Stirling-Get Involved Past Review
By Ben B (Marketing., Illinois State University) for
University of Stirling: Stirling - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It shaped the way I see American culture. The difference in language accents, lifestyle and outlook on life varied in such interesting ways among the Scottish students compared to Americans. The program opened me up to having more fun and not taking school work too seriously.
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 classes were relatively interesting and taught far differently from my home university. Classes occurred less frequently and I had far less of a work load as compared to in the states. However at times classes were almost too convenient to miss as a result it became easy to fall behind and cause problems when it comes to the papers. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Most the international students are put in flats rather than the dorms. Although you do get more personal space, at times they feel isolated from one another. |
| * Food: |
The food was the worst aspect of the trip. Lots of fried pub food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Stirling was very homey feeling but close enough to large cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow where you can still have the city experience. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The University of Stirling felt extremely safe. Cameras were everywhere and I never heard of any crime whatsoever. |
| 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? | Most likely about $60 on food and quite a bit was additionally spent on alcohol. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The biggest killer is the exchange rate. You won't realized how bad it is until you check your bank account after your purchase. Traveling also was more experienced than expected, there were many unknown expenses which accrued. |
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? | Biggest advice is to get involved in a club. If you do there is no way you will regret going on the trip. But if you close yourself off its going to be a long semester. |
