Location
  • Scotland
    • Edinburgh
    • Aberdeen
    • Glasgow
    • St. Andrews
    • Stirling
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Anthropology Astronomy Biology Classical Studies Creative Writing Geology Music Physics Psychology

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Visit our website for details on current program fees, along with what's included, estimates of additional expenses, and available scholarships.
Feb 14, 2023
Jun 12, 2018
12 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Interested in a study abroad experience in a legendary country full of natural beauty and magical lore? If you want to study, intern or research in one of the world’s most unique places, Arcadia Abroad in Scotland is for you!
Arcadia offers an array of program options in Scotland, from a semester or summer studying or interning under the auspices of our flagship Edinburgh Center, to university programs at prestigious institutions across Scotland that cater to every major and interest.
Our expert Scotland team ensures you’ll arrive well-prepared for Scottish life and will soon feel at home as they invite you to delve into Scotland’s history, architecture, and traditions. Programs from several weeks to a full academic year are available.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Academic credit
  • The possibility of professional and research experience
  • Personalized support from program staff
  • Program-related activities and excursions
  • An unforgettable semester or summer

Popular Programs

Aberdeen, Scotland

Undertake a STEM research project at University of Aberdeen, earning six credits in six weeks over the summer, and contributing to significant research. You’ll be placed in one of the finest Medical Sciences programs in the U.K., The Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) or The Rowett Institute, alongside world-class research groups. During your program, you will be supported by both your project supervisor and a senior member of faculty.

Glasgow, Scotland

Spend six weeks this summer earning six credits while engaged in significant independent research at a world-class research university. This is a great opportunity to receive mentorship from leading researchers while boosting your resume and academic experience - without interrupting your academic schedule at your home school. Projects are available in the following areas: Life Sciences; Chemistry; Psychology

Edinburgh, Scotland

Ranked as Scotland's top modern university with very high marks in student satisfaction, Edinburgh Napier is an innovative and energetic institution. It boasts strong links to industry and offers the flexibility for students to undertake a unique hybrid experience in Scotland - lots of inspiring courses at Napier AND an option to take one of three Arcadia offerings: an internship; an Arcadia Cornerstone Course on Cross-Cultural Travel Writing; or Arcadia supervised independent study.

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of Arcadia’s top study abroad destinations - with good reason. The city itself is beautiful, and this world-class research university is nestled into the city itself, creating a student-centric environment that is both scholarly and fun. Edinburgh is well-connected to everywhere else you would want to go in the UK. Subject areas range in arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, languages, divinity studies, education, law, medicine, veterinary medicine and music.

University of Glasgow

Established in 1451, University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of Scotland’s four ancient universities. Contemporary University of Glasgow hosts 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 140 countries, and is located in a green campus setting in the West End of Glasgow, a trendy and vibrant area of the city. It has a strong focus on research, and particular strengths in STEM subjects and humanities.

Aberdeen, Scotland

Located on the northeast coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is the home to a University that has been a center of excellence for five centuries. Aberdeen has distinguished itself as a center of research, boasting five Nobel laureates among its distinguished faculty, with discoveries taking place in areas in chemistry, agriculture, physics and medicine. This spirit of innovation continues today through its strength in STEM and many other subjects, commitment to research and international collaborations.

University of St Andrews

As Scotland’s oldest university, St Andrews boasts a proud heritage of excellence, demonstrated by its motto, “Ever to Excel;” its prestige as the most international of Scotland’s universities; its reputation for exemplary teaching and research; and its continually positive level of student retention and satisfaction. St. Andrews has particular strengths in humanities and the sciences. In addition, courses in sustainable development, and terrorism and political violence are of note.

University of Stirling

Located in the picturesque heart of central Scotland, University of Stirling is a top-rated institution with excellent facilities, flexible academic programs, and supreme natural beauty. Known for its groundbreaking and current research, it maintains robust research interests in areas that are interdisciplinary in scope. Courses in the environmental sciences, ecology, marine biology and marine science, Scottish studies, film and media studies, communication and psychology are popular.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland boasts of state-of-the-art facilities, including rehearsal rooms, practice studios, workshops, design, dance, and recording studios are all available to you to hone your craft. This is a purpose-built arts institution with a focus on you as an emerging artist. You’ll be spending about 26-32 hours per week in workshops, as well as taking part in performances. It’s ranked in the top three of performing arts educational institutions in the world.

Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow is Britain's second city for art, and the Glasgow School of Art's world-famous art nouveau building, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, stands as a beacon of excellence and innovation in all areas of artistic endeavor. The School boasts numerous prize winners and famous practicing artists among its alumni. Arcadia Abroad students enjoy full integration and personal studio space as part of the School's independent and creativity-based approach.

Scholarships

Arcadia Abroad Scholarships & Financial Aid

Arcadia Abroad Offers Need-Based Scholarships
Did you know that Arcadia Abroad provides financial aid to around 70% of students who apply for it? The scholarships are open to all current Arcadia Abroad applicants. Arcadia Abroad values equity, diversity, and inclusivity when awarding scholarships. Students who apply for scholarships will have the opportunity to write a 300-word essay. The deadline for applications is ongoing, so apply today!

Value
$500 - $2,500

Program Reviews

4.77 Rating
based on 13 reviews
  • 5 rating 76.92%
  • 4 rating 23.08%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.4
  • Support 4.4
  • Fun 4.25
  • Housing 4.4
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 13 reviews
Default avatar
Rachel
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Edinburgh Spring 2018 Study Abroad

Overall, my time in Edinburgh was a dream, filled with magical moments and friendships that I will treasure for the rest of my life. It wasn't always perfect, however. During the dark, winter months, I found myself isolated, depressed, and unsure what to do with my days. Because of professor strikes, I did not have many classes or homework. This meant that many days, I did not have any real reason to get out of bed in the morning. This, coupled with the bad weather trapping everyone inside, made for some tough days. The mental health resources were there, but not super accessible or helpful. Luckily I made two great friends with whom I explored the city and traveled with. Once the weather got better, and classes resumed, I felt more like myself again. For the last month and a half, I fell completely in love with the city and had more adventures than I thought possible. I met someone in the meadows, who that same day lent me her camping gear, I hiked Arthur's seat to watch the sunrise (highly recommend!!), I explored Crammond Island, I backpacked/camped in the Pentlands, found secret gardens throughout the city, barbecued on Portabello Beach, walked through Deans Village and the Botanical gardens, volunteered in people's gardens, discovered countless cafes and hole in the wall restauraunts/bars, traveled to Glasgow and the Highlands, and so much more. I learned how to confidently connect with strangers and put myself out there. I learned how to make things happen, execute ambitious plans, and work through crises. Although I wasn't pushed academically as much as I would have liked, I developed many valuable life skills. I wouldn't change anything about my semester abroad; I had the time of my life.

What would you improve about this program?
The program itself is pretty well organized/designed. The only thing left is for YOU to make use of your time there.
100 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Christian
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Edinburgh

This was a wonderful experience. I met so many people from all over the world, travelled to cool places, and learned a lot about myself. The most enriching thing from this experience was meeting people from different countries. Since Edinburgh is such an international city, it was easy to meet people not only from Europe but from Asia as well. I'm glad I didn't hang out with Americans as much. Meeting all these people helped me realize it's impossible to really understand other people and yourself without meeting people who have been brought up in completely different cultures and environments. The Arcadia Global Studies program facilitated a few trips that I took advantage of. I really appreciated that the trips were well though out, subsidized, and informative. I was also really pleased with how kind the program staff was. Although I never really sought out help, I wouldn't have hesitated if I needed it.

What would you improve about this program?
It would be nice to have more local events in Edinburgh. This doesn't mean to eliminate the foreign travel (please keep it!) but it would've been nice to learn more about local events as an incentive to engage more with Edinburgh.
100 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Arcadia Review

I thought Arcadia did a great job of getting us all to Scotland, hosting an orientation, and getting us to our individual accommodations. They were very organized, and were always there to help if you needed someone. Their excursions were very fun and well organized. Arcadia made the transition from America to Scotland much easier and fluid. I really appreciated having them as my program advisors.

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I was dissappointed with was the homestay. I showed interest in doing a homestay and I was never contacted about it.
108 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alex
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

University of Edinburgh

One of the best experiences I had abroad was the 'reading' week we got off in the middle of February. While most people I knew went to Portugal or Greece, a friend and I decided to fly to the arctic. In the northernmost part of Norway, we went on a midnight dogsled through the wilderness. That alone would have been an incredible experience. But as we returned to camp, I noticed a faint silver thread floating through the sky. I stopped. I let go. I sat into the snow as the darkness opened to greens and pinks drifting through the sky. Before, when I pictured the Northern Lights I always pictured an overwhelming magnificence that was, for some reason, loud. But out there, I was struck by the most beautiful silence. Pure and soft. Everything else disappeared.

