feel I can't really address this question- this is why I gave it half a star. But there are so many places to feed yourself in Glasgow for not much money. And the food scene in Glasgow is great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The students in my year of my department were so friendly and open. They adopted me on the first day and became very good friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care in the U.K. is free. You call, sign up, get an appointment, and can pick up your prescription at the appointment. It's extremely easy and convenient.

* Safety:

I had no problems whatsoever with safety. But it's a city. You have to be aware, because there is always the potential of something happening.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

The British pound is stronger than the dollar. So you have to be aware of what things really cost you. But it's quite easy to eat cheaply and live on a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It varied. But I also took the semester before I went off from Middlebury, so I could have money to spend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to travel, take a bus. It's going to get you there for a fraction of the price, which means you can do more in the place you're going and still save over what it would have cost you to fly. Ask your friends where they eat. Google healthy recipes for students on a tight budget and follow them. Don't go clubbing every night. Drinks are expensive. Keep it in mind.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • It wasn't Middlebury.
  • It was an art school.
  • It was in a city.
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between students and professors
  • Organization
  • Project feedback
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is very limited communication between students and teachers. It's a project-based course- you don't have busywork, you teach yourself, research for yourself, and grow as a student in that way.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Digital Culture
Course Department: Digital Culture
Instructor: Inga Patterson
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was not really what I expected or totally true to what was advertised. But I learned a lot. There was so much from the course that I can take back and apply to my courses at Middlebury.
Credit Transfer Issues: