Scotland was more about the cultural experience than the academics Past Review
By Emily W (Political Science and Government., Middlebury College) for
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I loved my study abroad experience, but I wish that my academic performance reflected my experiences.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload wasn't particularly difficult to handle, but the fact that grades were essentially based on one essay and a final exam were not effective ways of showing what I learned or didn't learn in my courses. The grading system is very different in the UK, with anything above a 70 being an A. I was very surprised by the fact that my grades did not reflect my level of comprehension of the material covered. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The visiting student office was accessible, but I don't feel like they were particularly helpful, especially when I was trying to pick classes. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I really enjoyed my living experience while abroad. Living in self-catered housing meant that I was in charge of cooking my own food, which was an experience in being an independent college student. I had to either bring sheets/pillows/blankets etc. or purchase them through the university's accommodation service. |
| * Food: |
No problems with food! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I didn't go on any field trips with the visiting student group, although they were available. Any trips I went on or activities I did in Scotland were with friends or through Model UN |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Scotland felt pretty safe. There were no prevalent health issues, nor did I need any specific vaccines. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Take first or second year courses! |
