Explore the Area! January 03, 2022
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/11/2021 to 12/17/2021 with
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned a lot about myself. I think the experience was worthwhile and I am glad I did it.
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. |
At the University the classes were not too challenging. I took a first, second, and fourth year course and that mixture was never too stressful. There were not that many resources to support the classes beyond professors which was sometimes challenging. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of the program was very hands-off. There was little information about what to do when. I was also unable to register for courses until three days before classes because they were not responsive to my many emails asking for help. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in College Wynd and I loved it. It was an amazing location, albeit loud on the weekends. The flat was clean and had a reasonable amount of space. However, the toilet in the flat would often not flush and despite many repair requests, was never properly fixed. |
* Food: |
I was on a self-catered meal plan so I provided my own food. The kitchens were nice and had all the basic essentials. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was exposed mostly to international students. This school is really international so I mostly knew people from the US and from Europe. I did meet some Scottish people who taught me about Scottish culture. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Thankfully, the government made COVID tests really easy and free to access which was all the healthcare I needed. |
* Safety: |
I felt very safe in Edinburgh aside from a few instances. I quickly learned about areas to avoid and was never forced to walk through them. At night I would be sure to stick to busy or well lit streets and that made me feel very safe. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I think Edinburgh is a fantastic city to study abroad in because it is not too big and overwhelming, you have good access to sites in the city, and you have access to a lot of places through trains and airport. |
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 was shocked by how expensive food is in the UK. I spent on average $125 on food a week for myself, but it is important to note that I ate out a fair amount. Museums are mostly free in Scotland which helped ease costs. Student discounts were also plentiful at restaurants, bars, shops, etc. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 150 or so |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think meal planning is key! I think also being prepared for a very expensive city will help set expectations. |
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 |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how much there is to see in Scotland! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |