What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired by my stepdad actually. I was going through a hard time medically and was unsure about what I wanted to do for a career. He had enlightened me with knowledge of the travel and tourism industry and when I transferred schools and had chosen my major, I realized how much I loved meeting new people and exploring new places! I had always wanted to go to the British Isles, so I made it a priority to expand my horizons across the pond!
Why did you choose CISabroad?
There weren't many study abroad programs that incorporated travel/tourism and destination management, however when I saw there was a program located in Scotland! I was SOLD!
What was your favorite part about Edinburgh?
Oh, that's a hard one! I could go on forever, but all in all, there is not one thing that I did not love about being in Edinburgh! It made me feel complete; in a way I have never felt before! I will say that I really loved how in such a big city, it also felt like I was in a small town where everyone knew everyone! I also was always fascinated that there were so many different cultures everywhere I went. I could be listening to a Scottish man one minute (not understanding anything), hear a Russian family a few minutes later, then be speaking French to a person on the bus the next! AMAZING!
Center City Edinburgh
What made your experience abroad unique?
Edinburgh has such a small town feel in such a big city! There was enough hustle and bustle to keep you entertained, but if you needed a break from it all, the coast and mountains were only a short bus ride away. I also loved being able to live in the festival capital of Europe because there was always something new to learn and experience around every cobblestoned corner.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Jeanna, my site director, always was there when I needed her! There was a time when I was spending a weekend in Portugal and ended up in the emergency room. For the next week she would check on me everyday making sure I had everything I needed.
Highlands B&B View
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I would have studied abroad sooner so that I could have either stayed longer or had the opportunity to experience it again. I studied my Senior year of college so I experienced life abroad late in the game. I would have liked to have made sure to join in on the many clubs that were available to me. I had signed up for the colleges surf club, however I was sick the first few times they trained. That and their schedule didn’t always match with mine academically. Volunteering is another thing I would have enjoyed throughout Scotland, however my Visa stated that only travel and study were permitted.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
A typical day for me would be to wake up and have my daily green tea with peanut butter oatmeal.; some things never change for me. Depending on the time and day I would then walk down the canal way to the bus stop with my fellow friends and classmates, and then travel about 10 minutes to campus. After classes I would usually spend time journaling about the previous day then proceed to make my way down to Flat 1. We would either spend hours chatting it up as well as planning trips for the upcoming weekend or take on the town with the whole Dingo Squad!
Pentlands Hike
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I wasn't walking around the city taking in all that was surrounding me (which some of the time was rain), I would be in the park either reading or writing. I did my fair share of people watching as well! Princes St, The Royal Mile, and The Gardens were some main spots for that. I also did a good bit of hiking and taking the bus to random places to explore outside the city, such as the Leith and the Pentlands. I loved that in the city I could go out and learn something new everyday, so that’s what I tried to do as much as possible.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I lived in a flat with six other girls. I have never lived with so many people in one area but I loved it! We each had our own room (HUGE might I add), our own bathroom, closet, full desk and all! We also had a grand kitchen, attached to a living area that could fit A LOT of people. We always used them for family dinners that we hosted.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Know that even though Scotland is a country where the main language is English, the accent is very heavy and they use a lot of slang! There were many times where I had no clue what people were saying, it almost sounded like a different language. However, I just took it with a grain of salt and used it as a way to learn more of how people talk on the daily.
Highlands Glen Coe
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has taught me to be flexible and not to stress about the little things; to know that everything happens for a reason. I need to just take things as they come and keep a positive attitude through all situations! I also realize that I shouldn't be afraid to take chances and go out of my comfort zone because great things can come from it. I think about my experience almost everyday and I yearn to go back. Living abroad for only three months taught me more about the world as well. It dissipated a lot of stereotypes that Americans may have on other countries. My experience truly opened my eyes to other ways of life and made me want to explore more of this beautiful Earth.
Would you recommend CISabroad? Why?
YES, I would 110% recommend. Everyone is so nice and willing to help! Not only are the people in the program helpful and caring, but the people of Edinburgh, and Scotland in general, are just as great! As quiet and timid as the people of the U.K. may seem at first, they truly are very talkative and sweet. Once they get talking with someone you can't get them to stop...I LOVE IT!
