European Studies Study Abroad Programs in Edinburgh, Scotland

Studying in Barcelona had been a dream! I took classes in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, and Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. My 7 weeks in that paradise were filled with exploration, inspiration, and so much fun. From amazing people to the delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture to the colorful culture, Spain should be at the top of the must-visit countries list. My favorite activity, besides spending my day at the beach, was wandering around the city without a map and being amazed by the beauty hidden in every corner of Barcelona. Thanks to the Spanish Art and Cultural Heritage class, I learned even more about this impressive history and culture. CIS helped me through every step of adapting to studying and living in Barcelona. They planned fun events for us, such as various tours in famous parts of Barcelona, beach picnic and volleyball, wine tasting, tours to towns in Spain, and cooking classes. I stayed at Aparto Pallars, which is conveniently located near the metro station, from which you can take the metro anywhere. I'm so grateful for this experience, and I'm definitely willing to go back to Barcelona or any other program with CIS!

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad with CIS Abroad in Thailand during the fall of 2024, and I can confidently say that it was an experience of a lifetime. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to broaden their horizons. The on-site staff were exceptional, offering unwavering support throughout the entire journey. Their dedication truly made a difference. The cultural richness of Thailand is something I’ll never forget. Thanks to CIS Abroad, I was able to explore countless temples, enjoy local cuisine, and visit beautiful islands and vibrant cities. One of the program’s standout features is its encouragement for students to travel and immerse themselves in new experiences. The staff not only helped prepare us for academics but also ensured we felt confident navigating the country independently. This experience reshaped my perspective on the world. I had the privilege of meeting people from diverse backgrounds, which allowed me to learn and grow in ways I never expected. I also gained a sense of confidence that I didn’t know I needed, thriving in an unfamiliar environment where communication was often challenging due to language barriers. CIS Abroad goes above and beyond to support its students. From teaching about local culture to offering academic assistance (specific to Thailand), they foster an environment of growth and opportunity. Their consistent communication throughout the semester was invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend CIS Abroad. It’s more than just an academic program—it’s a transformative experience that will empower you to truly live your best life while exploring the world.

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.

I love studying in South Korea! It was a bit of a culture shock when I arrived as this trip was a lot of firsts for me, like my first plane ride, time in an airport, and trip outside the country! The sunrises are beautiful, and the Cherry Blossom season is one of a kind. As a picky eater, Korea helped me find more foods to try and experiences I liked. If I had to do something different, I would travel more independently and get lost through exploring. The biggest advice I have is to give it a fair shot and do it. There will be moments when you'll get frustrated with not knowing what to expect, but take those in stride and be patient with yourself.

I was hesitant to study abroad for the first time and CIS Abroad exceeded my expectations. CIS Abroad is there to make all steps in your study abroad journey as seamless as possible. The application process is simple and straightforward, and if you have any questions they are always there to help and respond quickly. During the pre-departure meetings, and onsite orientation I knew that I was going to be okay, and this was going to be a journey I would never forget. Arriving in Florence with CIS Abroad, they truly made you feel at home, and the onsite directors were so friendly towards all of us. Without CIS Abroad there to help, my journey would not been of amazing as it was.

Studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan for a month was the most amazing time of my life. I was quite anxious to go to Japan especially since it was going to be my first time leaving the US and flying by myself, however, I received incredible and immense support from the on-site program directors. Being immersed in Japanese culture through program activities like kimono wearing, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and just interacting with locals overall was wonderful. I was able to make friendships with some Japanese students which was so nice because they showed me beautiful places and foods to try. Not only did I make become friends with Japanese students, I also became close with the other study abroad students so I often went out to explore and have tons of fun with them everyday. Waking up everyday in Japan brought so much excitement because there is so much to see and do so I NEVER felt bored. As for Seisen University, the campus I attended in Tokyo, was beautiful and quiet. It was only a short train ride and walk away from my accommodation, so maybe a 20 minute commute. However, it is on a hill so it was quite a workout to walk to campus from the train station especially with the really hot and humid weather during the summer months. Then, the teachers were great! They were really interactive, entertaining, and passionate about what they were teaching. Since it was a summer program that only lasted a month, the courses were very fast paced especially the Japanese language courses. Also, the Japanese students were super friendly and kind and I always enjoyed talking to them and eating lunch with them. It was truly fascinating learning from them and I learning from them about our lives. Overall, I definitely recommend studying abroad with Cis abroad and choosing one of their Japan programs. It was a decision that I was highly doubting before I went but after experiencing it, I have no regrets at all and am very grateful for it. It is an opportunity that I wish everyone to experience.

The School for International Studies through CIS abroad was the most perfect program for me. The program is three months long which is a little shorter than most programs however it is great for someone who is on trimesters, is nervous about getting homesick, or like myself- wants to travel for a while before their summer job starts. The academic coursework was challenging in a way that was incredibly rewarding. The professors don't give you hours of studying and homework to do because they understand that you are there to travel just as much as you are to take classes. I took several classes on the history of Spain and Barcelona and I learned more than I have from any professor or school because after learning about things like Gaudi's style of architecture we went out into the city and got a first hand experience by seeing things like casa batllo. My professors were so engaging, entertaining, and helpful, I still keep in contact with many of them today. They helped me to learn the rich and diverse history and context of the city I was living in. The CIS staff on sight at SIS was incredibly helpful in getting students involved in the Catalan culture and making us feel comfortable. It can be frustrating trying to get a hold of them before you go abroad for questions but as soon as you step foot in Barcelona the staff is ready to help out any time of the day. Whether it is a safety concern, you are sick and don't know where to go, or you are struggling in your classes the staff at CIS can help put you on the right track. The trips and activities (which are included in the cost of your tuition) are absolutely amazing and everything is paid for. My semester we went on two overnight trips, Sevilla and Zaragoza, where the food, accommodations, and planned activities were all paid for. We also went to the Dali museum, took a cooking class, and went out to dinner with our CIS mentor- all completely paid for by the initial cost of your program. This was absolutely amazing, especially for someone who wanted to experience Spain on a tight budget. As far as housing, I stayed in a shared room/ shared apartment with American students from other programs. This gave me the opportunity to get to know people outside of just the school I was studying at. The apartment I stayed in was in an amazing location and we had everything we needed (washing machine, dishes, bedding, towels). Our apartment was very close to a metro stop however most days I walked about 15 minutes to class to get to know my way around the city better. The CIS on site coordinators were available 24/7 through a cell phone in case of any emergency. I never felt unsafe in my apartment or walking around the city. I also purchased the international health insurance both through my home university and through CIS. I never thought I would need it but when I got sick while traveling outside of Spain, I was happy that I had insurance. The appointments, tests, and medication I received were completely free of charge and I visited a private travelers clinic where they spoke english and I had absolutely no wait time. Overall I think the CIS School for International Studies program in Barcelona is amazing for anyone who wants to travel a ton and get the most out of what you pay for. The only suggestion I would make is that about 2-3 times throughout the semester we had class on Friday. I had wished that our overnight trips were on the weeks where we had class on Friday because it was kind of difficult to travel out of the country on those weekends with Friday class. I ended up staying in Barcelona those weekends though which was a great decision so that I could take some time to get to know the city I was staying in and experience the weekend night life in Barna.

Costa Rica was truly the experience of a lifetime for me. As someone who is an environmental science major, this country spoke so near and dear to my heart as they are very environmentally oriented overall and really are striving to keep their forests thriving. I had the sweetest host mom, an absolutely amazing site director, great university staff and I made some of the greatest friends on my trip, not to mention the vast number of breathtaking places I got to visit during my summer in Costa Rica. I have gained such an appreciation for the Spanish language and can speak more now than I ever could before! And I truly fell in love with the Costa Rican culture - Pura Vida!

IFSA-Butler did an incredible job of helping students to both adjust to life abroad and find their place within a new city. I felt very supported from before I even got on the plane to Edinburgh, Scotland up to the end of my semester abroad. IFSA-Butler helped me choose the right classes for me and work through those classes when I needed it. One of my favorite parts about the opportunities IFSA opened up for me were the sponsored trips I attended to a homestay and the Highlands of Scotland. My homestay in Cumbria, England at Learning Field CIC allowed me to learn about another culture and understand how life on a farm is. The trip we took for a weekend into the Highlands was incredible! From learning about sheepdog training to tasting whiskey at the Glenlivet distillery to searching for Nessie to learning about the Battle of Culloden and visiting Glencoe, my weekend was filled with adventure and knowledge. I would even say my entire semester was filled with a growth in knowledge and a plethora of adventure! I couldn't be more grateful for my fulfilling semester in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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).

