Scotland completely changed my life and I cannot wait to go back! Past Review
By Saralyn H (Social Work/Psychology, Illinois State University) for
University of Stirling: Stirling - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Absolutely! It gave me a insight of the world. Made me grow as a person. I loved it!
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. |
It was great! Doable classes and I really enjoyed myself. Was the best year of my life. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was great! I really have no complaints. Everyone was so very helpful and the classes were great. Anything I needed help with they were there for. And Scotland is a very beautiful country and everyone is so friendly. I would recommend it to anyone. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Well you fill out a form before you leave the country and the University sorts out housing for you. My flat was basic, but nice. I had great roommates first semester and not so great ones second semester, but that did not ruin my time in Scotland. I lived in campus, so it was very safe. And my friends who lived in town said they never had issues with safety either. |
| * Food: |
Buying food is the cheapest route. but they have great restaurants in town. I would recommend Ziggy's, Papa Joe's, and Nando's. All great food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Scottish Ceilidhs are the best dances ever and they really help you get a feel of their culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The city I stayed in was very safe. I never had any issues. And you do not need any vaccines for this program. |
| 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 spent about $30 a week on food and about $20 on personal expenses unless I was traveling, then a lot more. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bus fare. How expensive food was. Train fare. Hostel fare. Just bring more money than you think you will need. It is easy to spend a lot. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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?
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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? | Make the most if it. Get lost. Make best friends. Attend everything. Just go with an open mind and live life. You won't regret it! It was the most rewarding experience of my life and I've made the best friends I could have ever asked for! :) |
