Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in Edinburgh Past Review

By (English and American Literature, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/07/2013 to 12/21/2013 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really enjoyed living in Edinburgh and exploring Scotland, but I really was not happy with the academic experience. However, I would say I was overall happy with the experience.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The third year English Literature course was very engaging, but the second year courses were extremely lackluster. Professors were unenthused and students did not have incentive to do the readings. These courses were poorly organized.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The visiting student office is a bit of a hassle to contact, and they are very bad about sending out important information. They tend to wait until the last possible moment (or just not at all). You really need to be proactive.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I used university accommodations and while the location was good (about a 10 minute walk from campus), the building had a mouse problem that persisted the entire semester.

* Food:

I cooked for myself, but I'm not amazing at it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went on a great tour through the Highlands, where I got a good feel for the Scottish culture. However, it's very difficult to meet native Scottish people, as they tend to study elsewhere in Europe (or in Glasgow, Inverness, etc).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't really have health issues, but when I went to make an appointment at the health center, it seemed pretty straightforward. I cannot speak for its ability to treat.

* Safety:

Edinburgh's a safe city. Just don't walk through the Meadows alone at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

In order to spend less than $100/week you have to not go out on weekends. Edinburgh is an expensive city, so be prepared to pay. But it is possible to limit your spending.

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? Don't buy the Freshers Pass. Shop at Lidl's and Primark when possible.

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
* 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?
  • Chaucerian Romance course
  • Venturing into the Highlands
  • Dancing at Ceilidhs
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor
  • Visiting student office communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd traveled around Europe more at the beginning of the semester. Flights are very cheap from 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 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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Chaucerian Romance
Course Department: English Literature
Instructor: David Salter
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging course. Professor was amazing. Definitely take it if you can.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not.
Course Name/Rating:

Scottish Literature 2
Course Department: English Literature
Instructor: Various
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very poorly organized and not challenging. Even the tutorials were terrible. Stick to 3rd year courses if you can.
Credit Transfer Issues: None.
Course Name/Rating:

Our Changing World
Course Department: Biomedicine
Instructor: Various
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not a very challenging course. Definitely designed for freshman. The deadlines were a pain and the work was tedious, but not interesting.
Credit Transfer Issues: I hope not.