103 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Steve
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wasn't prepared, but I'm glad I went

Having never traveled overseas, I suffered some culture shock upon landing in Scotland. First, no one mentioned that Scotland is actually on the same latitude as Alaska, and so the sun makes a VERY short appearance during the winter days. This in combination with cloudy skies, rain, and a relentless wind, made my first few weeks in Scotland a tad miserable. In addition, coming from a small rural liberal arts school, I had to quickly adapt to big university life in a relatively small, but still urban environment. For me, studying abroad wasn't about falling in love with the place, but about pushing myself to try new things. Don't get me wrong--Scotland is absolutely one of the most beautiful countries in the world. In fact, I can't wait to go back to the Scottish highlands in the future. But, studying in Scotland taught me that I don't want to live in a city, that I don't want to live where the sun only shines for 5 hours during the winter, etc. Regardless, I'd still do it again.

I met some amazing people during my time abroad. And yes, the miserable weather and lack of sunlight was a huge talking point. But, what I liked most was that Edinburgh attracted people from all over the globe. I met so many people from Australia, I could travel around that continent just sleeping on friends' couches.

The academics are comparable with U.S. universities, but the workload is distributed differently. With three classes and only two assignments per class, I had to manage my time very efficiently to ensure that I got the work done and done well.

I encourage anyone interested to go to Edinburgh in the fall semester. You get better weather and plus you'll be there for the Christmas/New Years festival, which is world famous. While the program is longer in the spring, just be aware that spring break leads into the exam period, which together lasts 5 weeks. So, that's five weeks of just living in Scotland (after you've already been there for 4 months) which can get pretty boring if you have exhausted your financial resources.

106 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexandra
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GlasWow

Arcadia was extremely helpful in helping us transition and get comfortable in a new country. They also had many great trip opportunities to exciting places throughout Scotland. The city of Glasgow and the University were beautiful, with an amazing culture, and neverending list of fun things to do. The education system is a little different from what I expected. I was graded pretty much on only one or two exams per class, and it required a lot more independent studying than my US classes. Basically, the teachers don't hold your hand as much. However, the professors were wonderful. The Pre-Medical anatomy class for study abroad students was the best class I've ever taken, incomparable to anything US schools typically offer to undergrads. The social life in the city was great, and I found students to be very welcoming to foreign students. Glasgow University has tons of clubs, and I joined the running club. It was a great way to make new friends in a new place.

What would you improve about this program?
Study-abroad students seemed to be randomly placed in housing assignments. For example, my friends studying abroad got placed in a way nicer section, while I (a junior) got placed in the freshman dorms that were a 25 minute walk from the University. Other than that, no complaints.
88 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jaime
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

How Soon Can I Go Back?

Glasgow was amazing. I wouldn't give up a day there for anything. The Arcadia staff provided a pretty good orientation, as well as opportunities for smaller trips within Scotland on weekends and what not. There was also an opportunity for a weekend homestay, which I would highly recommend because it was a great part of my experience abroad! It can be hard to meet Scottish students because housing generally puts you with other international students but there are so many clubs and societies at the university that it's easy to meet Scottish students that way! All in all, it was a fantastic experience.

What would you improve about this program?
Other than wishing I had gone for the year, there isn't too much that could be done. I did wish that we had a better grasp of the format of classes and what to expect from them and from grading, as well as what to expect from exams. That's really it though!
83 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great Program

I went to University of Edinburgh because it was one of 3 programs offered for my major so I did not know what to expect, but the University, city, and people more than exceeded my expectations. The Arcadia staff thinks of everything you could need like a historic Scotland and rail cards, which come in very handy. They are always available and provide awesome events to get to know students studying at other programs throughout Scotland. There is always so much to do and the city is so beautiful I never got tired of walking around exploring the sites.

What would you improve about this program?
If I had to change one thing I wish that the program explained more about the grading system and what is expected of students. Much of the orientation was about adjusting to the culture and location and expectations with the schoolwork (especially the grading conversion) would have been useful before starting classes.
110 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi Sama, our programs are available to students studying at accredited US and Canadian colleges and universities. We always recommend you speak with your study abroad office before applying for a program as some schools have pre-approved lists of study abroad programs available to you.