How to Own a City Past Review
By Zoey H (Fine and Studio Arts., Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/04/2013 to 12/17/2013 with
IFSA: Glasgow - Glasgow School of Art
By exploring the world outside my ideal comfort zone (which, in Scotland, would be curling up under lots of blankets and drinking tea), I made some life long friends with whom I explored the country, learned local customs and cultural differences, and shared loads of creative energy. While traveling, you have a wealth of resources to help your adventure unfold, but its up to you to find and use them to make the most of your experience!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
GSA is an institution that really relies on academic independence and self motivation. There are tons of fantastic resources, but it's up to you to find and use them on your own. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I would have rather been placed amongst students from the home institution rather than live exclusively with fellow Americans. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Healthcare in Scotland provides incredibly easy support for illness, injuries or whatever other health concerns might arise. The IFSA-Butler staff was also very helpful in dealing with health concerns while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
It's a dangerous city so be sensible, but I didn't experience any issues first hand. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | what art materials I would need to bring with me! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
