An Unbelievable Dream at Aberdeen Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teaching methods are very similar except that Aberdeen has mandatory tutorials that are much more discussion based. Students from the United States are usually taught not to read presentations straight from a piece of a paper, but at Aberdeen many lecturers do just that and do not expect students to do anything more when presenting. The credit system is different at Aberdeen because students are expected to know what they want to study as they enter; therefore, they do not have general education courses as we have in the United States. It is common for a student to have anywhere between two to five courses a semester, for courses are many times 15 or 30 credits. The students are usually only allowed 60 credits a semester. I studied as an English Literature student and only had two courses that were 30 credits each. Homework was all reading and writing. I was expected to read an entire play and a novel or about 80 pages of material a week. I also turned in four papers besides the two final exam exemption papers that I had to complete as well.

On-site administration of your program

The administration was great! They knew just about everything about both cultures and school systems. They were very helpful and willing to answer any and all questions.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was hoping to be put into a flat with other students who were native Scots, but I was instead placed in a single with a communal shower, toilet room, and kitchen. I was able to still make very good friends with the other girls in my hall who shared my kitchen. The room was very spacious for a single and provided me with a sink, wardrobe, bed, and desk. There were no sheets or blankets provided, but I brought my own.

Most of the food is very similar to what is provided in the States, but if you are grocery shopping, meat will be fresh and not frozen. The bread has less preservatives within it and is delicious but goes bad faster. Going out somewhere is always fun, but know that the food is more bland than most food in the States. Haggis, neeps, and tatties!!! The traditional Scottish meal is amazing and mouth watering! You have to try it!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to get involved in a church straight away when I got over, and met my best friends through it. Many of them were Scottish and wanted me to get a real taste of everything Scottish. I met more Scots at the church than at the University because it is very internationally tied. I arranged all of my own travels, but had an amazing time and would never give it back!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I would say that the city is very safe as long as you are responsible and smart. There is a park that many students walk through to get to school or the city because it separates most of the dorm buildings from campus. It is always said to be very dangerous to walk through at night, and there have been rapes. There are many other ways to get back to the dorms besides the park though, and they are all very safe.

(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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• International Students
• Local Students

• I gave me a lot of freedom to do whatever interested me.

• I was very lost when I first arrived.