There's No Penalty for Trespassing in Scotland Past Review

By (Museum Studies/English Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a completely different academic approach to learning, much more based on independent study and scholarly research than my American experience. I learned how to travel well, how to adjust to a new city, to bond with and relate to a group of international friends, how to be optimistic, and to be more outgoing.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

I was hosed in a single room in a hostel, which was nice because I had an ensuite bathroom, but the fact that it was a hostel was not made apparent until I arrived.

* Food:

Self-catered was the best option for me, but the kitchens provided by my housing were less than desirable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met many international students, but there is very little integration by the part of the University to introduce international students to permanent students, particularly during the second semester. There were apparently mixers in the fall, but no events were hosted if you started in January for the second term.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never got sick, but the process was confusing. They said we should register with a doctor when we arrived, but when I arrived at a medical practitioner's office, they turned me away and said I did not need to register until I actually got sick. Luckily, it never became an issue for me, but I the protocol was contradictory and thus unclear.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe walking between my housing and the university. Edinburgh is well let and well populated - never felt alone or unsafe.

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)

Edinburgh's not cheap as far as food, but it wasn't too difficult because you can walk everywhere, so no need to spend money on transportation.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get a Tesco card.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Scotland
  • Traveling
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Housing with local students
  • The kitchens
  • better information about joining student societies
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to work hard to make local friends - join a society. Also, it's cold. Wear warm socks.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Modernism and After

Course Department: History of Art
Instructor: Tamara Trodd
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I felt like I learned so much in this course - it was extremely demanding, but completing the readings and taking the time to think about the material was so rewarding. Tamara is a fantastic instructor - brilliant, unquestionably knowledgable in her field (and outside of it, too), and completely receptive to questions and eager to help inside and outside of class.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Scepticism in Renaissance Literature

Course Department: English Literature
Instructor: Dermot Cavanaugh
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was interesting, but had much more of a philosophical emphasis than I expected. We seemed to more to use literary texts as a basis for philosophical discussion instead of analyzing the literary techniques or discussing the tropes of the philosophical texts as literature. Interesting ideas tossed around, though, but just not a very literary course - much more about thinking and ideas. Dermot is always available and eager to discuss, though. Quite good at facilitating discussion.
Credit Transfer Issues:
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Identity and Illusion in Shakespeare's Comedies

Course Department: English Literature
Instructor: Sarah Carpenter
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course covers a range of comedies and puts them into a context within the span of Shakespeare's career. I felt I learned more about the genre and Shakespeare's specific approach to and manipulation of comedy. Sarah was a stellar professor - approached the plays as a peer during discussion, which facilitated thoughtful comments from the entire class, but also she clearly had an extensive depth and breadth of knowledge to offer more complex ideas or perspectives. The papers were open but the prompts provided good direction. The class took a field trip to see a Winter's Tale.
Credit Transfer Issues: