Semester in Scotland - Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh is a hidden gem of a city, it was like walking into a different time period. There were plenty of opportunities for students to join in on school functions, everyone was very kind and inviting. The transportation was super to figure out and my confidence grew so much from my experience!

As I reflect on my time in Scotland I can’t help but get emotional and express gratitude at the fact that I got to experience an amazing culture and people. I decided to study abroad while sitting in my research methods class, which was taught by Dr. Frischherz. Her passion and realness instantly persuaded me to apply for the trip. This was my first time outside of the country so I was a bit anxious, but that was quickly overcome with excitement. I truly believe we had the most amazing coordinator because our CISabroad onsite coordinator, Shandin, far exceeded expectations. She was clearly knowledgeable about the location and engaged in many conversations with us from academics to politics to pop music. She was a pivotal part of why the trip was as great as it was. The hostel was great (minus no hot water initially) and was located perfectly. It was nice being in the hotel for a week because it was right on princess street, had amazing breakfast and sticky bbq wings, and had a view of the castle. I was taken by surprise at how accepting the locals were of different types of people. That was evident in the way they treated minorities in regards to race, gender, ability, and socioeconomic status. One thing that really stood out was the way the homeless were treated. The stigma was gone and they were treated as humans. That was a refreshing thing to see because of how different the homeless are treated in Baltimore. The food was absolutely AMAZING. It’s very clear that they don’t beef their animals up worn steroids. Things were fresh, and minus the deep fried foods, healthier. I enjoyed walking most places and not having the ability to text or talk to people often. I was able to take it all in and appreciate being in the moment. I’m excited to talk about this trip for the years to come. It has truly changed my life.

Before going abroad I was SO nervous about leaving home, my friends and family, normal life... etc. I am eternally grateful that I went because I made such amazing memories and friends that will last me a lifetime. I felt so comfortable in my program, with the people I met, and the advisors I had helping me along the way. It was an experience that I wish everyone could have.

I would not trade my experience in Edinburgh for the whole world. I truly believe I had some of the best few months of my life while I was there and I would return in a second if given the opportunity. The housing offered was great, I lived with seven other girls in a flat with a shared kitchen and living space but we each had our own bathroom and bedroom. The location was a bit far from campus but I was able to experience taking a bus everyday which I actually came to really enjoy (just some extra time to find new music)! The flat was also close to many great sites. There is so much to do in Edinburgh that it is practically impossible to be bored. Princes Street, Georges Street, and the Royal Mile offer so many shopping opportunities and cafe spots. You can also be active by visiting Arthur's Seat or walking to Calton Hill and experiencing the beautiful views of Edinburgh. The site director for the semester in Edinburgh is so lovely and kind and will make you feel at home immediately. I made some of the best friends as well and will cherish my time in this amazing place with them for years to come.

