<p>Hello all!
I am an American high school senior and I'm pretty much torn between U of Edinburgh and U of British Columbia(Vancouver). I have visited UBC so I know what its about, but I haven't been to Edinburgh or even Europe and I don't know anyone from Edinburgh, so I hope someone can help out!!
So for Edinburgh:
I was offered a "conditional" offer to the honors Chinese program. (What is this whole "conditional offer" business anyways? Like, they have the ability to withdraw their offer if I don't meet certain end-of-the-year standards?) Anyway, I am mostly worried about academics. I can keep up with tough classes and heavy workloads, but I'm worried about not being able to explore other fields. I know I want to major in Chinese(I lived in Beijing for a year abroad and am nearly fluent in Mandarin), but I'm not sure what else I want to do. Will I be able to explore a possible double-major? Do you know anything about their foreign language programs? Are classes enjoyable? What are the professors like? </p>
<p>Also, what about just straight up living there? As I said, I lived in Beijing for a year, so I understand what its like moving to another country and adapting to another culture, but what about the little things, like the weather- is it awful or bearable(is there warmth, sunlight?) I'm from MN, so the cold is really not an issue, but I'd like to get an idea. How's the food? That is of crucial importance. What are the people like? Are they easy going, snobby? ha I have no clue. Does the city feel international? What's the drinking/drug scene? Are students there attractive? What do people do on the weekends? Are students more excited about studying and learning or are they more interested in partying? </p>
<p>As for UBC, I pretty much wanna know all the same things as I mentioned above. I've been to visit, but I didn't get to spend anytime looking at language courses or talking to students. Anything helps though!! I hope someone helps me out ha.</p>
But when you do definitely look into it! I see UBC students out all the time, shopping and dining and going to shows or games. We’re very supportive of our teams, especially the Canucks, so the atmosphere there is great. Also, there are little things that are just as entertaining. For example, I’ve been to a this little improv show at a small theatre- it’s only about $18 to go and it’s about 90 minutes of a group of comedians doing all sorts of crazy improv. I’m getting carried away haha… well I have nothing at all about the actual schooling, apart from the fact I know it’s very good and they don’t let just anyone in. Vancouver is an amazing city and if you come you won’t be dissapointed, with the city life at least :)</p>