Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Academic culture shock, but a wonderful living experience Past Review

By (Physics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 05/24/2013 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that Scottish culture is not as different from American culture as I had expected, but that the way that we learn and the expectations of independence are. Yes, it was worthwhile.

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.

The academic program is very different from that at a small liberal arts institution--a much larger emphasis on self-guided study and most of the grade based on one exam or essay.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There were certain classes that I had signed up for which I had been assured I was capable of taking. However, I realized the first day of classes that I was clearly missing essential prerequisites. I was able to switch, but it was incredibly frustrating. Also, it can be difficult to balance the UoE's expectations with your home institution's.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very convenient flat in the city, rented through the university.

* Food:

Actually, I lived in self-catered housing, so I cooked for myself (which was a really good decision--I heard mixed reviews of the catered dining).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You will sign up for free healthcare no matter which country you are from.

* 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)

Very easy if you walk (as opposed to taking the bus) and cook for yourself (instead of eating take-away).

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook your own meals! Also, ask which grocery stores are the cheapest--there can be a huge difference in price. (On Clerk St., Lidl is the cheapest, while Tesco is a bit more reliable. Don't go to Sainsbury's Local--way more expensive and less choice.)

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
  • 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?
  • My flatmates (friends)
  • The city
  • Class content
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-advising on UoE's part
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I would tell myself not to stress so much about the new system. I would also recommend trying to be active in a few societies to meet other locals.

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:

Astronomy 1S: Stellar and Planetary Science
Course Department: Physics and Astronomy
Instructor: multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was very interesting and I learned a lot about astronomy, but since it was taught by 5 professors (each instructing a 2 week module) there was some overlap and I think it could have been more organized. I was also disappointed that there was no lab portion of the course. 2/3 of the grade was the exam, 1/3 a short paper, 1/3 coursework (top 4 grades out of 5 turned in).
Credit Transfer Issues: No, but I don't think it counts towards my physics major.
Course Name/Rating:

Introduction to Gaelic Language and Culture
Course Department: Celtic and Scottish Studies
Instructor: Peadar Ó Muircheartaigh
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really enjoyed learning the Gaelic language, and the once-a-week cultural lectures were also fairly interesting. Our language instructor was hilarious. I thought it was pretty easy, about equivalent to other intro language classes.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

LEL2C: English in Time and Space
Course Department: Linguistics and English language
Instructor: multiple
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Fascinating. Sometimes it feels like there is a lack of continuity because each lecture is taught by an expert in that field, so they go very in depth but may seem to jump around a bit. Evaluation is 1/2 essay, 1/2 exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Statistical Mechanics
Course Department: Physics and Astronomy
Instructor: Alexander Morozov
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very informative. Morozov was a very good lecturer. Going to tutorials was essential to learning how to do problems. Exam was 90% of grade.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.