Summer in Scotland (Stirling)

I absolutely loved my time studying abroad in Scotland at the University of Stirling. I felt very supported by the University's team as well as Jeanna, the CIS Abroad On-Site Coordinator. There was always something to do through the University as well as events organized by Jeanna. There was also plenty of room to branch off on your own and explore. Scotland was absolutely breathtakingly beautiful, especially the highlands. There's something for everyone in Scotland, whether its visiting local pubs, hiking, or historical sightseeing. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad.

This past summer I spent four amazing weeks in Scotland all because of CISabroad. Out of all the programs that I googled, CIS had exactly what I was looking for: affordable, accommodating, good safety record, and interesting classes. The staff here in the US and in Scotland were always there when I had a question or concern. Through CIS I made life long friends on my trip and I’ll forever be grateful. I definitely recommend any CISabroad program to anyone especially Summer in Scotland: Stirling!

I absolutely fell in love with Scotland. I loved the culture, the people, the way school was set up, literally everything. I had class three days a week, Monday-Wednesday and on Thursdays we traveled somewhere with the other people in my program. On Friday's we either had excursions for our classes or we were free to do whatever. This allowed me to not only travel all over Scotland but I got to experience London and Belfast as well. My favorite trip was to tour the Scottish Highlands. It was on that tour that I fell in love with the most beautiful site you could ever imagine, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. I instantly got tears and realized traveling is my passion and that I was on the right path. Our living situation was different than from my time studying abroad in Paris. I lived in what they called "flats" which was a hallway that were full of one bedroom rooms then a kitchen. We spent a lot of our time all hanging out in each others kitchens all over our building. I prefer this accommodation over my previous one. I absolutely loved Scotland and cannot wait to go back there.

My summer in Scotland was the most nerve racking, life changing experience of my life. Being a shy 20 year old from Tennessee, I never thought I would have the opportunity to travel to Scotland and indulge myself in the culture while expanding my education. i have always loved traveling but never thought I’d have the time to do it while in college, nor the money to be able to. But with CIS I was able to do both of those things. I was pushed out of my comfort zone, met the most incredible people, and saw the most amazing places all while taking classes. There’s not one thing I would change about my experience in Scotland

My time at the University of Stirling International Summer School was life changing, as cliche as that might sound. Right from the get go I felt comfortable speaking with the interns involved with the program, and they were wonderfully friendly and informed. I ended up making a great group of friends to travel with, and the school as well as the CISAbroad site coordinator helped us when we needed it. It would have been nice to have some sort of meal plan for budgeting purposes, but I understand why they didn’t. The courses were incredibly engaging and the tutors knew how to work with international students, but still set high enough expectations that I felt well challenged. Through excursions and self-planned trips I felt like I got the entirety of the Scottish experience, and the connections I made encourage me to go back and travel around my home country. I would HIGHLY recommend this program - it’s well organized, has friendly staff, and is set in such a beautiful and local nook of Scotland that you’ll grow to feel is your second home.

This experience brought many new opportunities into my life. Traveling to a new place gives a new appreciation for life and the little things it offers. I gained a whole new insight on life, where I live, and where I was for the summer. Scotland stole a piece of my heart. I was pushed out of my comfort zone which can be very intimidating at times but it allowed to meet some of my best friends, explore a new place, learn new things, and learn more about myself than I ever have before. This opportunity wouldn't have been possible with the help of CISabroad and all the activities they planned allowing me to feel comfortable and meet new people in my new home.

I had the best time ever. I was a completely amazing experience and I am so glad that I went. I created memories that will last a lifetime. I met so many wonderful people that I hope to stay in contact with in the future.

Choosing to study abroad in Scotland was one of the best things I ever did! The people on the Stirling campus were so nice, helpful, and understanding that most of us had not been abroad before. I wish I could have had more time there, but looking back it was one of the best summers and best month of my life!

The University of Stirling has a strong program with ISS. Through out the program they provided weekly activities and excursions where you learn about Scottish culture along with learning about your chosen subjects. I had fantastic professors and great classes were I learned a lot! The interns and RAs were friendly and really cared that every student had a positive experience. Stirling itself is a great little city with plenty to see and do. I will say though that after staying in the flats I'm sure I can sleep on anything.

