Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Probably the best year of my life! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., San Jose State University) - abroad from 09/02/2011 to 05/09/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Edinburgh - Exchange Program at Edinburgh Napier University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience can not be culminated into words. I learned about the world, about life, love, myself, and even improved my writing substantially. Worthwhile is an understatement.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I would have liked to have been placed in International housing with mixed backgrounds instead of with all Americans.

* Food:

Got our own meal stipend.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated but I did much of my integration on my own and not through university affiliated programs.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Edinburgh is extremely safe. I could walk home at 3 or 4 am and feel absolutely fine.

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)

I was able to live fine and freely for my 1st semester. For my 2nd semester I had a pretty good budget as I was working part time in a restaurant.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around £40 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not splurge all on your first semester. Save most of your budget for the 2nd semester if you are going for a full year as you'll know the cheapest and best ways to travel and spend.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* 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?
  • My independence and flexibility.
* What could be improved?
  • Housing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To discover my city more and learn more about the history of my own country to share with the new friends and people that I met.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Global Current Affairs
Course Department: Journalism
Instructor: Rachel Dungar
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Probably one of the best courses I have taken in my overall higher educational career. Challenging, interesting, and very well-prepared. If only I could take the course again!
Credit Transfer Issues: Nope