Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very hard and lonely at first, but well worth it in the end. Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/09/2019 to 05/31/2019 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of non-academic living skills that I don't think I would have learned at Wellesley and confidence in such a large environment to fend for myself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Coming into the third year, all the other students were well used to the particulars of the university. I had an especially hard time registering for classes and know that I made a few mistakes that effected my semester because the system was so confusing and there wasn't that much guidance.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Clean, easy to navigate and friendly.

* Food:

I only ever cooked for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most study abroad students stuck to each other as opposed to the current students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Day to day expenses were minimal, but I did have to buy a lot at the beginning (sheets, pillows, dishware)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 pounds
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy anything you can used and share with other study abroad students.

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
  • 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?
  • Location
  • Meeting other exchange students
* What could be improved?
  • Registration information
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To do more research on how to register for classes and that its up to you to make it what you need it to be.

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!