Past Review

By (ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS., Tufts University) for

University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile. Made great scottish and American friends and gained new perspective on the UK as well as a perspective on America. Edinburgh is a BEAUTIFUL and wonderful city with great museums, shopping, culture... absolutely adorable and great for students

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Winter 2008

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were challenging, but not too much. Only take 3 per semester which makes it easier. Odd style of homework- read a piece of literature or information and then read a lot of scholaraly commentary on it that you have to find yourself in the library. Only actual 'work' is one or two paper and one or two exams per class- so each evauluation is high-pressure.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Cannot register with an online program- had to email back and forth with abroad office people to register for everything.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Kincaid's Court. Simple apartment-style housing with 6 single rooms, a little kitchen and a small, poorly furnished living space. 1.5 bath. <br /><br /> Quite ugly building and street, but VERY Well-located to campus and to downtown Edinburgh. Bit of a 'ghetto' street because it was near a lot of bars. Whole city is relatively safe, though.

* Food:

Plenty of small grocery stores nearby, so i could cook for myself often. Edinburgh restaurants generally suck (at least the ones students can afford)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health center available for all students.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 pounds on food and going out? More when i travelled to other cities in Europe.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Beware of exchange rates and how you will get cash from atms- some American banks charge exchange fees

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

All English

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 take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be prepared to drink a lot! It's all scottish people do!