Scotland: It's become my 2nd home! Past Review
By Hayley E (Vocational Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin - Stout) for
University of Wisconsin - River Falls: Dalkeith - Wisconsin in Scotland
Definitely worth while. And it didn't set me behind in my studies. Make sure you save yoru general education credits though.
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. |
Workload was doable, even with travelling to different countries every weekend. No difference in educational system since it's American teachers teaching us. The teachers were very aware that we wanted to travel every weekend and adjusted around that. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program size was good. There were about 60 kids in the program. The only downfall was the attitude of some of them. Patty, the director, is originally from Minnesota so she is easily relatable. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was a little frustrating living with 60 other students. THe house is cleaned by the students so the house wasn't always tidy. I was sometimes grossed out living in the house but it was livable. My room was clean so that was good enough for me. I did live with 5 roomates and luckily we all got along. We needed to bring or purchase all of our sheets, towels, toiletries, etc. Cookware is provided, although usually needs to be washed before use since people "forget" to wash the community dishes. |
| * Food: |
Food is good. They make food for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten free for people who require that. Eat at Itihias....it's amazing. It's in Dalkeith. And try to experience haggis, that's also good. Have a full scottish breakfast at Spoon's (local pub). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Went to many countries. House field trips: London, Highlands and other side trips Personal trips: Ireland, Spain, Italy, France |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
City's safety is slim. Cops are not allowed to have guns. There was a girl found dead from the town in the river behind the house (ruled as a suicide). PRetty sketchy at night, since 2 of our housemates were mobbed walking home. Healthcare is free so that's a plus! No money needed! I only needed one vaccine...hepatitis something or other. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Not sure |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try to save your money. THe exchange rate is terrible so your money will only go about half way. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
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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? | Do it. If you have the chance you need to take it. Be outgoing, meet new people. Remember that opportunities are once in a lifetime and you will not regret going to this! I loved it in Scotland and talk about it everyday. Travelling is cheap over there giving me the chance to see so much of the world! Do it do it do it. |