I absolutely adored my time in Edinburgh. I wanted a program where I could study abroad for the entire year and IFSA provided just that opportunity. They made it very clear from the beginning that the program advisors would be there for me as little or as much as I needed them. I knew I could reach out at anytime if I had any problem and they always gave me wonderful and insightful advice. They encouraged me to get involved in a variety of student activities and it was this that really made my year. I joined a competition a cappella group and made some of the best friends I have ever had. We ended up winner the Scottish A Cappella Championships, which was amazing. I also received expert advice on how best to save money in the city and how to take advantage of the different modes of transportation to save time and expenses. The orientation we went to had a lot of good advice that really helped to prepare me for living on my own in a foreign city. I now have many of my closest friendships based in Edinburgh and I am hoping for the opportunity to move back there sometime soon however that may be possible! I can't recommend IFSA University of Edinburgh highly enough.

I have always wanted to study abroad. I knew since I was in 5th grade that this was an all time dream for me. Little did I know that my study abroad experience would be greater than I could ever imagine! I created life long relationships, realized that I wanted to live abroad for a period of time after college, and had the opportunity to further my progression in becoming a global citizen. I am so grateful for the moments I had, and I know that I will cherish my time abroad forever. Edinburgh, Scotland, and the University of Edinburgh was exactly what I was looking for, and IFSA-Butler made my transition into a new city effortless, giving me the independence and confidence to make friends with people different to me and from different places. Thank you IFSA-Butler and to Scotland!!

"Why Scotland?", you might ask? My reply, "Why NOT Scotland?!" Almost a year ago today, I left the States for what I now reflect back on as the best 4 months of my college experience. As someone who had never been abroad before last year, I was fairly nervous for this new adventure. Thankfully, I knew that my IFSA representative Michelle had set me up to be fully prepared as I made my way across time zones to the UK. Arriving into the Edinburgh airport I was filled with excitement as my two best friends and I joined hands and headed into a cab driving on the WRONG side of the road. I still don't know if the American in me will ever get over driving on the left. The next few days were filled with orientation by the IFSA program office in Edinburgh. Several lovely folks explained what we should expect over the next few months, and how we should prepare for the homestay which they had arranged for the coming weekends. After a whirlwind of a long weekend, we were finally dropped at our flats and ready to explore. Looking back, the one word I would use to describe Scotland is "wee". And I use this word in the best way possible. The country itself feels like a small town. Each person that you meet greets you with a smile like they've known you as an old friend, and would sit down to have whiskey and chips to talk for hours. The small shops fill the small streets, and even the coffees are small. The country wraps you up, and makes you feel warm inside, and I promise it's not just from all the whiskey and gin (though that is pretty good too). One of the most amazing parts of being in Edinburgh was that each part of the city had history. From the Palace of Holyroodhouse, to Edinburgh Castle, to Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill, every step that you take there is history that dates back centuries. I mean, imagine walking to starbucks and you have to take the road past the castle, incredible! Though there is plenty of older history, there is also very current history on the streets that you walk. Almost every day I walked past the cafe where J.K. Rowling wrote "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" *cue fan-girl me* or down Victoria Street where she based Diagon Alley off of. Very frequently too would I walk by camera crews filming car chases for the film Fast and Furious 9. For such a small city, there are a thousand amazing things happening on the daily. The academics at the University of Edinburgh are unlike any American university that I've ever seen, but it just makes your experience abroad that much more of an adventure. The course schedule at the University is very flexible to allow the student time for class, studies and extra-curriculars. While abroad I was part of the Edinbellas, and all female acapella group at the University! I also took a full course load of classes, and had plenty of time to travel around Europe on the weekends. Much of the hard work involved in these courses at UoE comes in around finals time. There isn't too much homework throughout the semester so exams are about 60% or more of your final grade. This does provide you with more free time throughout the months of September - November, but be prepared for a December of hitting the books. Though the campus is spread out around the city, everything is very walkable, just make sure to bundle up because the winters can get mighty cold! A very unique part of the IFSA at University of Edinburgh program is the home stay, which happened for me around the end of September. I had the privilege of staying at a farm in North Cumbria, England. Here I got to see the wondrous UK countryside, which is absolutely breathtaking. Imagine the greenest green you've ever seen, and then make it greener. That is the English/Scottish countryside. Just miles and miles of rolling green hills, and the furriest little cows and sheep that one has ever seen. Since I spent most of my days in the city, having this weekend to wander the countryside melted my heart. I think this was truly the moment that I fell in love with my study abroad experience and knew that it would absolutely change my life forever. I do not think that there will ever be a day when I do not dream of being in Scotland. Especially during this pandemic, a scone and hot breakfast tea at the National Museum of Scotland on a rainy day has never seemed more appealing. I know that it is such a clique to say "Study Abroad Changed my Life" but I cannot think of anything more true about the experience that I had. I feel like a more independent adult, and a more cultured citizen after spending my time in the UK. Between the people that I met from around the globe, to the places that I was able to travel, my time abroad gave me perspective that I may not have gathered any other way. As nerve racking as it might be, there is nothing more incredible than an experience abroad. Words cannot do it justice. So, take my advice and plan a study abroad to see for yourself just how incredible of a journey it is.

