Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great study abroad decision Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/10/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I think studying abroad is really good because it allows you to learn how to gain confidence in yourself and grow and enrich your life.

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.

I definitely thought that the academic rigor was strong, but I felt that there were not as many resources for help as I was used to at Wellesley.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never was contacted or spoken to by anyone about the program, but I never had any problems related to the fact I was a visiting student so that was a positive that at least everything was sorted out okay.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish there was either less people (5 total in my flat) or bigger kitchen space. Sometimes it would be hard for 5 people trying to cook and store food. But I liked the fact that I had my own room.

* Food:

I shopped for myself at the local grocery stores so I ate what I liked.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues but I was easily able to sign up with a GP.

* Safety:

Extremely safe city. Never once did I feel nervous.

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)

I probably spent 50 dollars a week on food, but I always shopped at grocery stores and cooked myself

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about 50 dollars on food, probably about 10 dollars for buses.... Really you can spend as much or as little as you like. The city is not expensive.

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

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • I liked living in the city
* What could be improved?
  • I wish they had smaller class sizes or more academic help resources.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i would have tried a different sport than I did. I played the sport that I have played my whole life and I think it would have been better to try something new.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!