Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Wonderful Time in St Andrews Past Review

By (International Relations, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/16/2017 to 05/27/2017 with

IFSA: St. Andrews - University of St. Andrews

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a great deal from my experience. I think that I am definitely much more independent and i have a better idea of what I wasn't to do upon graduation. I completely think that my time abroad was worthwhile.

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.

I felt challenged by the course load at St Andrews, however, the different teaching and assessment style took me some time to get accustomed to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were extremely helpful when I needed them, however, they said during our program orientation that someone would be up to visit to check up on us at least once a month, if not more. Instead, besides the couple of group meet ups, it only happened twice.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My flatmates were absolutely amazing and our flat was perfect. The only thing is that the university does checks on cleanliness three times throughout the semester and they expect everything to be spotless, even if you are in the middles of exams or other assignments.

* Food:

I was self catered

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely found it difficult to integrate with people who go there on abnormal basis, but I still managed to get what I wanted out of my study abroad experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It wasn't easily accessible, but my program helped me navigate it and got me seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

* Safety:

St Andrews is extremely safe, I never felt uneasy.

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)

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being in such an amazing college town
* What could be improved?
  • Support for students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how different the education system would be from the American system

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!