Scotland: My Second Home Past Review
By Ashley S (PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES., University of North Dakota) for
University of Stirling: Stirling - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Going to a country by myself, not knowing anyone there, really forced me to be more independent and put myself out there. It helped me grow in confidence and try things I probably wouldn't have thought to try before.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was minimal, however, being that there were only three assignments in every course, there was limited room for error which is problematic being that their grading system and expectations were different than the system I'd grown used to. There were less than 8 hours of class a week and hardly no in-class discussion so I felt at times I wasn't being challenged. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I sought help when I needed it and they were very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were slightly cramped, but close enough to town and night-life to compensate. However, the fridge was incredibly small. |
| * Food: |
There was no meal plan, so I had to go into town every week to purchase food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being so close to two of the biggest cities in Scotland was wonderful and made day trips easy to plan. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Stirling was a very safe city as are the surrounding areas. If you take issue with smoking, you may be in for a surprise as a good many people in Scotland smoke. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared to drink a lot - the Scots love their liquor! The type of student who would benefit most from this program is the kind of student who is independently motivated and likes to travel. There is a lot of down time as there are less than 8 hours of class per week. |
