Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Something fun and new, punctuated by terrible weather Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/14/2015 to 05/21/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very much worthwhile. Learned my own capacity to enjoy and engage with the circumstances I find myself in, and to adapt effectively.

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.

Large courses, occasionally unfocused curricula, very qualified lecturers

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very hands-off, many resources for help if needed

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Well-located, food and heating were inconsistent, rooms in older halls are fairly small and cramped

* Food:

Fish and chips: good. Everything else: edible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Scottish are very used to and very welcoming of foreign students. St. Andrews has a sizable American population.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

A good deal of help and useful medication available at pharmacies. Long wait times at clinics.

* Safety:

St. Andrews has very little crime and safe streets. Some environmental hazards, slippery sidewalks, and drunk belligerents at bad times.

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

Got to spend time with my brother, made many enduring friendships, and felt comfortable living abroad by the end of my year. When language is not a significant challenge, longer time abroad is much more rewarding than just one semester.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You paid money for your student accommodation. Eat food in dining halls!

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
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Spending time with new friends
  • Exploring extracurricular societies not available at Middlebury
* What could be improved?
  • Would have brought more warm clothes
  • Live in a cheaper student accommodation, where one can cook for oneself
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just because it does not snow doesn't mean weather is not a large factor in affecting health and morale

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Scotland and the English Empire, 1070-1500
Course Department: Medieval History
Instructor: Christine McGladdery
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very interesting material. Good balance of facts/themes/personalities/institutions. Poses big, nuanced questions about medieval history. Very qualified instructors. Good essay guidance.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

The Foundations of Social Anthropology
Course Department: Social Anthropology
Instructor: Karolina Kuberska
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not particularly challenging, especially if you are attentive in lectures. Somewhat dry.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Modern World Cinemas
Course Department: Film Studies
Instructor: Sanghita Sen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Knowledgeable instructor. Engaging topic. Wide-but-shallow approach at times.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Moral and Political Controversies

Course Department: Philosophy
Instructor: Lisa Nowak
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Lectures unhelpful. Surface-level introduction to topic. Topic is inherently interesting, though.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Ethnographic Encounters
Course Department: Social Anthropology
Instructor: Karolina Kuberska
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Very fun, self-directed course. More challenging workload. No final exam. Lectures less important.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Film History and Historiography
Course Department: Film Studies
Instructor: Tom Rice
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Shallow but broad introduction to topic. Good selection of film. Incinsistent essay grading.
Credit Transfer Issues: