IFSA: University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship

Having an internship with the Scottish Parliament was my ideal way to study abroad. The opportunity to take a break from classes (as we only had them the first 5 weeks of the semester) and work in a professional setting with Scottish people provided a very authentic and valuable experience. I don't think I would have had the opportunity to delve so much into Scottish culture and having meaningful conversations and relationships with Scots otherwise.

The Parliamentary Internship Program was academically challenging, professionally rewarding, and experientially incredible! Classes were certainly rigorous, given that they are compressed into a 5 week period and the faculty challenge students to do their very best work.

The Parliamentary Internship provided an academic component that is unique among study abroad programs. The 10 week internship is designed to give students real world experience within a fully active parliament, working directly with elected representatives of the Scottish Government. Contrary to some expectations, every student gets the opportunity to work one on one with their assigned Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) each and every day. During the internship, students complete a research project in an area of their choosing, with the mentorship of their MSP and the Program Faculty. This was, by far, the most rewarding academic experience I have had (which now extends to a B.A., M.A., and teaching credential). The program taught me to be an effective researcher, critical evaluator, active learner, and a more independent adult.

The biggest piece of advice that I can give students who enter this program is to get to know your Scottish apartment-mates and neighbors. My Scottish apartment-mate and his best friend became the two people that I spent the most time with throughout the program and they showed me the true Scotland, that cannot be experienced only by visiting tourist areas. Through their friendship, I learned a ton about the culture and politics of the nation, which helped me immeasurably in my internship experience. 6 years after my abroad experience, I still stay in touch with those two great friends who taught me so much.

With the classes only meeting 3 days a week and having the weekends off during the internship portion, travel is very possible. I chose a different path than most of those in the program, electing to spend my travel time in the UK. I was able to travel extensively throughout Scotland with my apartment-mate and his best friend and through Ireland and Southern England with some great folks from the program. Though I want to travel in Europe at some point, I can happily say that I do not regret staying in the UK because there is just so much to see!

Lastly, the program staff did a great job of getting us out to some amazing sites in the country. From my homestay in Stirling with an amazing couple, to our trip through the Scottish Highlands, the wonderful staff really made sure to give us the best experience possible. The staff was always there to support us and made the whole four months possible through their tireless efforts behind the scenes.

Overall, my time abroad was extremely transformative and helped propel me to further academic and professional success. I highly recommend this program and wish I could experience it all over again!