Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Aspiring Medievalist's Dream September 19, 2024

By (Medieval History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/24/2024 to 06/22/2024 with

University of St. Andrews: Monastic Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Important skills in my field, how to quickly adapt to a new place, how to be more comfortable with changing routines, etc. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was so wonderful that I am applying to return to the site next year as an intern instead of a student!

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? 30

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • The topic of study
  • The location
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • The length (should be longer than four weeks)
  • The school dining (particularly the packed lunches)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that I absolutely love Scotland!

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!