Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience in Edinburgh Past Review

By (Tufts University) - abroad from 09/06/2017 to 12/21/2017 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was completely worthwhile and I would do it again in a second. I had an amazing experience and became much more independent. The city is beautiful and I was able to learn about Scotland and take a great computer science course.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I wouldn't say the courses were any easier than at my home university, they were just structured very differently. Instead of having weekly problem sets and assignments, each of my courses had a maximum of two assignments and one exam for the whole semester. But, there was a lot more independent study required.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The on-site staff were wonderful! They were very quick to respond to any questions or concerns and were very helpful navigating my time abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in a self-catered flat. Some pots and pans were provided which was nice. I had my own room and shared kitchen and bathroom.

* Food:

I mostly cooked for myself and grocery stores were very accessible and on my walk home from class. There were some great restaurants around the school where you got a lot of food for pretty cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to meet full time students through clubs and societies which was very helpful. I also spent a lot of my free time walking around and getting to know the city.

* 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? $50-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shopping at Lidl and cooking for myself most nights. Find the student drink deals at pubs around Edinburgh.

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • location
  • IFSA-Scotland Office
  • homestay weekend
* What could be improved?
  • course selection assistance
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is easy to stay in a bubble with other Americans / exchange students. Going out of your way to join other clubs and societies will pay off and allow you to meet more full time and local students.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.