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This has been an amazing trip, I would do it over again in a heartbeat! The administration was tricky to figure out, but to be honest, no one really studies while they're studying abroad. I met some amazing people and had the time of my life. Scotland was so much more than expected, I had the time of my life here. Social Life: I don't drink alcohol and much of the culture is pub culture but don't let that deter you from coming.

This was a wonderful experience that helped me experience a new way of life. Although I wished I had done even more, I don't think I would have ever been fully satisfied in one month here. I am so grateful for the opportunity. Academics: The classes I took were wonderful and really relevant to my education as a whole. My professors really cared about us and I enjoyed every minute of it. Living Situation: Not the most modern living situation but definitely nice to have my own bedroom and a full kitchen. Cultural Immersion: Did interact with some Scottish people and customs but not actively pursued by the university. Program Administration: Really tried to help us with our experience but not always readily available. Health and Safety: Very safe on campus. Just don't be in the city alone.

My weekend trip to the Highlands. Everything I did there... fishing on the loch, seeing the train tracks from the Harry Potter movies... just everything about that weekend. I especially loved climbing the through the Three Sisters and singing an opera aria for my friends in The Hidden (Lost) Valley! Something most people can only dream of doing! There were lots of things behind my decision, but I wanted a psychology course as well as a place with easy weather. Scotland in the summer is really beautiful--even though it rained, it wasn't bad. No humidity and just enough sun. It was only once I arrived that I realized I'd gotten so much more than I though I would, and I was so glad for it! Traditional dorm/apartment living. The kitchen was great, living room too. I actually really loved my room! It was nice because we lived with other people in our apartments. You really get to know everyone in your program while still having your own space.

I've never experienced anything that has made me feel so strongly. I can't even say a specific emotion, but I know that I will always think back on this experience and be so full of joy that I got to see the things I saw and do the things I did. You get a taste of the old, going on tours in the Highlands and hearing all the myths of how different mountains came into being or what stories different ancient lands played host to. I really, truly fell in love with Scotland. I climbed mountains, sang opera in The Hidden Valley for all of my friends, took pictures with sheep and highland cows, saw and walked through the ruins of places that have seen so much of history, met the most amazing people--Scottish and otherwise, experienced traditional and modern Scotland, and drank a ton of whiskey. I will certainly, definitely go back one day! And you should go, too!

The University of Stirling has an incredible campus; it's more like a small town than a college campus. There are several stores that supply everything from books to full meals to medication. Using grocery store on campus is a must as the nearest store off campus is a 20-minute walk. The student union also has two cafes and a movie theatre, both of which are great for socializing with others! The education was clearly top-notch, but perhaps not during the summer session. My professor didn't push us too much because he understood that it was only a 4-week course, but then the final assignments were much harder than he led us to believe. The student flats also leave much to be desired; uncomfortable beds, and broken faucets and showers were hallmarks in most of the flats. The porter is available to fix these problems 24/7, but he visited once to survey our problems, promised to return the next day, and never showed up again. Overall, I had a great experience OUTSIDE my flat. Stirling is a gorgeous city with many things to do and lots of history to experience. The pub food is superb and the locals are very friendly and love to have a good time with the American students. I would definitely visit Stirling for a month - any longer, and it would be very difficult to continue living in the flats. Academics: Since classes were only 4 weeks long, the professor didn't try to teach anything really substantial. The final assignments were excessive considering the amount we learned and feedback contained conflicting information. Living Situation: Very uncomfortable beds, loud noises all through the night, broken bathroom faucet, flooded shower, overly sensitive smoke alarms. Cultural Immersion: The trips included in the program costs were incredible! We went to St. Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow free of charge. Program Administration: The administration was available at all times; they clearly took pride in their jobs and it had a positive effect on our time there. Health and Safety: The fire alarm went off several times while we were at the university - the porter would be at our flats very quickly to ascertain what was happening. There are fire doors everywhere in the flats, which could end up saving lives in the event of a fire. Social Life: The students in the flats love to have a good time - most of my flatmates were Americans under the age of 21, which was both good and bad. They love to go to pubs and it is easy to make friends and socialize. This was negative because many of the students would come home at 4 or 5am and the doors in the flat slam so a good night's sleep isn't that likely.