Studying abroad with CIS was the best decision I have ever made. From the moment I applied, their program was thorough, clear, and simple, and their team is responsive, passionate, and caring. Over a year ago, I showed interest in studying with CISAbroad. I was almost immediately contacted by the representative that specialized in the area I was interested in to introduce herself, see if I had any questions, and invite me to phone call conversation to discuss my options. She was so personable, caring, and patient, and had a clear answer to every question I asked. I immediately knew that this was the company I wanted to study with, and now only had to choose my location. This representative was happy to engage in another phone call and help me decide on the program best for me, after weighing my options, we decided Edinburgh was the place for me. From then on, the process only got less stressful. Their team members were welcoming and enthusiastic and made me feel as if I was a part of a community before even setting foot on the airplane. Their information packets were thorough, comprehensive, and detailed. I knew exactly what needed to be done, by when, and how. Any questions that popped up were answered in a timely, professional, and enthusiastic manner. Then, the pre-departure orientation explained nearly every detail of what to pack, what to do, and what to expect. It also introduced us to our wonderful program coordinator Jeanna. If I could write an entire review on how incredible Jeanna was, I absolutely would. She was so caring, kind, and motherly. Every person in our program cherished her and agreed that she helped us to feel at home in such a new country. Maggie, our program coordinator in the states was in frequent and personal contact with us to make sure that we were adjusting well and enjoying our experience. When we arrived in Edinburgh, we were instantly taken care of, with rides from the airport provided, on-site orientations, and recommendations about where to buy necessities, I never once felt lost or overwhelmed during my first week in Scotland. Jeanna brought us out for dinner that night to help us get to know one another and discuss what we should expect coming up, and then took us for a walking tour of the city. I can still remember the things I learned on that tour because of how personable, knowledgeable, and kind Jeanna is. I felt as if I was moving into my new home. Jeanna made sure to meet with us often and check in frequently, from coffees to Facebook messages, she went far above and beyond to help us have the best semester possible. I genuinely believe that she is the reason I did not feel homesick, and I could never have enough words to thank her. The best part of my study abroad experience by far was the infamous CIS Scotland Highland Tour! This excursion, covered in our tuition and fees, took us on a tour of the highland to see the most beautiful, memorable, and incredible views I have ever seen. I will never, ever forget the experiences I saw on this trip from famous landscapes (including the Harry Potter Bridge), bonding with my fellow students, and, of course, eating Haggis! CIS was not only affordable, but so beyond worth the money spent on the program. For less than I pay a semester at my home institution, we were provided extremely comfortable student accommodation, a fantastic education at a Scottish Institution, and experiences that I will never in my life forget. I absolutely loved my classes at the institution. I learned so many interesting things from extremely knowledgeable professors and was both intrigued and challenged by the subject matter. Likewise, there were so many course options to choose from that it was nearly impossible for someone to not find something they were interested in. I loved collaborating with Scottish students, and creating bonds with people from the institution on group projects and outside of class time. To CIS, I can only say “thank you” for giving me the semester of a lifetime.

Living in Edinburgh was the best time of my life, and CISAbroad made it all possible. Everything I need to have a smooth semester, from getting to Scotland, actually living there and attending classes, was all taken care of by the CIS team. I made life long friends through my program, who I will cherish forever. I’m so grateful to CISAbroad, and would recommend it to anyone.

CISabroad provided me with the single most impactful and meaningful experience of my entire life. Not only were they a wonderful company that made my transition so easy (as it can be very nerve racking to move to a new country by yourself as you can imagine) but they made me feel so safe and taken care of throughout the entire 5 months I studied there. I would do it over again and again if I could! I dream about being there again every day! I am so thankful for the experience that CISabroad enabled me to have!! I'll be back one day! :)

I studied abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland, Spring 2018. I thought, wow, a semester is a really long time, what am I going to do? Turns out there were endless things to do and see from museums, gardens, hiking trails, shopping, going to pubs and clubs, and much more. I was able to go to 8 different countries, and not only get to immerse myself in Scottish culture, but also plenty of others. I met friends who I know will be my friends for the rest of my life sharing this experience I had with them in Edinburgh. I had experiences that I could not have at my own university, and I don't regret anything. While I was studying abroad, I thought I had all the time in the world to see everything, but truth is time flew by. I was excited and thrilled about everything my study abroad program offered me by not only giving me a great international education experience, but also helping me learn about the area I was living in. I was still learning more and more about Edinburgh and Europe up until I left. I was not ready to leave as I wanted to see and do more with the people I had met there. It was sad to leave all of these things behind, but I know deep down that I will be back in no time in a place that I hold close to my heart.

I wish I could accurately express and portray how much I enjoyed my experience studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was hands down the most meaningful and fulfilling experience of my life. CISabroad does such an amazing job of getting you ready before this life-changing excursion and being there once you land. Our on-site director Jeanna was incredible. When I landed in Edinburgh, I was nervous and scared as, you will learn, everyone is that first day. Jeanna was such a warm and kind person to guide us through this time. She took us out to lunch and on a short walking tour that first day and reminded us of the exciting adventure we had ahead of us. Edinburgh is the most amazing city in the world. I may be a little bias, but after spending so much time there and traveling around Europe as well, I believe it is the most incredible, quaint, quirky, sweet, little city that holds my heart forever. The city is large enough for there to be interesting things going on all the time, but small enough to feel almost as if you are in an incredible medieval town. CISabroad's program does a great job of helping you in your the times you need them the most (mostly the getting acquainted with your new city and orientation at your new school) but letting you grow and explore on your own as well. Jeanna had set up a weekend excursion for all of us CISers to the Scottish Highlands as well which will forever be one of the best weekends of my life. I couldn't recommend Edinburgh and CISabroad more. After meeting so many students who studied abroad, I can confidently say that they are one of the best companies out there. I can't wait to go back and hopefully spend even more time in the best city in the world. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!!

