Alumni Network - Study Abroad in Scotland with Panrimo

What made this study abroad experience unique and special?

Taylor: This study abroad experience was unique and special because it offers interesting coursework in a Scottish academic settings. It's much different than a college classroom in the US. This program also offered cultural immersion among a group of American college students. Having the other American students there was nice because we were all in the same boat--in a foreign country trying to get the lay of the land. It was much easier to come out of a comfort zone when you had others right there with you.

Describe your favorite must-have food that you tried abroad.

Taylor: Must have foods in Scotland? That's easy. The first is Haggis. It sounds gross so I'm not going to tell you what's in it, but it's like sausage and that's what it tastes like. You can't get more traditional Scottish than Haggis. The second is fish and chips. There are plenty of authentic joints everywhere you go and if you want to eat it like a true Scott, try it with brown sauce.

Do you feel you got a chance to see the city from a local's perspective?

Taylor: I feel like a truly got a chance to see Stirling from a local's perspective because the places we hung out at and ate at where suggestions from local students. We weren't eating in overpriced tourist joints, we were eating at restaurants the locals loved and hanging out at pubs where the students were. The best way to get the most out of studying abroad is to do as the locals do.

Tell us about an experience you had that you could not have had at home.

Taylor: Any of the experiences I went on I wouldn't have been able to do at home. Climbing the Dumyat (an enormous hill behind campus), eating authentic haggis, dancing at a traditional ceilidh, learning in a British academic setting, they are all things that I couldn't have done if I would have stayed at my home university.

What would you do over if you could?

Taylor: If I could do one thing over it would have been studying abroad for a whole semester. My summer in Scotland was amazing but by the time I got my footing, got settled and made some truly amazing friends, it was time to go. Study for as long as you can, you won't regret it.

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Paul: I studied abroad first in Copenhagen, Denmark, and then I studied in Paris, France. I had always wanted to travel abroad, and my first inspiration was the exchange students that stayed with my family in high school. It really gave us an inside look into other cultures and inspired me to travel abroad.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

Paul: I think it's making sure that students have an amazing time. Every student is different, every student has different expectations, and they all want a unique experience. That's what we strive for. That's why we get to know each student, so that we can really make their experience as personalized as possible. That's really the only way to make sure that they have an unbelievable experience.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

Paul: I've always wanted to go to Mongolia. My biggest regret (and I rarely regret things) is that when I was traveling in China for three weeks I didn't go up to Mongolia. The flight was expensive etc. that's the reason I didn't get up there, but looking back on it I wish I would've just gone. Would have been a great experience. Though, I know I'll get there soon!

Describe a time when you felt especially proud to be part of the Panrimo team.

Paul: I think the proudest moments are when we get handwritten cards from students thanking us for their experience. That's really the best payoff. When they take the time to write a handwritten note, we know that we did a great job and that the experience really had an impact on them. And we have them saved and posted in our office!