There is no exaggeration when it is reported that the University of Stirling has one of the most picturesque campuses in the UK. With the Airthrey Castle and Airthrey Loch on campus, as well as a full 18 hole golf course and a full view of the Wallace National Monument, the University of Stirling is truly beautiful. Though the campus is quite large, it becomes easier to navigate as you become more familiar with it. Tours of the campus will reveal the dormitory buildings, classroom buildings, a gym, and several paths built for walking and hiking. The Wallace National Monument is also within walking distance of campus, only taking about 5 minutes. The campus is two miles away from the town of Stirling, which hosts many restaurants and cafes as well as the town mall and is easily reachable by a bus or taxi (unless you're up for the hour long walk!). Additionally, the Stirling Castle is well within walking distance from the heart of Stirling and is well worth a visit to experience one of Scotland's most beautiful and historic castles. Within much closer walking distance is the small town of Bridge of Allan. Not quite the bustling town of Stirling, but still complete with many quaint shops and restaurants. Stirling also houses a train station with trains going to the busy cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, easily affordable for a day trip. The public transportation in Stirling is quite easy to navigate, especially with all the bus stops having a full schedule of the different busses that stop there as well as the routes they take. Though Stirling itself is not that big, it is a wonderful place to study. The small, hometown feel is great for a relaxing study abroad experience without having to deal with the stresses of studying in a bigger, more tourist laden city such as Edinburgh or Glasgow (though they both are most certainly worth more than one day trip). If you're planning on studying in Scotland, this university really is one of the best choices available. Academics: The classes were interesting and appropriately challenging. Living Situation: The accommodations were easy and comfortable to live in. The scenery was beautiful and the campus was easy navigate. Cultural Immersion: It was very easy to immerse myself in the Scottish culture. As it is an English speaking country, there were no language barriers to overcome and there were many businesses that were similar to the ones that can be found in the United States. Program Administration: The program administrators were so helpful and so friendly. They made my stay in the country wonderful. Health and Safety: I always, always felt safe in Stirling. Because it was significantly smaller than Edinburgh and Glasgow and doesn't have as many tourists, I never felt like I was in danger of being mugged or assaulted. Social Life: Several pubs and clubs to choose from when going out at night - all very fun and safe places to be.

I had a lot of fun and learn more things then I though i would just by visiting the town Academics: Classes were informative Living Situation: The only complaint i have is that I didnt get to live with the people we had requested to live with. Health and Safety: I never felt unsafe Social Life: Everyone is really friendly

I had a very good time while in Scotland. I had a lot of trouble recieving packages, so it's not worth it to try and ship internationally. All of the people were very friendly and helpful and this is an experience I will never forget. Living Situation: Bed was hard as cement

Here I learned how to and not to do things; what to and not to eat; where to and not to go, and most importantly how to live.

I greatly enjoyed my surroundings at Stirling University, though the cultural exposure was somewhat limited. Cultural Immersion: Would have been nice to integrate with Scottish students more. We didn't get to know any students that weren't from America aside from the interns.

During my CIS abroad summer in scotland, I was emerged into a different culture and had amazing experiences I won't ever forget. I'm glad that I chose CIS abroad and I have had the best summer of my life. All smooth sailing, and now that I'm home, I want nothing more than to go back to Scotland!

The time I have spent here has been very enriching and wonderful. Living Situation: I wish the location of the dorms were closer to campus Cultural Immersion: I wish there was more diversity

Stirling was a delightful surprise. Being there was like being home. Never have I felt so welcome and comfortable. This city was so easy to settle into, everyone is so friendly and polite, I always felt safe and I was always having a good time. The University has some challenging work, but the work definitely pays off. Academics: The coursework was more challenging than I had anticipated. Living Situation: I was housed with the greatest people; definitely made some long-term friends Cultural Immersion: Stirling is the greatest city! Can't wait to go back there! Program Administration: I loved everyone in charge!

