Observation & Research Internship Placements in Scotland

How has this experience impacted your future?

LeAnn: Academically speaking, this internship was beyond the classroom. I was learning tools that I would not have been able to learn by simply sitting in lectures or being tested over. It challenged me to work in an environment I was unfamiliar with and working on subjects I was not an expert on. Everyday was a challenge, but it was attainable.

Professionally, the internship makes me standout. Not very many people can say they have been to Scotland and completed an internship. It makes me unique. Personally it has made me more independent. It has shown me strengths that I did not know I had, and it also showed me places I still need to improve on. It has truly changed me into a better person all around.

What is one piece of advice you'd give future Adelante students?

LeAnn: Do not be afraid to have adventures on your own. I feel as though we think we always need someone to be around us all the time. It is great to go on solo adventures; it helps you find your true self. What better way to get to know you by being in a foreign country surrounded with people you have never met? It can be scary, but it is a feeling and experience you will remember forever.

Where was your best photo taken and what was it of?

LeAnn: The best photo I took was on top of one of the hills by King Arthur’s Seat. I decided to get up really early before my internship started and go for a run by myself. I ran for about 45 minutes before I reached the top. But once I had the view of the sunrise, the ocean, and the city of Edinburgh below me it made the run very memorable.

I just remember sitting there thinking, “ Holy cow, I can’t believe I actual did this.” Being in an unfamiliar area without anyone you know around you can be scary, however, I never felt alone. It was really a great feeling. A feeling of independence, strength, and confidence were all mixed together. That moment will stick with me forever.

If you could do-over one thing, what would it be?

LeAnn: One thing I would do- over is ditched my phone more. It is important to stay in contact with people from home to let them know you are okay, but you will come to realize it is nice to not have the constant contact. I took my phone with me, but could not use texting or social media without wifi.

Wifi did not surround me 24/7 like it tends to in the States. Sometimes I would stress about not having wifi around me all the time, but the more I went without it the less I stressed. It is important to set the phone aside and just go out for an adventure. You do not need to constantly Facebook update, Tweet, or Instagram every little thing you do all the time.

My motto was I would take pictures while I am out, but I won’t upload until the end of the week. That way I was not always trying to find wifi and tell everyone where I was at right at that moment instead of enjoying my surroundings. Also, it was a great way to meet people. Instead of Google mapping everything, it was fun to ask locals for directions. Sometimes I would even ditch my original plan because I met a local who told me an even better place to go!

What makes interning in Scotland a unique experience for participants?

Raymond: The Research Observation program in Scotland is designed for the mature independent student at the junior, senior or graduate level. Adelante Abroad matches the student’s research interest with a relevant project or activity. Supervisors on-site in Scotland expect a full day from the student actively participating in rigorous hands on projects in their field (say Veterinary or Psychology or Childcare or Horticulture or Nutrition, for example).

What can you tell us about the workplace culture in Scotland?

Raymond: Adelante’s Research Observations in Scotland are not the typical internship. Projects are carefully reviewed in advance with the student and their in-country supervisor. Students are involved daily with on-going research, review projects, visit related agencies, attend seminars or workshops and are actively participate in activities.

Is prior work experience required? How does Adelante guarantee a rich learning experience for interns on this program?

Raymond: Adelante interviews students in advance to discuss the activities related to each placement. Students selected usually have a strong academic resume or background of experiences related to these Research Observations. Adelante promises a sturdy European addition to one's resume upon completion of this program and the ability to network with expert professionals in ones chosen fields.

What are some extra-curricular activities participants enjoy while interning in Scotland?

Raymond: Scotland has an outstanding national tourism organization called Visit Scotland. Students have the opportunity to discover Scotland from the highlands to the lowlands, experience the exciting Highland Games, visit historic sites and castles through numerous half day or full day coach tours. In this program, the trips and tours are not included – candidates are busy! We facilitate information on best or preferred activities and excursions and it is up to each person what they choose to do in their off time.

What is one piece of advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Scotland?

Raymond: Research all you can about Scotland and places of interests. Carefully plan your weekend travels in advance, as these six-week Research Observations go by quickly. Since most students spend their first and last weekends in their city of location, you will have four weekends to explore other parts of Scotland, take a train to London or a ferry to Ireland.