I Really want to go back! Past Review

By Richard L (Physics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/06/2015 to 05/26/2015 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was definitely worth while. I made many friends who I still chat with on facebook and was able to do the activities I do here at Midd. I liked seeing a new place and I wish I had spent more time out seeing things because there is so much to do in Edinburgh. I learned that I like Scotland and want to go back.

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 Gaelic language class I took was pretty rigorous. With the physics classes it depended on the level. Intro classes are much more relaxed while some of the more specified electives are pretty detailed in terms of what information you need to know
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	They had a good orientation week, made sure you knew what you were doing and met some people. Once the semester got going I didn't really need any of their guidance though.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I had catered housing from the university, with mostly first years and international kids. It was easy to do, but obviously not at much exposure to British life.
* Food:	The catered food was fine, like any other. There are many great places to eat in the city of Edinburgh which you should do every so often.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It was harder to feel integrated because I was housed with mostly non-Brits but I made a lot of friends from many places through sports clubs and got to see/experience a lot of social culture through that lens.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	They have you register for the National Health Service as a university student and you are set for the semester. I needed to check out a leg injury and the only tough thing was getting the bus. The health system is great and you get it automatically as a student.
* Safety:	The safety on the university housing I was in was thorough. Everything was key cards and they had people there 24/7.
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)	It was not too challenging but I definitely had to watch what I spent. I was able to go out with friends when I wanted but I also didn't have much money left when I got back.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	It depended on what I was doing. I took some trips for sports and for pleasure, but buses and trains can be cheap if you do it in advance.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Get cell phone there in Scotland. I got a plan from "EE" for my US cell phone it only cost 15 pounds a month ($25 or so). Also, there is free bus for students to and from campus, use it.

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	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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?	Being in a cool city like Edinburgh There are many activities similar to Midd Meeting people from many different places and countries
* What could be improved?	Being housed with more native students Better preparation for managing expenses More guidance when I got back to Midd
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	You should spend as much time as possible soaking in the place where you are, because you will miss it in the future.

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:	Introduction to Gaelic Language and Culture
Course Department:	Celtic Studies
Instructor:	Wilson McLeod
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This was a great course, It gave a good intro level understanding of the Gaelic language, its history, and context in modern Scotland. It is pretty fast paced in terms of turn-around for learning lessons, but a great class.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Introductory Astrophysics
Course Department:	Physics and Astronomy
Instructor:	Catherine Heymans
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was not a very challenging course math wise, but its time slot in the afternoon was not very convenient. Catherine is a wonderful instructor.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Thermal Physics
Course Department:	Physics and Astronomy
Instructor:	Simon Titmuss
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class was very well organized and well explained. They have the notes printed out so you can follow along and take notes in the lecture slides. A very good look at classical thermodynamics, kinetic theory, non-ideal gases, crystalline structures relating to thermal interactions, and fluid dynamics. I'm glad I took it.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Biological Physics
Course Department:	Physics and Astronomy
Instructor:	Simon Titmuss
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course was interesting. As a physics major, it was different than a normal class, some background in biology helps. It looks at the mechanics of small things and molecules. Not too tough homework wise, most of the grade in the final which was worrying but overall a good experience
Credit Transfer Issues: