Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Never thought I could love a city so much...Edinburgh is my new home! Past Review

By (English Education, Fairfield University) - abroad from 01/12/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Life-changing; became more independent, budget-conscious, adventurous, and risk-taking. Learned to branch out socially and navigate a more adult social climate.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

U of Edi is very intense, especially because you take real classes (not 'Winemaking 101' like some study abroad programs do). On the other hand, attendance at lectures is not accounted for and it is easy to slip through the cracks.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Had no contact with International Students office; I wasn't checked up on

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Flatmates were all English and extremely dirty and unhygeniec--repeated attempts to switch housing/get help from Residence Life was not met. I managed but it was definitely a very stressful aspect of my experience.

* Food:

You don't go to Scotland for the food! The beer on the other hand...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Mostly American friends but very in tune with the day-to-day culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

ALL of us (Americans studying abroad) suffered real sicknesses upon our arrival from stress, atmosphere changes, etc. Healthcare here is free (including medication) but I struggled to find a doctor willing to take me. The University health system refused to take me, which I thought was extremely inconvenient and very stressful.

* Safety:

Edinburgh is VERY safe, although when the weather got warmer, more homeless & druggies would approach me. I was followed once in the street. This was extremely rare and shocking; while Edinburgh can be a 'creepy' looking city--old buildings, small alleyways--it feels extremely safe.

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)

The pound has a tough conversion rate so I struggled with money.

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 flights early and travel with like-minded people in terms of budget. When booking hostels and such together, it becomes very difficult when everyone has different price ranges. I live in a flat and while I LOVE the independence, it is very difficult to afford groceries and meals. A meal plan would be nice!

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
  • 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?
  • Independence--not babysat by my home university!
* What could be improved?
  • FU could have supported more--checking in, financial assistance, etc.
  • Housing placements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I really would be on my own! Sounds harsh, but this was my experience. All other friends who study abroad get a lot of support from their home university. While I really enjoyed the independence of being a direct enrollment student, I wish that Fairfield U had shown more support (especially as there were only a handful of us in Edinburgh).

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.