Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The City was AMAZING, but the University was a real disappointment Past Review

By (Business Administration, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 09/10/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

ISEP Exchange: Edinburgh - Exchange Program at Edinburgh Napier University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself during this Study Abroad experience. I developed a greater appreciation for home, and I realized aspects about myself that I did not understand before. I grew as an individual and have become much more independent. And I LOVED the city of Edinburgh itself. Edinburgh Napier University was a disappointment and definitely had an American Community College feel. I wouldn't pick this specific program again. If you have the opportunity try to go to the University of Edinburgh not Napier.

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 much preferred the American education style. The British education style is much more difficult then one would think. The students are expected to much teach themselves and the university only provides the resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They had to deal with a lot of international students at a time. I didn't need to go to them often for any type of help, but they were very helpful whenever I did go to them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

They try their best to drain you of as much money as possible. They charge you for everything, fine you whenever they can, and all you get is the bare basics. It has a very dorm style feeling, and my entire building was American. We had to purchase bedding (DON'T PURCHASE THE UNIVERSITY BEDDING PACK! its not worth it) and we had to buy all the kitchen supplies ourselves. Then we had to throw them all out after even if they were in good condition.

* Food:

I didn't get a stipend as a direct enrollment student. And the food is VERY expensive, but that is because Edinburgh is a very expensive city.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It is very different from American culture. Its a lot of fun if you decide to get stuck in the American bubble and stay with the international kids. Its hard to actually meet any Scottish students. This might be a personal thing but I was in the Business school and it was ALL international student with only 10 percent actually British.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

ISEP MAKES YOU BUY HEALTHCARE THAT YOU DONT NEED! It is very dumb. You have no choice so you have to buy it but on top of that as a student in a British University you get free healthcare with NHS.

* Safety:

It's a city, just be smart and you'll be 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)

The city of Edinburgh is VERY expensive. If you eat at home ALL the time then its reasonable, but money will be tight.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking at home saves a lot of money. Going out can be a big money drainer. I only ate out/had take out like once a month.

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

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • That it was located in the city of Edinburgh.
  • The location of my dorm was actually very convenient.
* What could be improved?
  • Don't stick all the American students with one another for housing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would have been more worth it to find a place and not go with University housing. That when choosing university housing I would have to pay for a lot of supplies and that Americans are put together in the same building.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.