Scotland: a truly humbling experience that changed the way I see the world. Past Review
By David P (Biology, University of Northern Iowa) for
University of Stirling: Stirling - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
YES, very much so, I would do it again if i could. My future plans have been reinforced, I was unsure whether or not I wanted to continue to travel all over the world, but since I have spent these few months abroad, all of my ideas have surfaced, and I hope to elaborate upon them in years to come.
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 grading, and examination system was very different than my own, which I had experienced throughout my first two and a half years at my home university. It was different, but I believe that I gained knowledge of how to cope with difficult situations. There was also a fairly large difference in the teaching methods used, many more professors, who specialized in specific fields, only giving a few lectures, to the point where I was taking 3 classes, but over the semester, had 10-15 different professors. Although there is variation in my home grading system, the grading system used in Scotland was much different. The material used to decide upon a grade was based only on a final test, and possibly a research paper, with some variation. |
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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? |
The Scottish language is very different than our American english that we use so often. The experience of having lived with the group of students that I did, was a very unique time of my life. I gained some knowledge from living with them. Not all of my memories are positive, but the positive memories far out weigh the few negative occurrences, which I experienced through out my time in Scotland. |
| * Food: |
mainly cooked for myself, which I enjoyed, however, there were options for on campus dining. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The pub culture in Scotland, really the rest of England, and Ireland, was amazing. It was great to experience such a culture in which a pub is a central location for social events, and just having a good time with friends. There were many other options, the wild life, nature, and environment around campus is abundant, and very impressive, and something that I will remember for many years to come. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Felt very safe through out my time there. There is an on campus security team, in most parts, as well as a police force which patrols the city. The city has really shaped up, according to most locals, and is really a great place to live. |
| 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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Language
| 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?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get out there, and see the world, its a big place, so don't limit yourself to the world around you, that you are always comfortable in. There is no reason not to try to meet new people, every one has something to offer, and some of the relationships that you will make while abroad will last a lifetime . |
