Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

No regrets, but things to know ahead August 12, 2024

By (Business and International Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/10/2024 to 05/31/2024 with

IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How to be on your own, and be responsible for yourself. It's very valuable and it does teach you skills you have to face when you graduate and live on your own/outside of your home.

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.

It was a great experience overall and I do not regret studying here. I wish I had known it is structured differently than a US university. The grading system is shifted and a lot of classes grade off final exams and papers only. That being said, it was awesome to be with actual students like a full time student and I loved the immersion.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IFSA was a great resource and the admin is so friendly and helpful throughout the program. I do think they leave you to do your own thing eventually, which is pros and cons. However, we were better situated than a lot of other abroad students in my opinion and it showed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a 5 bedroom flat, 2.5 bathroom, and a kitchen/living room. It was very convenient regarding social life and the academic buildings. The gym was next door, and location wise was the best in my opinion.

* Food:

As someone who loves to cook, groceries were very affordable and cheap. However, it would def suck for someone who doesn't or as familiar with cooking.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I played soccer while abroad, so I had the chance to be on a team and the social aspect that comes with that. Highly suggest joining something!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I brought all the medicine I needed, and never got sick enough for a doctor. Def bring US medicine in anticipation.

* Safety:

Super safe, can walk around at late hours. Tons of students around, esp around night life and academic buildings.

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

I got everything I wanted out of my experience beyond personal decisions on traveling perhaps. I loved loved Edinburgh, and the university and my social group. It was an amazing country, very convenient, and I felt like I got to go out of my norm.

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)

I would say regarding basic needs, pretty affordable as groceries were cheap along with social scene. Eating out is not as affordable, but there are spots that are good deals.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Actually budget, and stick to a weekly budget. Plan out your trips, or plan out how much you are willing to spend. It goes south fast and it would have been nice to be better prepared.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • Country
  • Social life and the people
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How the UK grading system works and a better explanation of key academic resources.

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.