Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Scott, that was fun! Past Review

By (English Literature (British and Commonwealth)., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/08/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned so much about Edinburgh, a city I now love, and I gained a sense of independence at a large university that you just can't get at small liberal arts colleges.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy in bulk and try not to eat out that often.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 people of Edinburgh
  • university students
  • exploring the city
* What could be improved?
  • nothing really.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More about Scotland. It would have been nice going into a foreign country knowing a little more about its history. Still, I learned a lot!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Edinburgh in Fiction
Course Department: English Literature
Instructor: Karin Sellberg
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging and the reading list (all novels set in Edinburgh) made for an interesting course to take while studying abroad. The professor was knowledgeable but not extremely approachable. I participated often, just as I do at my home institution. There were only two papers throughout the entire course and the group meetings we did on a weekly basis and the write-ups we produced were not counted towards our final grade.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred my grades yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Scottish Medieval History
Course Department: History
Instructor: James Frasner
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Great course, but a lot of reading to do. The lectures were a bit scattered and difficult to follow, so outside reading was necessary to understand the lecture materials and be prepared for the exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not attempted to transfer this grade yet.
Course Name/Rating:

Scottish Literature II
Course Department: English
Instructor: Robert Irvine
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a challenging but very interesting course. Lectures were boring at times but the weekly tutorial was more engaging and required a great deal of participation. It focused on Scottish and English literature but broadened the novels out to wider global themes and trends. Papers were fairly graded and clearly outlined.
Credit Transfer Issues: I have not transferred this grade yet.