Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not bad, but not for me. Past Review

By (Fine art, Portland State University) - abroad from 09/12/2014 to 06/14/2015 with

IFSA: Glasgow - Glasgow School of Art

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I did a lot of how to be a person learning. Not as much art learning, which is what I came for. The program turned out to not be for me. I'd go abroad again if I could go back, but I'd go elsewhere.

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.

The hours allowed for resources (studios, library, workshops) are painfully short. The program itself is as rigorous as you make it, but expectations aren't always clear.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone is wonderful and willing to help

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It's close and that's about the only good thing.

* Food:

Food allergies, which is only reason for low rating.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Coming into second year was difficult because everyone who attended GSA first year had their own group that was hard to infiltrate. It took about six months to feel settled socially.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Seems pretty safe- campus security is relatively good, city feels safe except for in the alleys at night, which is unfortunately where many of the clubs are.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

About $200/month for food and personal expenses, which I hear is significantly less than what Scottish students get as a government allowance for food and personal expenses. It's high compared to the US where I can live on $120/month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a credit card without transaction fees

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

  • 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?
  • Freedom
* What could be improved?
  • Hours
  • clearer expectations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it wasn't for me and that it was going to be way more expensive to live than I thought.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!