A Grand Mixed Cultural Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The school was incredibly easy in comparison with Trinity University. I ended up skipping a lecture or two because attendance wasn't necessary and everything was online anyway. I didn't have a relationship really with my professors, so I felt no urge to go. It was difficult to stay on top of 'assignments' (mostly reading) as they were far and few in between, I found I procrastinated a lot more than usual. The library had a lot of interesting books and a lot of information, however I did end up using Trinity's academic resources a bit more for papers as I found more articles.

On-site administration of your program

Stirling did everything it could to make sure the experience was a positive one. I had no issues getting the help I needed as an International student.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The rooms were okay, small but enough. The sink in the room was nice and it was a single room so no roommate but the walls are paper thin. It can get cramped at time with more people in it. The shower water pressure was very weak in some showers and one of the showers in particular lost all hot water and pressure after midnight. The fire alarms, however, made living there sometimes incredibly difficult. They went off ALL the time. It made it impossible to fully relax in your room because you were always terrified that the alarm would go off for some reason. I hated taking a shower sometimes because I was so afraid I'd have to run out (which happened once). Plus, being outside at night (worst was 5 a.m.) in Scotland after it snowed is not fun for someone who's used to the desert.

Served by Sodexo, the food that was bought on campus was not the most pleasant in the world and it was vastly over priced. The Atrium rarely actually had what it advertised. There were a few good places on campus, everything was expensive and since there was no meal plan I had to pay out-of-pocket. Other than that, every floor in AKD had two kitchens and so if I didn't eat at one of the on-campus eateries or eat out at one of Stirling's cafes or restaurants, I would make my own food. I ended up getting much better at cooking and found it to be a great way to share cultures. My friends and I would make dishes from our home countries (I made Sloppy Joe's) and share them.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to make multiple friends because of being in the dorms. On my floor I made friends with some Americans, but also a lot of Scottish students, a few Irish, and a French girl. By joining teams and groups on campus I was able to gain more international friends and go to dances like celidhs.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The free gluten-free bread and pasta given by the NHS was great. Other than that, I really didn't need much help in terms of health care.

I felt incredibly safe in Stirling. As long as you keep watch on the surrounding areas it's pretty safe. However, right before I got to campus a student had gone missing and was found dead a couple months later so everyone had a heightened security about themselves. The clubs and bars felt pretty safe too as long as you kept smart about it.

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

Stirling got very expensive. It was difficult to be able to get a weeks grocery for cheap.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Making so many great friends
• Learning how to play polo (horseback)
• Exploring the nearby towns

• Fire alarms go off SO OFTEN
• On campus food isn't very high quality for the price
• Rooms are either cold or hot and stuffy

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer