Goo aught an doo it! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Some courses were better than others at not just teaching information but having us retain it. Overall there was a lot for me to learn but not a lot of it stuck.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very expensive for how small the rooms are. Very few have amenities nearby and the walls are paper thin. They are very close to uni which is a bonus, they have laundry on the dorm grounds, a corner store, and a pub downstairs in the central building. Overall this is great for younger students, social butterflies, and those who are heavy sleepers. As a 4th year student who likes to study at home and is a light sleep, the dorms were rubbish.

You can find a decent variety of food, however for the most part you'll be eating burgers, chips, take away, and pies. The food is delicious, relatively cheap, but very unhealthy. Expect to gain weight over winter even on a soup diet.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All but one of my friends were natives to the UK, and two or three of them were Aberdonians. I felt and still feel a lot of Scottish pride despite not being Scottish at all, and I still use most of the slang I picked up. It is hard to integrate if you stick with other international students, and it's gonna be a bit hard anyways as an American. I was told straight up that American students are usually too loud and domineering for the locals who are already a bit prickly to begin with. They're polite but not friendly, until you know them. (Join a club!)

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fell in love with the health care system! I have prescriptions which were filled for free, got a free flu shot with my PCP, and if I'd gotten seriously ill the Royal Infirmary is a well equipped hospital.

Basically use your common sense, don't walk through parks at night or wander around Union by yourself at night. Look both ways crossing the street. Basic stuff that if you follow it you'll be perfectly safe and not even feel uncomfortable. Your mates are you buddies, walk home with as many as you can for as long as you can and avoid dangerous situations.

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

You can make it happen but it will cost you a variety or food/healthy food, getting little extras you like (such as coffees and such), and relying mostly on what you have. Keep in mind that the pound is usually 1.6times as expensive as the dollar, so using a dryer isn't 1 buck, it's nearly two. Keep in mind that pubs are the main social hubs for gathering, meeting, or hanging out so expect to spend a lot of time in at least one of them and spending a little money to get something.

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• Dorm

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• Other
• N/A

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Activity in student club
• Learning Scottish traditions
• Being able to understand broad scots

• Better networking with Americans BEFORE leaving
• More detailed estimate of costs/more up to date
• Brief history of the region

The Networker