Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adventures in the Land of Scots Past Review

By (Economics and Math, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think the greatest thing I gained from study abroad is learning how to really be comfortable with myself and and to be comfortable with being independent. I didn't know anyone on my abroad program or in Scotland before I went there, and I found it very revealing to be so on my own.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent close to $100 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? There are a lot of coupon deals for students (like snapfax) around if you look for them--take advantage when you can!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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 excursion to Skye and the Highlands.
  • Edinburgh is a really unique city and there is an incredibly diverse student population. I got to have a lot of fun and meet many incredible people.
  • The support team at IFSA is really incredible. Dierdre, Danielle and Ruth put together a great program that provides an easy integration into UoE.
* What could be improved?
  • I felt kind of adrift at certain points, but I don't think that was the fault of the program--it was the normal acclimation process. I honestly don't know if IFSA could have done anything better.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? They're not kidding--Edinburgh has a cold and dreary winter. Pack warmly and bring a lot of waterproof clothing.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!