It is hard to put into words my semester in Edinburgh because it is more of a feeling I have, a feeling that hits so hard when I hear a word, a phrase, or see a picture that reminds me of Edinburgh because I miss it so much. I do not want to forget anything that I experienced over there where all we did was go, go, go, and we never stopped living in the exciting atmosphere. We never said "no" to anything because we wanted to live it up, and we wanted to do everything we possibly could in the short amount of time we had in Edinburgh. Time flew by and it was the hardest goodbye I have ever had to do in my life. I have never met more happy, open-minded people than I did abroad, and I have never been in a place that can make you feel so special, as well as just blow your mind with beauty. More people need to see this magical city, and that is why I have become an ambassador for my program, CISabroad, to be able to share the wonder and the opportunities it can create for others.

WOW, where do I even start!?!? Well, I would like to start off by saying that Edinburgh is such an underrated city. Before studying in this marvelous city, I had never heard of it...MY LOSS! You hear about places such as London and Belfast, however, to me, I believe Edinburgh is the most enchanting. Every cobblestoned street, corner, and close (alleyway) has its own personality. Each with unique bakeries, pubs, restaurants and possibly a man in a flow kilt playing the bagpipes if ya get really lucky! (Kilts are really more attractive than you think). Right off the bat, I made an amazing group of friends who went to my university. We were a big ol' group calling ourselves the Dingo Squad! When stepping foot into the infamous Flat 1, you would enter a room filled with accents varying from English, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, Russian and so much more. Most of the time the conversation was based around "roasting me"(out of love of course) and my sheep socks. On nights out we spent most of our time at our favorite pub, Finnegan's Wake, atop of Victoria Street! They have live music every single day of the week so it gave us an excuse to get down with our bad self and sing 80's rock songs (horribly might I add). However, beyond Finnie's, there was never a lack of amazing pubs or activities to do! Other than my group of friends, I had the best flatmates i could have ever dreamed of. We always jokes about how we were living a reality show life together as we gathered around the window to see what was happening at muscle beach that day! On the studious aspect of my time spent, I loved Edinburgh Napier University. The classes I took were very interesting...especially wine studies! Grading was a bit different and sometimes kind of confusing, but I figured it out after a wee bit. There was also so many clubs that you could join during the first week during the freshers fair! Also, my site director, Jeanna, was an absolute angel! She was always there when I needed her and was so full of love! She brought us to a traditional Scottish ceilidh and let me tell you, my calves have never been so sore and I have never been so sweaty! Dancing truly is hard!!! Also, kilts really are more attractive than you think! Anyway, the city itself stole my heart. Each time I would travel away, even just for a short weekend, it was so great to get back HOME. We would fly over the Forth Bridge and as I looked out the window I couldn't help but smile. The pilot would then come over the intercom and say "Ladies and gentlemen, we are making our final approach into Edinburgh Airport. Welcome and enjoy your stay in Scotland!", along with the local time and the temperature (which was usually something chilly where a scarf was needed). Whenever the pilot would recite that line though, my stomach would drop and automatically fill with butterflies. About 8 months after my study abroad experience I returned back to Edinburgh to visit. I was nervous it would be different, luckily for me, it felt just as much like home as it did 8 months prior. I hope to someday spend more time back in the place I have grown to love so much. Thank you so much, Edinburgh for making me realize so much...especially my love for sheep!!! Last but not least, I would like to share one of my favorite memories from my time abroad (right next to my weekend getaway up to the Highlands). The very last night before I departed back to the states, a few of us went to dinner then tried our best to catch the sunset. As we ran to the top of Calton Hill (totally out of breath), we turned around to be amazed by the sight of contrasting colors painted across the sky. As we gazed out over the city, the castle sitting strong in the dead center *que Castle on the Hill by Ed Sheeran*, I couldn't help but reminisce on the past 3 1/2 months and count my blessings and know that "everything happens for a reason". We all then came together and hugged it out. CLICHE I KNOW! Thank you, Edinburgh for making me feel complete in so many ways. A huge chunk of my heart will forever wander throughout you (most likely going to Lidl 3 times a week to pick up Digestives and peanut butter). I can't wait to return already. 11/10 recommend this program! HAPPY KILT CHECKING! ;) p.s. make sure to try haggis with neeps and tatties! It's delicious!!! CHEERS!

