Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing! Past Review

By (Geosciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/11/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most definitely worthwhile. Probably the best experience of my life. I learned so much about the Scottish culture and about other cultures through my friends from other European countries.

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.

professors were all very knowledgable but it was difficult to get individual attention

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in university self-catered accommodations (includes weekly cleaning service). Great location and decently sized flat

* Food:

Cooked for myself which was pretty easy as there were multiple grocery stores just a few minutes walk from my flat. Kitchen had all the basic amenities. Also, there are tons of great and affordable restaurants in Edinburgh so eating out was always a good option too.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found it a little difficult to make scottish friends as I usually only saw them in classes but I tried to do as many cultural activities as possible and see as much of Edinburgh and Scotland as I could.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had any health issues while I was there

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe in Edinburgh.

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 is not an overly expensive city and you could get your weekly groceries for around $50.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

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
  • 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?
  • The beautiful city
  • The friends I made
  • The independence
* What could be improved?
  • integration with scottish students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't realize how easy it would be to get help from the university when I needed it. I would have been much calmer before leaving.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.