Overall it was a really great experience! I would definitely recommend the program to anyone interested in studying abroad. Health and Safety: Very safe city. Social Life: Tons of places to hang out in the area and interesting tours to go on.

This program was very well organized and very well executed. I loved my modules, and the professors were incredible. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who wanted to go to Scotland. Academics: I absolutely loved my classes during this summer abroad. Living Situation: Good accommodations. Cultural Immersion: I was with all American students. Program Administration: Good administration. Health and Safety: I never didn't feel safe. Social Life: It was pretty easy to be social.

The University of Stirling enables a great focus on providing their students with the ability to soak up the Scottish culture. Even challenge its newcomers to what it means to be Scottish. However, the experience average and did not meet my expectation of being life altering. Just learned different words and phrases as well as ate traditional Scottish food. Nothing too enlightening. This was my first out of the United States adventure, and I am quite saddened that it wasn't everything I had hoped. Academics: The expectations of what the classes would be like were muddled and skewed. For Example, the Photographing the Urban class is not a studio photography class, it is more of an art history with multiple research papers and some photography taking projects. Living Situation: The flats were designed to be co-ed which relieved a lot of tension. If it wasn't then the 98% female population would have a hard time living on campus. Cultural Immersion: Every week a new taste of Britain was distributed as well as a huge focus on showing the students what living in the UK is like by taking us on day trips and providing a traditional dance program. Program Administration: The range of students in attendance included of age and those still in High School. Because of the vastness of age ranges and maturity levels, the administration should have taken better care in owning responsibility for us students. Leaving people at locations on purpose without cause isn't something to lead by. This is an out of the country experience be more gentle to those still trying to find themselves. Health and Safety: Regardless of program administration, the safety of this trip is decent. Just make sure you are a leech to other people and you will be fine. One girl did get stinging nettle on her leg during the surprised hike to Bridge of Allan! Social Life: The experience cost a lot of money to just be an average experience. Did not have that much money to work with so it caused me to turn down every pub excursion and night out at the club. Everyone else seemed to use their money towards those things and I stayed back because I did not want to waste my money on drinking and clubbing. The other students snubbed be from the start.

Scotland was fantastic, but I definitely learned more from outside the classroom than in it. Cultural Immersion: Classes were only American students with a very few exceptions

I have loved my experience here in Scotland. I made some new friends that I hope to stay in touch with many for the rest of my life. We formed such great relationships and had amazing adventures around the country. The classes were interesting and the teachers were really cool. If I could I would relive thes experience over and over. Stirling is such a pretty place and there is so much to do and it is so easy and cheap to travel around. I would recommend this trip to anyone. It is truly unforgettable

The program I went to was definitely worth the time and the money. I have learned and experienced so much in my time here. I would do this again in a heartbeat if I could. I have made friends for a lifetime and really understood myself and my home culture. I've tried so many new things and have seen things that no one could say they have ever had the chance to. I wouldn't trade this for the world. Academics: It's really fun. Certainly interesting getting a misleading piece of information for a class (not CIS' fault). I learned a lot for how short the classes were. Living Situation: I got lucky with my flatmates. I enjoyed having a sink in my room! Cultural Immersion: We interact a lot with the interns and with the other US students. But as far as interacting with the local culture, it's harder than it looks. Program Administration: This is a good program, except I didn't really find anything about this program special. I figured since I was going through a third party, they would have a trip planned especially for CIS members. Sadly disappointed. I also thought I'd get a lot of information from them. I wound up getting the same information from the University I was going to a few days before I got the info. from CIS. Health and Safety: I have never felt more safe walking down a street at 1 am than I have here. There's always movement and well-lit areas. I have no concern for being robbed. Social Life: The pubs are the best taste of your country. My flatmates and I tried to find the hole-in-the-wall pubs and eatery. There we really felt the Scottish atmosphere versus the pubs that cater to drunk Americans.

Although I am still here for another month, I cannot believe how quickly time has passed. Despite some early arguments with flatmates and a dislike of the program administrator this summer has been great thus far.