What made this study abroad experience unique and special?
Taylor: This study abroad experience was unique and special because it offers interesting coursework in a Scottish academic settings. It's much different than a college classroom in the US. This program also offered cultural immersion among a group of American college students. Having the other American students there was nice because we were all in the same boat--in a foreign country trying to get the lay of the land. It was much easier to come out of a comfort zone when you had others right there with you.
Describe your favorite must-have food that you tried abroad.
Taylor: Must have foods in Scotland? That's easy. The first is Haggis. It sounds gross so I'm not going to tell you what's in it, but it's like sausage and that's what it tastes like. You can't get more traditional Scottish than Haggis. The second is fish and chips. There are plenty of authentic joints everywhere you go and if you want to eat it like a true Scott, try it with brown sauce.
Do you feel you got a chance to see the city from a local's perspective?
Taylor: I feel like a truly got a chance to see Stirling from a local's perspective because the places we hung out at and ate at where suggestions from local students. We weren't eating in overpriced tourist joints, we were eating at restaurants the locals loved and hanging out at pubs where the students were. The best way to get the most out of studying abroad is to do as the locals do.
Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.
Taylor: Any of the experiences I went on I wouldn't have been able to do at home. Climbing the Dumyat (an enormous hill behind campus), eating authentic haggis, dancing at a traditional ceilidh, learning in a British academic setting, they are all things that I couldn't have done if I would have stayed at my home university.
What would you do over if you could?
Taylor: If I could do one thing over it would have been studying abroad for a whole semester. My summer in Scotland was amazing but by the time I got my footing, got settled and made some truly amazing friends, it was time to go. Study for as long as you can, you won't regret it.