Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision of my life! Past Review

By (Actuarial Science, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/12/2015 to 05/29/2015 with

University of Stirling: Scotland - International Summer School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was 110% worthwhile. It was a trip of a lifetime and i learned so much about myself, other cultures and ways of life. Parts were challenging but that's where the growth came in. I gained confidence in making friends, food, travel plans and how to take on new experiences.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great programs! Style and grading is way different than from home. More independent study and less busy work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great staff and everyone is SO helpful! They are wonderful about getting back to you and answering any questions you have!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I'd highly recommend living in the Union Street accommodation. You meet a lot of other exchange students and locals. It's close to the city center, train station, grocery stores and mall! It's a very nice accommodation as well-cleaning staff and basics taken care of.

* Food:

We cooked for ourselves!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Didn't need any, but seemed good.

* Safety:

Never once felt threatened or unsafe in all of Scotland. Very safe place to live and travel! When traveling, take the minimum you need and nothing worth a lot of value- just be smart about it!

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)

Depends on how you go about it. If you get your own groceries, cook for yourself, predrink and are smart about traveling, it's pretty easy to be cheap about it. The pound is expensive though, that's what makes it harder.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$200 depended on if traveling
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook for yourself. Even when traveling, most hostels have kitchens you can cook in. Also bring carrots, bananas and apples with you when traveling, they are cheap and easy snacks! Organize activities that don't cost a lot, like hiking or walking around town. Try and book in advance as much as possible and check all resources. Sometimes it's worth the hassle if it's way cheaper than an alternative route. Predrink-buying drinks at the bars can be expensive, so if you're doing a big night out, drink at home then go out.

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? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people and culture.
  • Time to travel (spring semester was good for that)
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • The school system there is confusing and could've used some more explanation at the beginning, but we eventually figured it out!
  • I'd make it known that there isn't as much time to travel in the fall as in the spring semester.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to travel and go about life in a more laid back, carefree way.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'