Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed all my classes and professors and feel as though I really learned a lot academically. I found that the workload at University of Edinburgh was very low compared to what I receive in the United States. I spent about 20% of the time I spent studying in the US to obtain comparable grades, though this is mainly due to the fact that each class was evaluated based on a single final exam rather than weekly assignments or papers. Students here are, nonetheless, expected to understand the material as the course moves forward, even if there is no immediate evaluation. This gives a lot of academic flexibility, but also makes it difficult if you have trouble self-motivating.

On-site administration of your program

Very good. They were knowledgeable and, easy to talk to and contact. Had an extensive orientation to acclamate myself with the country. You could tell they had done this many times before quite successfully.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Though most people are given singles in the dorms, I was given a double and was initially roomed with someone who had a sleeping disability even though I requested a single. I had ENORMOUS problems switching rooms and really had to make a huge deal about it for several weeks before they allowed me to change rooms. I was finally given a single that was fantastic though. If you're given a single right away you'll enjoy it a lot, they're all quite nice. The dorms were a 30 minute walk to class. I found this initially annoying, grew to like it a lot, and then found it annoying once more when it started raining everyday from mid-November on.

The food was the worst thing about Scotland, especially the dorm dining hall food. It was much much worse than the US. It open for very inconvenient hours, served repetitive entrees that were not very healthy, and did not taste very good. The Indian food in Scotland was the best I had ever eaten before. It was cheap and absolutely delicious.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Butler does a good job of introducing you to all of the other abroad students and sets up excursions within Edinburgh and other parts of the UK (for free) to help you enjoy yourself. They were a lot of fun and definitely suggest going on them. UK pub-culture is fantastic and I throughly enjoyed the local social scene. I joined the Ultimate Frisbee Team at Edinburgh, which ended up becoming my main source of social diversion. There are some great and friendly people on that team that really like to have a good time.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never once felt threatened during my trip (and felt comfortable walking alone on the street very late at night), though it's definitely not a place free of theft. I had 5 pairs of jeans stolen from my laundry room in my dorm and was pick-pocketed (losing my wallet) at a busstation. I also became sick with a sinus infection while abroad. The doctor was easy to see (and free!). I was prescribed antibiotics and it went away

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

I went to Scotland, an English speaking country.

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• International Students
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