Scotland, a beautiful land full of adventure and kindness, community and acceptance. From the lowlands to the highlands, this beautiful country was stunning and full of life. I enjoyed my time in Edinburgh which seemed stuck in medieval times with castles, cobbled pathways, and gothic-esque architecture. The ability to live in a city in which the historical essence has been preserved was amazing. Though on the outside everything seemed ancient, Edinburgh is at the forefront of modern living. Public transport is easily accessible, Wi-Fi was not hard to find (there was even some on the buses!), and my university accommodations were excellent. Before starting University, IFSA held an orientation in which academics, city life, culture, and other helpful tidbits of knowledge were discussed. The orientation was partially helpful, and I learned enough to be safe in the city; however, I do wish there would have been more structured tours in tutorials for example how to take the various transport shuttles. The academics at the University are top-notch and if you except to slack academically think again. Lecturers, as well as tutors, expect active engagement with the material in addition to engagement with peers. Though the contact hours vary greatly from the United States and the number of classes which a student is required to take is lower does not mean it is easier in any way. A big problem that I had with the university at times is the way the information would be presented. In the United States, I attend a historically black college/ university (HBCU) and major in African American Studies. I took an African Studies class, a Spanish class, and a sociology class. The Spanish class was amazing, difficult, and challenged me to truly learn the language. The sociology class was introductory and covered a wide range of topics. The class was fine, but some examples used within the class specifically when it came to people of color seemed wrong and raised a few of my feathers. The African studies course was were a lot of my problems resided. The course is an African studies course which did not focus on Africa, but rather the "global south" in its entirety. The readings for the class were mostly from European writers or writers of color that did not have a background in African Studies (I do not recall any being African). This through me for a loop and made me question the integrity of the class at least under the department of African Studies. Even though the class did not meet my expectations; I still learned a lot from the class and it is worth the look for anyone interested in global initiatives. Now in regards to the IFSA-side of things, IFSA had two major excursions for the duration of our semester abroad. The first was a trip to the highlands. This was a fun and beautiful trip. We travelled the highlands for a weekend stopped at a sheep farm, a whiskey distillery, went to Fort George, the site of the battle of Culloden, saw Loch ness (sadly not the monster, Nessie!), and enjoyed a stay in Inverness. The scenery was beautiful and I had a great time. The other excursion was a weekend homestay. We were split into groups and sent all over Scotland and Northern England. My group went to a small village named Shap in Northern England. We got to go to a festival, and my home family was amazing and welcoming. As an African American, I was a little afraid of how I would be received but after 5 minutes that fear was tossed out the window. Overall, my experience in Scotland was a 9/10. The people were lovely, IFSA's two major excursions were fun and offered a little more insight into Scotland. The only improvements I would suggest is having a get together for the students in Edinburgh and Glasgow in Glasgow and another in Edinburgh so that we can make more connections, and having students pick the mini-excursions so that they are more likeable. IFSA does a great job as well with checking on the well-being of their students as we are spread throughout the city.

