Past Review

By Katie D (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) for

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

Definitely worthwhile! I had to motivate myself to stay on top of the readings each week, but still learned a lot in classes they are not offered at Wellesley. I enjoyed being able to travel around Europe so easily.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here:	University of Edinburgh
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months
The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The courses I took were interesting and the professors provided a great deal of intriguing literature to go along with lectures, but the academic environment is not challenging. There is no overwhelming push to accomplish the material before the finals period in May.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The international office at the University of Edinburgh was great. There were trips around Scotland every week that were always extremely popular.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I chose to live in the self-catered housing at the university. I would highly recommend this option over the dorms. I was in a 5 person flat (Darroch Court) with a single and a large kitchen. The location was great! <br /><br />
* Food:	It's great to be able to cook for yourself.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Be prepared to spend a good deal of money on food and tourist activities.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Traveling through Europe can be expensive, even when staying in hostels. Be prepared to pay for entrance fees at museums and other tourist sites in addition to food and traveling fees.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?
Language acquisition improvement?	English Speaking University

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

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	International Students Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Edinburgh was a great experience. The city is absolutely amazing and the Scottish countryside is gorgeous. The academic experience is different from Wellesley, but a good learning experience. I also really appreciated living in a city and being responsible for cooking my own meals.