Scrambling over Scottish Rocks and Loving It Past Review
By A student (Geosciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/06/2012 to 05/25/2012 with
University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
YES, so worthwhile! I found out that I love field geology and field mapping, and I got to hang out with future geologists/miners/oilfield engineers. My experience abroad put me on a completely new path, one that branches in a thousand directions. It really opened up a world of possibilities for me.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This Scottish university was so far beyond anything I have experienced in the States--students were put in the field as often as possible by professors who challenged and encouraged them at every step. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The orientation process at St Andrews did not quite cover everything. It was difficult to find buildings/rooms, and advising was kind of chaotic. But everyone was very cheerful and helpful! And they did a very good job of scheduling social gatherings. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was in a self-catered student hall administered by the university. It was a lovely room, and I really enjoyed cooking with my hallmates, but it was a little far from my classes. |
* Food: |
I was in a self-catered hall, which meant that I was entirely in charge of buying and cooking my own food. There was only one supermarket in town, and it was overpriced. But the kitchen came very well-equipped, with pots and utensils and even some free food. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In the town of St Andrews, it was difficult to meet anyone who was not connected with the university in some way. But during my field excursions and trips to Edinburgh, I felt like I was glimpsing Scotland. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was assigned a local doctor and given a map to the local hospital. Also, the warden of my residence hall was a sympathetic ear and could offer advice on any health problems. |
* Safety: |
The British are ridiculously thorough when it comes to safety. I read and signed a list of potential hazards for each field excursion, and I was issued goggles, a helmet, and a high-visibility vest. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Buying my own food really took a dent out of my bank account. Also, the relentless pub visits! |
* Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
* Was food included in your program cost? | No |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60-$200 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Setting a budget is good. I figured out how much it would cost for me to buy my groceries and have at least one night out a week, and that was my spending goal for each week. |
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? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | A lot of structural knowledge that would have been very useful to have, in order to think about problems in constructive ways. As it was, I had to learn what everyone else already knew, and THEN I could start problem-solving. |