I could not have had a better experience than my time in Edinburgh during the Fall semester of 2019. Between attending a prestigious university in one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to and making many incredible friends, I was exactly where I needed to be. I underwent a lot of personal growth, and through this cross-cultural immersion I know I became more of a global citizen. During my time in Edinburgh, I was very grateful to have a support system like IFSA-Butler. Upon arrival, I felt welcomed and more comfortable knowing I would be far from alone my first few days adjusting. Having an IFSA orientation allowed me to meet some people in the same position as me and then be more open to befriending people unlike me following the orientation. By the time I moved into my flat, I felt refreshed and ready for the semester! I found that my best friends were both from IFSA and within my flat, from England and Spain! Additionally, there were more events hosted by IFSA throughout the semester that kept us supported and tied to each other. I had the opportunity to travel and explore Edinburgh, and I would highly recommend studying abroad as it can truly change your life. It changed mine for the better!

I spent a semester at University of Edinburgh through IFSA Scotland's program. The University of Edinburgh is a prestigious school, known for an incredible history of important philosophers, writers, historians, etc. Naturally, as a Political Science student, I was very interested in their program. I applied through IFSA, and they were incredibly accommodating and stayed in constant touch to answer any questions I had about life in Scotland, applying to the program, paper work, housing, etc. Throughout the entire application process, the IFSA staff were incredibly helpful, I never felt afraid to contact them with a question, no matter how small. Once I arrived in Scotland, I was greeted at the airport by the IFSA Scotland team, who held an extensive 3-4 day orientation, in which they answered a variety of questions and gave important advice about living in Edinburgh and attending university. The team guided us through every adjustment, from getting a UK SIM card to picking classes and finalizing course schedules. They also provided important historical and cultural background, which I found helped me immerse myself in Scottish culture. Throughout the semester, IFSA also organized different programming and events, which expanded our knowledge and appreciation for the local culture. The IFSA staff also periodically checked in with us to make sure that we were adjusting to the different academic and culture challenges of studying abroad. IFSA did a great job with helping students adjust overall.The University of Edinburgh is a great school for students who are seeking to study abroad because it both maintains a strong Scottish legacy and culture, while also being incredibly welcoming to international students and accommodating. The University is a hub for international students from all over, all with unique cultures that come together to make the university feel incredibly unique, and unlike anywhere I have ever been. It is truly a wonderful, welcoming environment, and I am so happy that I studied abroad there.

During my four months in Cusco, Peru, I was able to gain experiences and memories I never thought possible. I studied abroad with CISabroad as my program, and the support I received was amazing. Every question I had before leaving for my trip was thoroughly answered, and I felt more than prepared. While in Peru, I loved being able to take courses that were drastically different from those that are traditionally offered here in the U.S., such as Healing and Shamanism. I was able to travel all over the country and experience different ecosystems including the desert in Huacachina, the Amazon rain forest in Puerto Maldonado, the coast in Paracas, the cloud forest at Machu Picchu, and various Incan ruins throughout the country. We also hiked (all the way up to 14,000 feet!), went horseback riding, and volunteered at schools, an animal shelter and an orphanage. I think the best part about studying abroad is learning to love the culture shock and being in new situations you may never have thought you’d be in but are so glad you had the privilege to experience. Overall, studying abroad was one of the best experiences of my life.

Overall my experience with this program was excellent. My transition was very smooth and i was always comfortable and safe even when I kept questioning my decision of studying abroad on my last fall semester of college. As I am back on home university I don't regret my decision at all. This program gave experiences that you would never gain anywhere else by giving you the opportunity to engage with the community and also apply what you learned in the classroom to the outside world. It was difficult because we didn't get enough interaction with other Peruvian university student besides those that we had in our tandem session which were for students who were trying to practice there English or Spanish. Maybe it was just my group but we were pretty small with only 10 people which was nice but we lacked the ability to be more diverse in the international and national student. But if you are looking for a program that isnt too overwhelming and that gives you opportunities to interact with outside communities but also still have the ability to learn in spaces with other who are also international student this is a great program for that. I would also want to mention that besides the academics with the program you are able to go on excursions for free or for a reduced price, in my time in Cusco i got a trip to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu included in my program.

I spent Fall of 2019 studying at RMIT University in Vietnam. This was an amazing experience for my first time in an Asian country. Vietnam is a place full of culture and history. Being with the locals, going hiking, meeting interns from other countries, and meeting my closest friends is something I will never forget! The cultural experience that I had was unbeatable. School wise, my course at RMIT were not that challenging for me and structured differently than in the States. I recommend taking more classes than suggested if you want a harder course load, or use your free time to really explore Saigon, its food, and interact with the locals just as I did.