Program Reviews

The overall entire 2 months is Spain was an incredible personal experience for me, I went out and made new friends and was very independent. I could have come to Spain and done this without Adelante, however, I thought I needed to rely on an outside organization, but it turns out the 2 things they provided: housing and school, I could have got on my own without paying them to help me sign up for it all, however them being the "middle man" did help out a lot and reduce a lot of stress I would have had doing it myself. I was looking forward to the excursions through the school but was disappointed to find out three of them were canceled because not enough people signed up. The housing was very very nice, a huge plus and conveniently located, but the school was disappointing. In the 2 weeks I was there, I learned a couple key main lessons and then was off. For ex, we spent a week learning the difference between Por and Para. I wanted a more general review of Spanish to help me boost my speech when I am out alone conversationally. This is a much better school if you are planning on attending from the beginning to end level. When I came, after taking a test, I was put in the middle of a spanish class and their grammar lesson, and was there for 2 weeks while they were on the por/para and other smaller grammar lessons, and then I was out. Didn't learn much at all.

I was not given as many hours at the language school as originally planned, but I still had a good experience and had personal growth. For anyone wanting more of a social and nightlife scene, pick a larger city. For those wanting to relax and unwind, pick Marbella :)

Adelante's study abroad program exceeded my expectations, I received equal levels of cultural experiences and academic knowledge. The program's lecturers were beyond knowledgable about their respective subjects and wanted us to have the best time possible. This is the easiest and funnest way to earn some college credit whilst you are a in another country.

The staff did struggle with communication to the students about daily activities but it allowed us to learn to be flexible. It was frustrating at times because our course paperwork was not outlined in an orderly fashion but was ultimately finished.

Overall the experience allows participants to juxtapose management systems in Scotland with those in the United States.

I absolutely loved this program! The equine classes were very interesting and informational. The fitness class was a lot of busy work (I would recommend a computer for access to typing). The instructors were very helpful anytime you needed them. Riding class was a blast and you get to ride different horses to help you develop as a rider. Both the instructors were positive and very smart. As for the culture, you definitely become more diverse. Aside from the Scottish students We got to met some French exchange students and students from England visiting for the Highland Show. Weekends were usually busy but well worth it!

Though I have only been here for a week and a half I have had great time. There is some scheduling problems and lack of communication but overall everything has worked out for the best. I came here with no English ridding experience and the instructors are very helpful and great instructors. The classes are interesting and have several activities that allowed me to review material I already learned and to retain it better. Exploring the surrounding area has been a blast and I have learned so much about the culture and see some spectacular sights. I am extremely excited for what the program has planned for us and what other adventures we might embark on.

This program allows you to adventure around Scotland and learn about anatomy and physiology as well as learning how to come up with a fitness program for an extremely fit horse. You get the chance to adventure around different parts of Scotland and you can very easily get into Edinburgh if you want a night out.

I cannot say enough good things about my experience in Scotland. Every aspect of the trip was very pleasant, from the classes on campus to the touring of the country. We got the perfect blend of education and riding, as well as sightseeing and experiencing the culture of Scotland.
Oatridge Campus is a very beautiful place to spend time at. Plants and flowers everywhere, trails to hike, animals to see. The staff are unlike any other. They are always smiling, asking how you're doing and if everything is okay. The moment you need something, they're ready to help. I've never met a group of such genuinely kind and caring people as those who work on Oatridge's campus.

This study abroad trip with Adelante to Scotland was my first experience to see a completely new environment and culture. Although I have been a well versed travel in the Untied States. None of my past experiences come close to the experience I have had in Scotland this past month. For a country that is so small compared to the United States, Scotland has such a diverse landscape. One day we drove about an hour away from our campus with our instructor. All he told us was we were going to take an overnight trip to Loch Lomond and we would be doing some work on the side of Ben Lomond. As we started our hike up Ben Lomond with a spade in one hand and a pair of wellies in the other, we realised was going to be a long day. After a two mile hike up the side of the "wee" hill we started making dams in the peat bogs out of peat. The view from the side of Ben Lomond was definitely worth the hike and labour. From the Lowlands to the Highlands, Scotland has some of the most magnificent scenery I have ever seen. This trip has made me want to visit more places around the world, but hopefully in the near future I can come back to Scotland.

Overall, this program provided a great balance between education and culture. From working in peat bogs to banding birds... even climbing a mountain, we were able to fully experience Scotland and all its beauty.

The positives:
- The work we got to do was unlike any traveling experience. You wouldn't get to do anything we did on any other tour.
- We had Sundays off to explore what we wanted (I recommend the Highlands, Aviemore was such a cute ski town that provided great access to some Highland walks).
- Such a variety of landscape! We got to walk in peat bogs, climb mountains, and walk in sandy beaches. Everything is so close you could do it all in one day.
- The class work never got in the way of having a great time on the sites.

The negatives:
- Lack of communication was a concern. The schedule was changed so many times that we had little to no time in advance to know what we were going to do that day. It would have been nice to know in advance, as we could have planned more outings to Edinburgh and longer weekend trips.
- Food lacked nutrition and there were no substitutes in protein and iron if you are a vegetarian.
- Because of the students on campus, we were not able to call for taxis. Their behaviour spoiled our source of transportation and we needed the staff (and community members when we were off campus) to call the cabs for us.

The positive far out way the negatives. Given the chance to go again, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Prepare for cooler weather and high winds in Scotland, as well as high 60's to mid 70 degree temperatures. Scotland is a beautiful area, with beautiful weather. However, "Scotland can get all 4 seasons in one day" is a very real statement made here, so be prepared for varying weather and tons of fun.