Past Review
By Mary G (Geology, Tufts University) for
IFSA: Edinburgh - University of Edinburgh
This was absolutely a worthwhile experience- there were a few hang-ups I had with the academic process not being challenging, but Edinburgh's spirit and charm more than made up for it. I gained an appreciation for the beauty of the scottish countryside and history,and I also gained the ability to be independent in a country where I knew no one. Travel is easy and something everyone can do in Edinburgh with a fantastic airport.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Full-Year 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was not pleased with the academic system because there was not as much contact with the professors and the courses weren't as challenging. Outside of academics, I learned a lot! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The people at the IFSA office in Scotland were accessible, friendly, and organized. They had hundreds of students but they remembered everyone's name and interests. They could help with everything from travel to academics and were always on top of things! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Warrender Park Crescent across the meadows. It was beautiful area near a large park. It was a ways away from the city and campus, but not out of walking range, and taxis are always an option. <br /><br /> It being Scotland, the housing was a bit drafty but overall i was stisfied. |
| * Food: |
There's always a grocery store nearby- you're expected to be able to walk to one which is fantastic. You can accommodate almost any diet with the exception of spicy food- the best thing if you like that is to go to one of the many Indian restaurants there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They did a fantastic job organizing trips and dinners. I really got to know a lot of people in the fall semester- Don't miss the trip to York! We had a blast exploring the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I was covered under the NHS because I was there for so long- they are very good at getting you seen by a doctor if you need it, but they will not just issue prescriptions like american doctors do. The program really had nothing to do with it. I felt safe, but I used a lot of caution- don't be stupid, and DO NOT SHARE CABS with people you don't know. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I had a budget of 80 pounds a week- it seems small but i was able to stick to it. I had an additional budget for travel that was far greater. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Set your budget in pounds- figure out what the conversion rate is, and do it that way, and then forget about the conversion rate until you go home again. You will drive yourself nuts if you keep comparing every purchase to american dollars- it actually evens out very nicely. Banks are a hassle but a necessary one- ask around before you choose one. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Go to a ceilidh. It's this fantastic scottish dance and you have to try it at least once. Don't be afraid of haggis, it's actually good. Relax- people are not going to get back to you as quickly as you would like them to, just keep pestering them and all will be well! |
