Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying in a bubble on the north sea Past Review

By (Physics., Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/20/2013 with

University of St. Andrews: St. Andrews - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The travel, golf and social aspects were great. The actual academics gave me a better appreciation of the American system. I think that it was very 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.

Definitely not as good as school back home. Even upper level classes are very large. Professors tend to be poor lecturers but fine in office hours.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We were just thrown in, which was fine.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in a great university-owned flat just out of town

* Food:

Made my own, which was fine.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There is a large population of americans abroad, so the students there are used to it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Register for the NHS upon arrival and go from there.

* Safety:

Very safe.

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

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)

Very expensive, the cost of living is very high, especially when the pound is strong against the dollar.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200 on average
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan trips far in advance to save on tickets and look for good hostels. Try not to eat out too much, as that tears through money.

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

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Golf
  • Travel
  • Being more independent
* What could be improved?
  • Living costs
  • Academics, grading transparency
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How different the british university system is. It was great to get out of my comfort zone and do things a different way, I just wasn't expecting it.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Laser Physics 1
Course Department: Physics and Astrophysics
Instructor: Koenig
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Good class, I got exposure to more advanced topics than I would usually see at the undergrad level. The course was well organized.
Credit Transfer Issues: Transferred fine
Course Name/Rating:

Complex Analysis
Course Department: Mathematics
Instructor: Chuong
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Pretty easy, the lectures seemed to pander to people who didn't show up to class.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues
Course Name/Rating:

Econometrics I
Course Department: Economics and Finance
Instructor: Sohanken
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I learned stata, which was nice. Assessment was based on a test and a project.
Credit Transfer Issues: none
Course Name/Rating:

Ethical Controversies
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Interesting grading scheme with mostly freshmen who only needed to pass, but grades were based on one essay, an exam, and weekly summaries of reading. Tutors in general were not confident and not great at leading discussion, but knowledgeable.
Credit Transfer Issues: none