API: Experience Edinburgh, Scotland (Scholarships Available)

I was part of a trial program between API and my university where we combined our in-person specialized university classes with Heriot Watts university. Because it was a new program, the onboarding process gave little to no details and left students in the dark. But once I got to Scotland, I met a lot of Heriot Watt students that I'm still friends with a year later and go to go see Scotland through excursions and personal adventures. I learned how to be more independent and confident in self. Some hiccups that happened were the fire alarm going off 13 times during the night in a single month in my accommodation, but API Edinburgh team helped me moved into another building and getting appointments at the GP was difficult especially without a UK number. Overall, I had a great time and encourage others to take the chance and study abord.

I really struggled in adapting when I studied abroad. I didn't know anyone else in my program, and I had a couple of health issues that made the start difficult. However, API helped me tremendously to fit it. They helped me relocate, took me to the doctor, and were a wonderful support to lean on. I am so happy I picked this program, as by the end, I couldn't believe I had to go home. I ended up making wonderful friends, and having an incredible 4 months.

Without a doubt, there isn't a day that goes by without me thinking or talking about my time studying abroad in Scotland with API! Where to begin - from the moment I decided to apply to the program, the entire admissions staff was extremely helpful (not to mention incredibly kind) in guiding me through the application process. Once I was accepted & flash forward to my arrival day in Scotland, I felt a genuine sense of comfort knowing that I had a program manager (living in the country) who I could message anytime with questions, advice or simply see while hanging out on weekend cultural immersive API events. Furthermore, I chose to study abroad with API because I loved the idea that being with API meant that there would be a whole other group of American students studying abroad with me - as I didn't know anyone at the University of Edinburgh before arrival, it was nice to know that I would have a whole immediate group of 'friends' to build a connection with as we explored living in the city (who I still to this day stay in touch with)! Not to mention, the University of Edinburgh was honestly a dream school for me - If I could be a student for life, I would probably study there for the duration :) Overall, anyone looking for the best study abroad experience, look no further, whether you go to Scotland or anywhere else with API, you're sure to be in great hands as it was one of the best times of my life (API, University of Edinburgh, 2018).

My experience studying abroad in the Fall of 2017 was incredible! I had a hard time picking a program and location because of all the options that were available. Once I had it narrowed down to the UK, the picture of the University of Edinburgh is what eventually made my decision. It was absolutely dreamlike! The API staff was with me all along the way. From after I submitted my first application to getting reacclimated to the States when I returned home, I always had a contact within the program that I could ask questions and get answers from. The best part with API was all of our Cultural Excursions. We had four excursions to different prominent cities in Scotland that gave us a good look at the different cultures within Scotland from the Scottish Highlands to the largest city, Glasgow. We also had culture events throughout the semester that gave us many authentic Scottish experiences. We went to things like a rugby game, we had afternoon tea, and went on a scotch whiskey tour. These events happened almost every week and showed me new things that I wouldn't have thought to see or do without the group. In Scotland, there was an onsite program director that led us in these excursions. She was an American who had moved to Scotland to get married. Alexis had a unique perspective as she had been in our shoes before. She had studied as a grad student at the University of Edinburgh so she also had good advice for schooling and how to navigate that. I got to see first hand how involved she could be in case of extreme circumstances. API gave us the option of how involved they needed to be. If we needed something, they were there. If we didn't, we could be as independent as we wanted to be. There was initial training online to do before we left and then there was helpful country-specific training once we got there with information like where to buy toiletries and groceries. There was information on language differences, even though they speak English there are certain words that mean different things in Scotland versus over here in America. Studying abroad was the experience of a lifetime. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone, there are so many programs out there that everyone should be able to find one that they can make work. It broadens your horizons and teaches you life lessons that can only be learned through experiencing them. I have gained confidence and the ability to articulate my Study Abroad experience while in Scotland and since I've been back!