Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immensely enjoyable, and a learning experience like no other. August 27, 2025

By (History, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/07/2025 to 07/04/2025 with

University of St. Andrews: Monastic Scotland

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned much about practical archaeology, and the history of medieval Scotland. This knowledge will be immensely useful in a future career as an archaeologist.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The material was incredibly enlightening! I learned a great deal of useful information about archaeology, and look forward to using it.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administrators of the program clearly knew what they were doing, and were very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were far nicer than I was expecting, the right mix between private and interconnected with my fellow students.

* Food:

The food was very good, both the regular cuisine in the city, and the food provided by the program. I especially am thankful for the sandwiches the program provided.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

People were friendly, I didn't feel terribly alienated from the local community.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Hard to judge, I was never particularly unhealthy while there, but from what I observed, things looked pretty satisfactory.

* Safety:

One of the safest and nicest cities I have ever visited. In terms of safety, just make sure you are aware of your surroundings.

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

This program taught me a lot, and more than that, I feel it was an excellent way to spend part of my summer, experiencing a new culture, making friends, and gaining vital experience in the archaeological field.

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)

I wasn't terribly strapped for cash, although I did have to watch my wallet on occasion.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between 50 and 60 dollars a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out every weekend, get your own food and cook at the dorm at least sometimes.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • I loved the practical training for archaeology.
  • I loved the exposure to an active historical site.
  • I loved the experience of learning medieval history in a medieval city.
* What could be improved?
  • The assignments could have been more clear.
  • The professors could have been more approachable.
  • I could have planned my days a little better, and procrastinated less.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that St. Andrews is an immensely important historical city, I wish I had planned to see more of the city outside of class.

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!