Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Historical Playground Past Review

By (Economics and Accounting, Trinity University) - abroad from 09/05/2013 to 12/23/2013 with

IFSA: St. Andrews - University of St. Andrews

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained insight into schooling in the UK system, and thoroughly enjoyed my time; however, I gained very little academically. There was plenty of fun to be had, but aside from my interest in golf I don't think it was worth going.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Course material was good, but instructors were not engaging and the system left me researching core materials for the class that I felt should have been taught. I only took 3 courses and the overall workload was very low.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great, but far from campus

* Food:

Terrible. Meal plan for DRA was 2 meals per day and they were small meals at that. I lost 15 pounds during my time abroad as an athlete with a goal of gaining weight.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

St. Andrews is extremely isolated from the rest of Scotland and is very much a rich kids playground. That being said people are generally friendly, inviting and social.

* 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? $100+ per week on food alone not including the meal plan.

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
  • 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?
  • history of the town
  • chances to travel around Scotland
* What could be improved?
  • Program orientation in Edinburgh was a little too long
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I know a little bit more about the system and it really showed that you get out of your time at school what you put into it.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.