Haggis, Beer, and the Unilink. Past Review
By A student (PSYCHOLOGY., Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 09/09/2013 to 12/16/2013 with
University of Stirling: Stirling - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Not having a job that provides a steady income flow puts a different perspective on everyday expenses. Budgeting is key! Making friends from all over the world gives you an excuse to travel later. Use those connections to your advantage. Ask them to house you, feed you, guide you, etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was no specific program administration. I was treated more or less as an incoming first year or transfer student, but the orientation schedule was nothing different. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat with four other girls. Three were from America and one was from Australia. The place itself was great, but I only wish I had been grouped with natives or people from other countries. It was also convenient that bedding was included, so I didn't have to waste space bringing any from home or waste money buying a new set. |
| * Food: |
There was no meal plan, so it was a slight annoyance to have to cook every meal especially when I was in a rush. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Scottish people were very welcoming and friendly. There was also a very large international population. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Medicine was very cheap. |
| * Safety: |
I thought the city felt very safe. There didn't seem to be any sort of animosity towards university students or internationals. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Groceries were my biggest expense, but one trip lasted a couple weeks. Social activities or outings were also a big expense, but the overall cost varied depending on how often you went out. Traveling was also a big expense, but you can find cheap flights or hostels online and in advance. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Average $80/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Designate a certain amount of money towards groceries, travel, and other expenses and keep track of your spending. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I had a better understanding of what professors looked for in academic work. As their grading system is different, it was hard to gage the expectations of quality for assignments. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
