Study Abroad in Scotland – Travel
Why is it that Scotland is such a captivating place to study abroad at? Do Americans participate on overseas programs there for its the history? Or for an international study focusing on Scottish independence? Maybe it’s the fact that there are over 10 million Scottish descendents around the world that seek a connection with their homeland when they study. Probably, it’s a combination of all of these reasons. Also, the fact that Scotland itself is very beautiful and every loch, city, village, and valley has a story or legend connected to it makes just traveling the country an adventure.
Two of top locations to study abroad at in Scotland are Edinburgh, which is the capital, and St. Andrews, the most prestigious university in Scotland. Edinburgh is obviously an attractive city to study abroad at because of its different historical and aesthetic features.
Study Abroad in Edinburgh and experience the amazing city and its famous castle!
For example you can walk down the main street and pass a monument dedicated to Adam Smith, the author of the first modern work of economics, then go on to have a coffee at the Elephant House, which is one of the cafes that J.K. Rowling chose to write her famous Harry Potter books at. Along with this, Edinburgh also exhibits a vibrant nightlife with lots of different pubs and underground bars to experience. Also, Edinburgh is located in the beautiful Scottish countryside with beautiful hikes such as Arthur’s Rock only a couple of minutes away.
If students choose to study abroad at University of St. Andrews, they will not be disappointed. With just over 30% of its student population being international and 15% of the students are from North America, St. Andrews possesses a multinational and diverse culture. It is also ranked consistently as the number one university in Scotland according to The Guardian and it is usually ranked 3rd best university in the United Kingdom right behind Cambridge and Oxford. It is also located in the quaint, attractive town of St. Andrews on the east coast of Scotland in the beautiful county of Fife. Students can also golf on some of the most beautiful and most esteemed courses in the world right outside of town.
Along with having excellent locations to study abroad at, Scotland offers amazing road trips through the highlands to all of its different cities. For example, one can buy a weeklong bus trip that visits all of the different major highland cities. One student told of his trip that started in Edinburgh, then went up to Loch Ness for the night where he took a boat that searched for Nessie. Then the bus went through the middle of the highlands, through beautiful valleys and amazing lochs to Inverness, the capital of the highlands. According to legend there is not one single attractive person in Inverness, but when asked about it the student had no comment. After Inverness the bus went onto the Isle of Skye where they took a ride on the Hogwarts Express from the famous Harry Potter movies. From there the bus went to scotch whiskey distillery where the student saw what goes on behind the scenes in one of the world’s most popular drink distilleries. From there the bus headed back towards Edinburgh but stopped at the battleground where Robert the Bruce officially won Scottish independence from England. Finally the trip ended back in Edinburgh and the student felt like a week had been a month and was greatly satisfied with his trip.
In conclusion, Scotland offers a well-rounded experience for anyone who is looking to do an overseas program or study abroad. From the prestigious University of St. Andrews, to the exquisite historical Edinburgh, to the enriching Highlands, Scotland will never leave the student unsatisfied with their experience.