Scotland

It’s (slightly) off the beaten path

Scotland isn’t one of the most well-known places to study abroad currently. Top destinations include London, Paris and Florence, but if you choose Scotland, you’ll stand out from your peers. Your stories and experiences will be different to other students’ because you will have chosen a destination not as popular, but even more fun and exciting. If you’re not one to walk the beaten path or if you want to have an experience completely unique, Scotland may be the perfect fit for you.

There’s so much history

The Scottish have an incredible history that is an integral part of the country as it is today. From the Roman Empire’s presence in the first century, to the wars of Scottish independence (does William Wallace, or Braveheart, ring a bell?) and even continuing today with the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, Scotland is a fascinating place to learn about, and the best part is that so much of this history can still be found throughout the country. You can visit famous battlefields, see ancient ruins, and more– history is literally all around you in Scotland.

A great mix of cityscapes and countryside

If you’re interested in having an exciting life in the city while studying abroad, you can attend University of Glasgow or University of Edinburgh, which are in Scotland’s two most populated cities, respectively. There’s plenty to do at all times for those who are always looking for excitement and entertainment. For foreign students who want a more laid back atmosphere, Scotland’s countryside and the Highlands offer up some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world. In Scotland, there are so many different environments to choose from that there’s something for everyone.

There’s a selection of top-notch universities

The University of St. Andrews, University of Glasgow, University of Edinburgh and University of Aberdeen make up the “Ancient Universities of Scotland,” which are public universities founded in the 1400s and 1500s. Besides being the oldest universities in Scotland, they are also some of the oldest schools in the English-speaking world, and have a great reputation as world-renowned institutes. Besides these ancient universities, there are plenty of other top-ranked schools in Scotland to choose from.

It’s easy to travel around

A huge part of an international education is the opportunity to travel around the country you’re calling home for a few months, as well as travel throughout Europe. There are plenty of transportation options within Scotland so that you can experience the entire country, from Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye and everywhere in between. When you want to leave Scotland, you can do so via plane, train or buses that can take passengers all throughout Europe.

The fantastic locals

The Scottish people are some of the friendliest and most welcoming in the world. Studying in Scotland will give you lifelong friends with locals who can show you around their homeland and give you a real Scottish experience.

There’s lots of culture to be experienced

Those same friendly locals will also introduce you to the true Scottish culture, which is one of pride and tradition. From eating haggis to drinking Scotch whisky and attending celebrations and festivals, like the Highland Games and St. Andrew’s Day, a semester in Scotland will give you the chance to immerse yourself into a culture that’s proud of its history and open to sharing it with its visitors.
When considering where you want to study abroad during your college career, Scotland may not be the most obvious choice, but choosing a program there offers students the opportunity to study in exciting cities, or in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. The universities are top-rated and world-renowned, ensuring that you’ll get an excellent education, while also having the opportunity to explore this stunning country, as well as the rest of the continent. Once you arrive to Scotland, you won’t want to leave.