Amazing Experience Past Review

By (Barnard College) - abroad from 09/08/2012 to 05/26/2013 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile. Learned a lot about research, developed social skill, and had a lot of fun

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

University of Edinburgh was a mixed experience for me academically. I had a lot of trouble figuring out exactly what my professors wanted from me and what the expectations were for an A grade. I'm still a bit mystified by some of my exam marks. That said I learned some really valuable lessons about self-motivation and research. I think study at Edinburgh has changed my outlook on learn for the better even though some of those lessons were hard to learn.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There was a visiting students office but they didn't appear to have any special programming for us. The administration in generally was a bit indifferent

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Pollock Halls. I really enjoyed the social atmosphere. The cafeteria food was pretty mediocre but it was convenient and overall I enjoyed living there

* Food:

This could have been a lot better. That said, the city of Edinburgh has lots of great restaurants and cafés.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most people were from England or Europe not too many Scottish people. However, I didn't feel like I was just stuck with a bunch of Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* 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? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat like a bird, drink like a fish.

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
  • 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?
  • Social life
  • City
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Cafeteria Food
  • Academic Support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I have no clue

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'