Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best part of my college experience Past Review

By (Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 05/24/2016 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The best things about my experience abroad were the connections I made with people and the experience I gained traveling.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My courses were overall pretty interesting to me. In two of my classes there were several different lecturers throughout the semester, which had advantages and disadvantages. It allowed us to hear from someone that in an expert in a particular topic, but sometimes the lecturers were not very good. Lots of outside reading required. Several great libraries on campus.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I had to meet with my Personal Tutor when I first arrived. It was an informal meeting to talk about any concerns and classes. To make any schedule changes it was necessary to contact my PT or go into the study abroad advising office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The university accommodation I was assigned to was in an old building, not as updated as I was used to. I was in a flat with 11 other people, and there were three bathrooms, one water closet, and two ovens/stoves. which was adequate. It was cleaned twice weekly. I got lucky to have been assigned to a flat with great people. However, the laundry facilities were very poo with too few machines that were often broken.

* Food:

Tons of grocery stores, take out restaurants, sit-down restaurants, coffee shops, and food stands around campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most people were very friendly and welcoming to new people

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easy to register with the university clinic. There is a two day waiting period from when you register to when you can see a GP. I went in at a busy time without an appointment, waited about an hour to see the doctor. As a visiting student you are covered under the NHS, so visiting the clinic costs nothing.

* Safety:

In the orientation I was told that Edinburgh is the safest city in the UK. I was always weary, but was never really fearful walking at night with either a friend or sometimes on my own. However, I was told to avoid walking through the Meadows at night.

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)

Expenses were about what I was used to living in Austin.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget so that you're not left without any money at the end

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 city
  • Culture
  • Geographical Location
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't overpack

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.