Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

St. Andrews is an amazing place with awesome people Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/06/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Aside from the coursework, living in a foreign country was a very unique and great experience. Furthermore the ability to easily and relatively cheaply travel throughout Europe made the experience very worthwhile.

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.

* 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? No

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)

St. Andrews is a very expensive town.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Roughly $200 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would book flights and accommodations as far in advance as possible as flights get significantly more expensive the closer to time they are booked.

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
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Students
  • Classes
  • Ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • St. Andrews was very expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is nothing in particular that I wish I knew before going on this program.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Ancient Philosophy
Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Various Instructors
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was very challenging. It did not make use of its location with field trips. The teachers were very knowledgable about the topic and well-prepared for class. I participated in class less solely due to the fact that it was a lecture style class whereas many of the classes at my home institution are seminar/discussion classes. The work consisted of 2 papers and an exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: No Issues
Course Name/Rating:

Scotland, Britain, and Empire 1500-2000
Course Department: Modern History
Instructor: Various instructors
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was very challenging, and did make use of its location--particularly as the course was located in the town of St. Andrews, a center of Scottish History. The professors were very knowledgable and well prepared for class. I participated in class less than I would have at my home institution due to the fact that it was a lecture style class, and the classes at my home institution are for the most part seminar and discussion classes. There were 2 papers and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues
Course Name/Rating:

Scottish Music
Course Department: Music
Instructor: Various Instructors
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The class was somewhat challenging. It did make use of the location in that it brought in several local musicians to talk to and perform for the class. The teachers were very knowledgable about Scottish Music and always well-prepared for class. I participated in class a similar amount to I would have at my home institution, as both this class as well as the classes at my home school were smaller in size and discussion based. There were 2 papers and a final exam.
Credit Transfer Issues: No issues