Em in Edinburgh

Ratings
Overall
5
Academics: 3
Support: 4
Fun: 5
Housing: 5
Safety: 5
Review

My study abroad experience in Edinburgh through CIS was the best semester of my life! Through doing this, I was able to meet so many great new people and see places I've always dreamed of seeing. Even though I never considered myself a big city person, Edinburgh was the perfect fit for me. It was small enough that I got comfortable exploring on my own, but still big enough to always find new things to do or see. Edinburgh also had the perfect balance of historic charm (from the castle to the palace) to being modern enough to have easy public transportation and offer a fun, social life. CIS made the transition to studying abroad so much smoother than it would have been had I not gone with them. They had great communication and information sharing prior to arriving and had the most amazing onsite program leader, Jeanna, as well. By having us all stay together in a hotel the first night, giving us walking tours of the city, and taking us as a group to the school's orientation, CIS definitely helped make life easier. CIS also organized such a beautiful trip to the Highlands, that I recommended what we did to the friends I met that were not a part of this program! My biggest piece of advice for anyone else about to study abroad is to say yes to everything! Don't be afraid to leave your comfort zone! As someone who usually finds themselves a bit more on the shyer side, this is how I tried to live my life while in Scotland. By pushing myself and doing things I normally wouldn't, I was able to make so many great new friends and have tons of amazing new experiences that have left me with fantastic memories. I know I surprised myself with what I ended up loving, and even if I didn't, I was glad to have tried something new. This growth in confidence and independence has definitely impacted my life post-program as I carry what I've learned with me back home. The independence of life in the city and everything I've learned has affected how comfortable I am doing things now at home and has made me more excited for traveling and life in the future.

Would you recommend this program?
Yes, I would
Year Completed
2018
Media
Photos