I absolutely loved living in Edinburgh for the 4 months I was there! The city is magical with a beautiful castle right in the center of the city. There are many lovely cafes and bakeries to explore and try throughout the city, as well as over 700 different pubs to experience. The history of the city and all it's been through over the many years is very interesting to learn about and they are very passionate about their past. I loved the city's architecture and the new and old town parts of the city and how they are very different! The city itself is very charming and safe, with excellent and easy public transportation, which makes getting around a breeze! My living situation was perfect, I lived with 7 other roommates but we all had our own room and bathroom which was great! The school was pretty small but was a great way to meet people! CISabroad was a perfect program to go through because everyone was so helpful at home and abroad, always looking out for you and making sure everything was going smoothly. Jeanna, is the site director for this program and she is amazing, so nice and a wonderful tour guide! She was your mom away from home, always there for you when you needed some assistance! Overall the city was an amazing place to be! Traveling outside of Scotland was easy too! 10/10 would recommend!

CIS Staff was extremely helpful before, during, and after the program. They helped to take care of the important stuff which really allowed me to relax and enjoy my experience. It was a once in a lifetime trip and I learned so much about myself. I suggest everyone tries a program like this. Edinburgh is a prefect choice and CIS are an excellent help.

I had the most amazing time in Scotland, and Jeanna was the best On-site Director I could have asked for. She was always there to offer a helping hand and offer suggestions and knowledge. We really would have all been lost without her those first few weeks. She was amazing every step of the way, and even helped put us in contact with other CIS directors in the countries we traveled to.

I had a lot of expectations going into my semester abroad, however my semester was better than I could have imagined. Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and safe cities I've ever been to. I'ts not too large and not too small, with plenty to do both in the way of tourist attractions and pubs (over 700 of those!). I don't regret my decision to live and study in such a great place. Edinburgh Napier is, by other university students' standards, not the nicest school in Edinburgh. I didn't mind it, but there was a culture gap in the way students in the UK learn. I'm used to having assignments every week and tests every month, but in the UK they would have (maybe) one project and then a final. It was definitely a big adjustment to make. The housing that Napier offered was nice, despite having a kitchen too small for 8 people and a radiator that decided to start spewing water in the middle of the night. The location of the housing was wonderful. Only a 10-20 minute walk from the city center, where there were plenty of stores, tourist attractions, museums, and, of course, pubs. One of my favorite parts of being in Scotland was how welcoming our on-site director Jeanna was. She was always ready to give us directions or recommendations of things to do and see. Overall my experience was spectacular. I'm so glad that I took a leap and decided to study abroad for a semester, although I was so sad when it ended. Hopefully I'll get to go back in the near future!

Edinburgh is an amazing , and underrated city. If you are thinking about going to England , I would suggest that you also look into going to Scotland. Great education, amazing nightlife, incredible history

The experience was life changing for me. I now feel as though I am a different person completely from when I first arrived in Edinburgh. I feel as though I am more myself and more independent for certain.

My semester in Edinburgh was unlike anything I've ever experienced. The culture and beauty of the city is plentiful, and the locals are welcoming. Spend plenty of time attending events and visiting restaurants in the city because thats what will make it feel like home. When you plan trips to other places most travel mainly to other European con tries, but do not forget the country you're in. Isle of Skye is a must, as are the Highlands. Day tours around the country will be your best outlet to do so. Emerse yourself in the culture; try haggis, go to a ceilidh, celebrate local holidays, and talk to locals. This trip is what you make of it, but its hard to make it anything less than wonderful when you're in such an amazing city and country.

The Semester in Edinburgh is absolutely an overall amazing experience! The only really bad complaint that I have regarding the program would be the awareness of academic expectations not being explained to me. I would have liked to have been informed of that before I left.

I can't express how much I enjoyed myself. Scotland everything I had hoped for and more. CIS runs an amazing program there and I honestly do not think I would have enjoyed myself as much if I hadn't gone through them. They were able to answer any and all questions and their contact in Edinburgh was their biggest asset. Jeanna was one of my favorites parts of going to Edinburgh. She was so kind and so involved in getting us to see Edinburgh and experience the Scottish culture.