Edinburgh: The Greatest City to go Abroad To Past Review

By (Austin College) - abroad from 09/04/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worth while. I was able to gain a lot of confidence in my self and learned a lot about the world around me

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I really liked the study structure at the University. Tutorial sessions were great for discussion and getting more information

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The women at the IFSA office in Edinburgh were absolutely amazing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I liked my flat and its location, but I did not like the bedding package that the university offered

* Food:

Food in Edinburgh was amazing, I never had a bad meal. My only complaint was how expensive it was.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The students and the citizens of Edinburgh were very welcoming and accomodating

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had an allergic reaction during my programs Thanksgiving Dinner and the IFSA office got me a care home and called me that evening and the next day to make sure that I was ok.

* Safety:

I felt safer walking around Edinburgh than I do at home

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

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)

Although the city was expensive, good money management can keep costs in check.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • the city
  • the people
  • my classes
* What could be improved?
  • I can't think of anything
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Use money wisely, do not get carried away at the beginning.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'