Study Abroad in Scotland – Culture
Occupying just a third of the landmass of Great Britain, Scotland extends from just south of Edinburgh all the way north to the North Isles and the Hebrides. One of the premier spots in the world to study abroad at, Scotland offers a wide variety of cultural landscapes and histories. From Edinburgh and Glasgow in the south, to the Isle of Skye in the west, to the Hebrides in the north, Scotland is surely an attractive destination to go abroad to.
When deciding to go abroad, or do an international study, how do students decide which program to go on? Reputation, academic credibility, location, etc… In Scotland, its reputation precedes itself, with over 4000 years of history; it would be hard to find a better place to live, study or intern. With students from all over the globe going to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Stirling to study or intern abroad, there is a rare opportunity to mingle and learn about the whole world, all the while being immersed in Scottish culture.
Study Abroad in Scotland aboard the infamous Hogwarts Express!
However, as it is with studying or living anywhere abroad, Scottish culture can have its own bit of shocking aspects. The first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks of Scottish culture shock is haggis. It consists of a sheep’s pluck, or liver, lungs, and heart. Speak to almost anyone that has had it and they will say that as weird as it sounds it was not bad. What really use to be a shocker was that haggis was simmered in the stomach of the animal for three hours, and then eaten like that! However, now instead of the stomach there is usually an artificial casing that haggis is sold and eaten in.
Other Scottish cultural tidbits can be funny as well. For example there is one legend that says Scotland was a little late getting into the trend of wearing underwear. So whenever there was the famous Highlander charge from the hills to expel the evil English army, kilts, hair, and as well as other thing would be flying! The English army must have had quite the culture shock going abroad to Scotland.
Another thing that not many people know when they go abroad to Scotland is its relevance to the Harry Potter world. The Elephant House, a café located in downtown Edinburgh, known as being the “Birthplace of Harry Potter”. Students can have a coffee in the morning before going to school in the same place where J.K. Rowling wrote literature that boosted her from welfare to millionaire! Another Harry Potter relic that is located in Scotland is the infamous Hogwarts Express. The well known bridge and train from the movies is located on the Isle of Skye in western Scotland.
When it comes to studying in Scotland, students should be prepared for an experience of a lifetime. From blood pudding (sausages made from animal blood and wrapped in lamb casing) to haggis, kilts, and Harry Potter, Scotland will truly be a study abroad experience to remember.