Stirling: Rainbows and Friends Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was quite a bit more reading than I am used to. Reading the equivalent of roughly three novels a week was a bit much. There was really no way to compare their grading system to what I am used to here, so it is difficult to compare. That being said, it's not difficult to get a "good grade." The teaching methods were much more lecture based and didn't seem to really reflect what I have been learning about teaching in my educational classes at university, but when the professors tried to get a discussion going, most of the students just sat there and didn't say anything, so to keep the class moving, the professor kept talking. However, I also attend a school that is highly praised for its educational system and producing quality future educators. I must also say that I love the university that I am at and think quite highly of it and how it is run, so to go to another school that did not fit me as well leaves me a little biased and critical.

On-site administration of your program

They were helpful and nice and knowledgeable about everything. Information about registering for classes was a little difficult. Also, our orientations were over the course of two days which is a very short period of time to receive a LOT of information. I think if we could have had a week to assimilate it wouldn't have felt so overwhelming.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in university accommodation but off campus. It was only a 10 minute walk to the city center and, therefore, nightlife. I lived with 5 other exchange or ERASMUS students. We did have to buy cookware but linen was provided. I took the bus to school most days which was about a 12 minute ride or a 40 minute walk. I felt completely safe where I lived. The only thing that I would change would be to not put all the international students together. It would have been nice if some local students lived nearer us or were actually our flatmates.

The food was fine. Whatever you wanted, they had. Some things have different names, but if you take the time to look, you will find what you are looking for. However, don't get the UK version of Kraft Mac and Cheese. Not good.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wasn't in Scotland during the most ideal traveling time. It was getting close to their winter season which means more rain, but besides that and even sometimes because of it, Scotland is beautiful. If you're an outdoors sort of person, I highly recommend going. There are plenty of places to hike and see spectacular views. Attending the Edinburgh German Christmas Market was also very neat. Vendors actually come over from Germany. It's something that I would not have wanted to miss.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Where I lived was very safe. It wasn't uncommon to see fights in the city center or after a night of drinking, but it was usually between the locals and was quickly dealt with by either by-standers or police. It was really nice that healthcare was free. It was a little frustrating that they couldn't tell me why I was so sick, though.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm

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• International Students

• Meeting people from all over the world
• Having time to travel- didn't have to attend class 5 days a week

• Meeting more locals
• More time to become orientated before school starts