Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study abroad at Edinburgh August 14, 2024

By (Data Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/15/2024 to 05/17/2024 with

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile, I had a great time.

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.

The academics were not as intense at Wellesley, but they were very good. All the professors I had were very engaged and willing to help if I reached out.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They gave all the information that was necessary. I never had to interact with administration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Hermit's Croft. The accommodations were fine, the only issue was that I had no heating for the first few weeks and it was freezing.

* Food:

I cooked my own food, didn't try university dining. There are a lot of good food places in the city. If you shop at Lidl the groceries are quite affordable.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had a good time, people are very friendly. If you want to meet people the best way is to join organizations and go to their events regularly.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare system is quite simple. You can register with a GP when you get there, then if you ever need to you can reach out to them. They have a system where you can message and ask questions, and your healthcare provider will respond, so you can talk to a doctor without going in person. When I messaged they were very responsive and easily accessible.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around the city, even at night. Did not have any bad experiences.

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)

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people and the city
* What could be improved?
  • Heating in the dorms
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A lot of events for study abroad students happen in the first week, so sign up for those in advance.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The 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.