Past Review
By Laura H (Russian Language and Literature., Barnard College) for
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It was something I had always wanted to do, and finally doing it gave me immeasurable happiness. I met amazing people that I am still in touch with, and am waiting for the day when I can go back.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I wish I could have stayed in Edinburgh and continued studying linguistics. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The International Student Office was extremely helpful in coordinating a special Russian course for me as a visiting student, which was the only reason I was able to go to Scotland for the semester because of my major. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very cozy flat with three other British students, a single room in S Clerk St <br /><br /> I was in an excellent location near the city centre and the university, my flatmates were lovely, and my room was comfortable. Also, the university provides cleaning services for their apartment buildings, which was a plus. |
| * Food: |
I cooked for myself |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Again, I wasn't part of any program, but the students I met through extracurricular activities and in my building were all wonderful. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Edinburgh is an incredibly safe city, not once did I feel uncomfortable walking around at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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? | more than expected, I really couldn't give an estimate. Groceries are pretty cheap (I spent about £30/month), but anything fun is very expensive. I spent most of my money on travel though. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | travel--I couldn't help it, because I wanted to go everywhere :) |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Scotland is worth it. It doesn't even rain as much as people claim it does, and the entire country is gorgeous. Pack some rainboots & get going! |
