Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The UK educational system is severely different from the US educational system. Grade is evaluated on a final exam and paper, so it is impossible to maintain progress throughout the semester. Attendance isn't monitored, and local students often don't attend class.

On-site administration of your program

It took a VERY long time for us to receive our stipends for food. Many students weren't prepared to cover so many costs upfront. While trying to take care of this, many administrators took a long time to respond to emails. Problems with housing encountered the same problems. Other than that the staff was very understanding and would help in ways they could.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The environment in the apartments was very cold and didn't foster feeling of community. Every room (even kitchen) had a door on it that had to remain shut. There was no common living area. You weren't supposed to put things on the wall. I was very close (on bus) to two campuses, and easy walking distance from one. It is possible to walk to the other two but it takes over 40 minutes each way. A positive was that I became very close friends with people in my flat and the other flats in my building. They became my best friends. A huge negative was that the whole complex was infested with mice in the winter (and we kept the flat very clean) largely due to the cold, damp climate.

This is a purely personal rating. I tend to eat very healthily (and was vegan when I left to Edinburgh). Edinburgh has a lot of fat, fried food and is very heavy on meat and cheese. It made it difficult to accommodate my eating style--although it was possible with a much, much larger cost associated with it (shopping at health food stores).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I became very close with the international students in my flat complex--many were Americans. I found it difficult to find things to do besides clubs and pubs. I tried to find clubs and organizations to become a member of (drama, environmental, dance) but most of these organizations hold meetings in pubs as well.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Everyone signs up with a doctor during the first week of school, and the doctors come and set up booths on campus so you don't have to go find one yourself. It made it very efficient and easy to do. Edinburgh is a very safe city--even with a lot of drunks and homeless I never felt unsafe, even walking alone. There are unsafe areas--know them and avoid them (unless in groups).

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• Americans