58 reviews
3.96 / 5 based on 58 reviews
Useful |
0
AMelosi
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Well, seeing as I am a "native" American speaker, I was looking forward to experiencing "proper" English English. As one who has devoted most of her time to studying and enjoying the English language in all its forms, I greatly enjoyed listening and being exposed to novelties of usage, accent, vocabulary, slang, etc. And of course the Scottish accent is impossible not to like. It was difficult to hear Americans speak. I see now where the "loud" American stereotype comes from. I tried my best to avoid that way of self-presentation.
Read more >
Useful |
0
AMelosi
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
Travel, obviously requires more money than when one is based at "home." When abroad, one wants to "try everything": food, drink, night life, etc.
Read more >
Housing, Overall, Travel, Telephone, Nightlife, Food:
was more expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Bank fees. Unable to obtain form of employment. Get student ID cards for travel discounts. Car pool, share rides, network. Stay w/friends instead of hotels. Hostels great.
Read more >
Useful |
1
AMelosi
Academic
Course recommendations
The round table/tutorial formats took some adjusting to for my line of studies. I enjoyed the intensive conversational style that demanded student attention and participation. Conversely, some of the larger lectures/professors were too remote/inaccessible.
Read more >
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
More focus. Too general at times. Lack of follow-up with individual student needs/progress/comprehension.
Read more >
My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
Useful |
3
AMelosi
Overall
I wish I had known...
DON'T BRING SO MUCH "STUFF"!! Get most of it over there! Travel MORE, especially the host country. Meet as many people as possible, esp. outside of your comfort zone. Try something new every day. Finance more beforehand; set up fiscal plan. Budget. Don't try Haggis for the first time when you're hung over.
Read more >
In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Provide "job" opportunities of some sort for financial assistance or lower living costs. Have more intensive, progressive, and accessible health provider programs that address issues common to student bodies: alcohol use, depression, sexual protection, homesickness, financial hardship, etc.
Read more >
During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
See above.
Don't study abroad to escape real responsibilities or existing situations, including issues related to emotional well-being, that require your presence at home. Problems do not disappear when you cross state/country lines.
Don't study abroad just to drink and party. Even though that can be a fun way to meet people, too much time, money, and health can be wasted doing what you can just do at home.
Be pro-active and inquisitive about joining student groups, meeting international students, investigating local culture.
Don't neglect studies as much as possible.
Have intelligent, constructive conversations about important issues; listen to others' opinions + perspectives.
Leave a legacy of friendship that continues past university years.
If you're an American, tone it down.
Don't consort only w/your own nationality. I noticed American, French, Italian, and MOST of all English students especially guilty of this.
Volunteer in community.
Take lots of pictures.
HAVE FUN.
Try all the food.
Read more >
Useful |
2
AMelosi
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
Read more >
Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Gosh, it's been a while. The West End café. The North Sea coast line. Haunting and unforgettable. The Highlands, Edinburgh. Getting to know locals.
Read more >
Useful |
7
AMelosi
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
Having made friends, I would return and live in a more intimate situation. Living in a dorm is a great way for a first-year student to meet other people but can also feel very disconnected.
Read more >
Personal comments
This particular campus building was beautiful, very traditional, and true to the University's original character. In those respects, it met all my interests as a year-abroad student. I thoroughly enjoyed living around so many international students, but somewhat regret opting to have my own room; could be quite isolating.
Read more >
en 
English
Español
Français