Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Magical and life changing Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 05/20/2016 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
To explore the world and not get so caught up in school.

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 semester was very easy. However, the last month before exams is difficult. You only has one exam the whole semester. It was very nice to have the whole semester to travel and not worry about school. When exams roll around you cant complain about studying, because your havent had to do anything previously. The professors will tell you exactly what to expect on the exam. There are also past exams online provided by the school. It is very easy to choose classes that do not require much work. Abroad students are given basically any class they want, even if it is full, granted they have the pre recs.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a 12 person flat. Therefore, it got gross in the communal areas. However, it was very nice to have so many roommates. Also, I really enjoyed living with full time students. I feel this was a much different experience than most abroad programs. It made it much easier to make friends with locals.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The people in Edinburgh are amazing.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

One of the safest cities. Never felt threatened. The only thing I was told I was not allowed to do was go to the meadows (a park in Edinburgh) alone past 1 am.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Scotland is so underrated. It was amazing. It was very easy and cheap to travel. Even being in the UK flights were less expensive than flights for students in main land Europe. Very laid back and outdoorsy atmosphere. Always somethings to do. If you like exercise, being fit, and hiking Edinburgh is a great place to study abroad which I dont think is a big part of other abroad experiences.

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 is very manageable to live on a student budget. The gym is incredible and very affordable (amazing workout classes that are free) Cooking meals is common and each flat has full kitchens or is catered.

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
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Ease of travel
  • Easy courses
  • Amazing people
* What could be improved?
  • Packing list
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What clothes to bring and not to bring Not to stress about traveling. Its so easy and can be planned a week in advance Not to stress about class

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.