A "Wee Bit" of a Challenge Past Review
By Amelia S (Fine Arts/Art History, SMFA - School of the Museum of Fine Arts) for
University of Edinburgh: Edinburgh - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I would definitely say the experience as a whole was worthwhile. Within the walls of ECA, I was presented with challenges that gave me chance to see art-making through new eyes; I adapted to the unfamiliar surroundings, teaching methods, and tutor expectations. However, traveling provided the most valuable learning opportunities. I gained tremendous comfort in planning with travel partners and in maneuvering through European cities independently. I wouldn't trade this type of learning experience for anything!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The grading system was drastically different than that at my home institution. The final assessment involved a portfolio hand-in and my work was reviewed privately by tutors. I was letter-graded based on 3 "learning outcomes" determined by ECA. I found this to be a good challenge in some ways- it forced me to put together a professional portfolio, preparing us for how a gallery may handle an application, but I would have preferred to discuss my work in person as well. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt unprepared upon arrival to ECA (as did the other exchange students); no type of orientation or tour was arranged in advance. The head of the sculpture department had not been in contact before the start of the semester, causing me to miss an introductory meeting. I also sought out support from the Director of International Partnerships, but she did not follow up with my questions or contact any exchange students during the semester. However, my personal tutor was fairly helpful in directing me towards answers to my questions. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I felt safe in almost every part of Edinburgh. My studio dorm-style living situation was also well monitored. I did need to purchase bedding and basic cookware, which could have been avoided if I lived in a shared flat. I was within a 10 minute walk to my school, grocery stores, bars, and restaurants. |
| * Food: |
I found both food shopping and eating out fairly easy with my vegetarian diet. Henderson's is a well-known vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh and Real Foods caters to several dietary restrictions. Be sure to go to the Farmers' Market every Saturday throughout the year! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The study trip to Berlin, arranged by ECA sculpture undergrads, was by far the best experience I had with the school. I built relationships with students in my year, helping me feel like a part of the program. The sculpture faculty played a fairly small role in organizing the trip, but planning with the other students was not very difficult. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I questioned some of the college's safety measures in the woodshop and casting room, but safety masks etc. were made available. Exchange students were given a safety lecture upon arrival to the school as well. |
| 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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Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
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* 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Persistence and patience is crucial to making the most of your experience at ECA. Students should prepare themselves to be completely independent; I would suggest requesting frequent critiques (both group and individual with every tutor) and meetings with the Director of International Partnerships. Your tutor also may not have the answers to all your questions- seek out support in all areas of the school, whether it's in the Student Resource Center or the Digital Lab for help in the technical department. Make early connections with other exchange students and those in your program- they are essential to feeling connected to a community in Edinburgh. |
