Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

If you're looking to travel, this is a one in a lifetime experience! Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot of tips about traveling abroad and now feel much more comfortable with traveling by myself, staying in hostels, communicating with locals, etc.

Review Photos

University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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 enjoyed all of the courses I took and thought the professors were great. The academic intensity was pretty easy in my opinion and I had far less class time than I expected.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I thought the program administration did a really good job of introducing students to the university and helping if we had any questions. They were easy to contact throughout the semester if any problems were to arise.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got along great with my flatmates and thought the flat was in excellent quality. I wish there was more space in the refrigerator since there were 5 people in my flat, but other than that I had no issues.

* Food:

There are decent options to eat on or near campus, and the Lidl discount supermarket near the student residence was a lifesaver.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like it didn't take too much time to get accustomed with the local culture. It was nice having a Scottish flatmate to ask questions and help me out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Since I was only in Scotland as a short term student, I didn't qualify for their healthcare system. As a result, if I had any issues, I would have needed to go to a private hospital, but I didn't even know where the closest one was.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe walking around campus or around the Aberdeen city center.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I met great friends while studying abroad and fell in love with my host country.

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)

Groceries in Scotland were surprisingly cheap, so if you decide to cook most of your own meals you can save a lot of money. Public transportation via train and bus was also relatively cheap and an easy way to get around.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food from budget supermarkets and cook yourself. There are student bus tickets that are cheaper than standard tickets and you can get those via an app for your phone.

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

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Making friends with my flatmates
  • Exploring Scotland and Europe
  • Cheap travel
* What could be improved?
  • Give information on public transportation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Information about the trains and busses in Scotland. For example there is a railcard you can buy to take a third of the cost over rail ticket you buy. Also there is an app where you can buy discounted tickets for students.

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 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.