Scotland was drop-dead amazing, but where do I go next? Past Review

By (HISTORY., Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 01/08/2014 to 05/24/2014 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be more self-reliant and to not be afraid to ask questions. Asking if it was worthwhile isn't an issue. If I had the chance I would do it all over again.

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.

The academic rigor of my program was different and fairly intense, but it wasn't something that couldn't easily be handled with proper time management.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely helpful and informative

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a great place with excellent location.

* Food:

I was in a self-catered flat. I didn't starve or get sick so I would say I did fairly well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Safety was never a concern.

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? $60-70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Farmers markets and buying in bulk are two of the main ways I can suggest saving.

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
* 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 people
  • The experience
  • The help I received
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I didn't have to take the expensive taxi coming out of Edinburgh airport and that I could have taken the bus instead.