Throughly Enjoyable February 02, 2024
By A student (Anthropology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/18/2024 to 12/02/2024 with
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My time abroad taught me a newfound independence. I was thrown into the fire of living "on my own": I had to cook for myself, I had to navigate public transport by myself, I had to budget. It strengthened my negotiation skills and my co-habilitation skills; yes, it was worthwhile.
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. |
Compared to Wellesley, the academic rigor was not on the same level. I attended 3 classes, two tutorials, and had two days off a week. This compares to the five classes I am used to taking at Wellesley. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
While I would choose the same program again, I understand why many would not. Edinburgh is a predominantly white institution and city, and that in and of itself was a culture shock for me, a white woman, after living on a relatively diverse campus and outside of a diverse city. The academics were not rigorous compared to Wellesley's caliber, leaving me feeling moderately unprepared for the upcoming semester. However, I met wonderful friends, and the experience has equipped me with a slew of life skills I use in my day-to-day. |
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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Ensure that you make a budget. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The lack, or difference, between my home institution's academic rigor versus Edinburgh. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |