St Andrews: Cold, Wet, Windy, and Super Fun Past Review
By A student (Barnard College) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
So much. I learned more than I ever expected--I got a whole new perspective on life, friendships, and academia, as well as, dare I say it, other cultures. I had done a lot of international traveling before this experience, but have never felt culture shock like I did when i first arrived for study abroad...and never felt like I surmounted it in the same way, either. I can honestly say my horizons have been broadened, and I know my study abroad experience will continue to inform my academic endeavors, interpersonal relationships, and approach to life. Also, it was incredibly fun, all the time!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very rigorous classes,but a lighter workload than American universities made this an academically ideal experience--I learned a lot and worked hard, but did not have a lot of assignments. Tough grading system. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Helpful and supportive |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Social, fun, easy to meet students from host country, and set in a beautiful natural environment! |
| * Food: |
While catering was provided, and was a great way to spend time with students in my dorm, the quality of the food was unbelievably bad. Kitchen facilities in the dorm were limited at best, making food preparation time-consuming and inconvenient. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As integrated as it was possible to be in a town described as the least Scottish town in Scotland--actually, quite a bit. I was able to meet local students, participate fully in aspects of local culture (pub culture, football, student traditions), and sample traditional foods. The isolated nature of the town did help make me feel more part of the local culture: despite its status as a university 'bubble,' it's surrounded by traditional, rural towns and farms. While I did make many American friends, my friends were certainly not restricted to a program or course. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Being able to access the National Health Service free of charge was nice. NHS doctors were reluctant to prescribe me anything or even schedule an appointment for me, though. Not so great at tackling common medical concerns (flu, coughs). |
| * Safety: |
Probably the safest place I've ever lived. I felt safe walking home, alone, at 3 in the morning. |
| 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) |
Everything in the UK is incredibly expensive, but with my meals taken care of (mostly), I did not have spend much. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend money on traveling and souvenirs (cheesy, but you'll wish you had when you come back), and not on stuff you can get by without. |
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
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To always say yes to new experiences, to pack sheets instead of buying them at high prices in the UK, to NOT hang out with Americans only in the first few weeks! |
