Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible. Past Review

By (Math, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/09/2012 to 05/26/2012 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Too much to encaspulate in a survey. New perspectives. New self-confidence. New friends. New interest in exploring and actually LIVING.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Edinburgh has exceptional academic resources, and you can feel the intellectual vibe of the classes and campus as a whole. I felt challenged but not overwhelmed in the least bit.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful. You must make sure to check your online account with the University to receive any emails though.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms were clean, comfortable, and safe. The best dorms I have ever stayed in.

* Food:

I was on a meal plan with the University, and it was pretty typical of American cafeteria food. With the right attitude, you can be satisfied. Of course, being in the capital city of Scotland allowed for fantastic culinary treats as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I considered myself at home by the time I was leaving. I was lucky enough to become good friends with native students so as to ease the transition too.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never found myself in need of a doctor. I cannot really comment on this. Many drug stores were around for your various needs though.

* Safety:

I felt safer in Edinburgh than I do in the United States. As a female, I did not choose to walk down dark or unpopulated streets alone at night. But during the day or in well-lit areas at night, I had no issues with doing so.

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? budget, budget, budget

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? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • The lack of Fairfield students enrolled at the University of Edinburgh allowed me to make strong friendships with native students and other international students.
  • Edinburgh was the perfect city - a mix of modernity and history; greenery and city life.
* What could be improved?
  • I guess feeling more supported by the Fairfield Study Abroad Office.
  • This program should definitely be promoted more!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Edinburgh is not as rainy as it is believed to be. Also, packing more winter clothes than spring clothes is a necessity.