Study in Scotland Was Much Better Than Expected Past Review
By Kari C (Biological Sciences/Psychology, Illinois State University) for
University of Stirling: Stirling - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My time at The University of Stirling was fascinating and extremely memorable. I feel much more independent now than I did before. I also feel that I am capable of making more of my own decisions. The most influencial realization that I had while overseas was that I always have more options available to me than I realize and that I need to examine every aspect of a situation before making a decision. If something doesn't go your way, it is not the end of the world. There is always another alternative.
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, but that does not mean that it was easy. The assignments that were given were expected to be the highest level of quality. Teaching was also minimal and a large amount of learning was expected to be done outside of the classroom. This was different than my home university, where assignments are smaller and more frequent and there is a lot more time in class learning from the professor. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I did not have to deal with the program administration, but they were very helpful in the beginning giving directions, planning classes and helping international students meet one another. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was very simple to sign up for. Each student receives their own portal site through the school and sign up for housing through there. Campus was extremely safe. The stairwell door as well as the flat door locked with keys only given to my flatmates and I. The flats were very boring and dull, though. I wish they were more lively. I would have had to buy cookware if I did not have local students living in my flat with me. |
| * Food: |
The food on campus is terrible, so I ate most of my meals on my own and prepared them myself on my own time. The large shopping center is within walking distance if it's nice, but the bus also stops very close to the market as well. There is a McDonald's, Subway, KFC and Dominoes right in the center of Stirling, and Dominoes delivers, so you can always get a taste of home. I would suggest The Spice Garden, though it's a bit pricey, it was the best Indian food I've ever eaten. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Make sure you attend Guy Fawkes day. It's the equivelent to a 4th of July celebration. I would also take the time to travel while you're overseas. I was able to travel to Rome, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, London, and the Canary Islands during my time when I had no classes. I also took a day trip around Scotland through the travel agency on campus. If you're planning on flying, try the Ryanair.com website for really cheap flights! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Stirling was just voted the safest campus in Britain, so I would say it's pretty safe. Drinking a BIG thing at the university, so if you're going out in Stirling, especially if you're a female, make sure you go out in a group to minimize any possible problems. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I transferred over $5000 from my home bank account, which paid for my accomodation ($2500) and all of my food, personal expenses and travelling for my entire trip. I came back with about $300. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It is MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE than living in the United States. They use the pound as we use the dollar, but a pound is equivelent to about $1.70, at least when I went it was. Make sure you keep track of how much you're spending in US dollars rather than pounds, or you'll wind up spending much more than you think. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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?
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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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would suggest this program to honors students. The work is difficult, but will challenge you in ways that American schooling does not. |
