BREATHTAKING SCOTLAND A MUST! Past Review
By A student (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/04/2017 to 12/15/2017 with
University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The experience is definitely worthwhile. I learned a lot more in the different ways of being independent. All while still studying hard for my degree, of which gave some new light on what (chemical) engineering looks like, as a student, in other areas in the world.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
U. Aberdeen has a historically beautiful campus with a very diverse international population. Engineering coursework is rigorous, as expected, however totally worth the work put in. The faculty are friendly and encouraging as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very responsive and helpful when possible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Resided in a Hillhead Village flat. Composed of personal bedroom, four other flatmates, a small living space, and a pretty modern kitchen. A 20 minute walk from campus through a kept park as well. Was also very secure. |
| * Food: |
Haggis is really, really tasty! Also if given the chance, try local students' home cooked meals!!! It is an amazing way to socialize and learn all sorts of new things (non academic related). Definitely want to go back and try more delicacies. There is also this amazing spot to eat fish and chips on the coast of Stonehaven. Which is super cool. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The University has a big international population so it can be tricky to meet locals. Especially since upperclassmen live off campus/not at Hillhead. However, once you meet and make friends with local people you feel very welcomed and even charmed by their "quirks." |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need any medical attention while at Aberdeen. So I am not sure what kind of experience to expect there. Before departure I received an international plan. The direct exchange program is good at explaining why this is necessary and what type of health care to expect/need in the country of your choice. |
| * Safety: |
Totally felt safe in Aberdeen and in the whole of Scotland. Even though it is a city, there is little crime rate. It was addressed to all students how it is inadvisable to walk in the park between Hillhead Student Village and campus at night alone or at all. This is because there is no light fixtures in the entire park. As a result students would take a little bit longer (few minutes difference) route around. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned a lot academically, socially, financially, etc. It helps you develop to become more independent in a lot of different respects, and challenges you if new to overseas travel. New perspectives are made, as well as a diverse friend group. It is worth the work put in. One day I wish to return to Scotland. As it catalyzed my desire for worldwide travel and how to apply my studies accordingly. |
Finances
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* 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) |
Even after exchange rate, food at grocery stores are very reasonably priced and will not break the bank. Personally, a poor decision was made in a phone plan which cost many extra and costly hidden fees. However costs are not bad there. U. Aberdeen even offers a monthly plan to pay for on campus accommodation. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not purchase a phone plan from Piccell Wireless. Incredibly expensive, unreliable, and hard to contact. Instead, purchase a go-as-you-pay phone/service in the country you are studying abroad in. Way cheaper and is probably more reliable. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How different the course programs work at U. Aberdeen in comparison to UMaine. Which includes how finals are worth 80% of total grade for most courses (that are non essay). That it is best to get a local pay-as-you-go phone than using Piccell Wireless. Search more for better flight deals. And to definitely travel as much as possible during September/earlier in the semester before coursework becomes more demanding. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe 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. |
