Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

St Andrew's: a perfect town tucked away from the rest of the world July 28, 2025

By (Neuroscience, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/03/2025 to 05/31/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that life doesn't have to be fast-paced to be fulfilling and I connected with people from places and backgrounds I'd never previously been exposed to. Because life was a little slower-paced, I felt truly present throughout the entire experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I think there could have been more events held for the exchange students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was placed in a flat a mile away from the town, which wasn't ideal, but overall didn't detract from my experience too much.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A, no health issues

* Safety:

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

I had a great academic experience, the students were really friendly, and the town was so easy to live in.

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)

I couldn't easily walk back to my flat to cook for myself because I was pretty far away.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Pack food in your bag if you can!

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
* 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?
  • The location!!
  • My friends
  • My classes
* What could be improved?
  • More activities for exchange students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to get involved in at least one student organization, as they are central to student life at St. Andrews. Also that you don't have to cook elaborate/fancy meals, just buy simple and nutritious ingredients.

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!