I couldn't recommend this program or this city any more! I absolutely LOVED my experience with CISabroad both before departure and during my abroad experience. They were so helpful with the planning process, even doing live webinar sessions to get you excited and ready! During the webinar for our pre-departure orientation, we were able to talk with our on-site director (who is the sweetest lady on earth!) and had her share some insider information on what to expect once we got there. Once I landed in Edinburgh, CIS had worked with a service that picked me up and drove me to the hotel we were staying in for the night (our flats weren't ready until the next day). Even down to the cab driver, my experience was incredible. The man who picked me up from the airport gave me a small tour around the city, drove me by where my flat would be, where I could get my groceries, and so on. It was so sweet and really calmed my nerves. Once I got to the hotel, our on-site director let us get settled then took us on a small walk to a place where we could get some dinner. She helped us with getting to our flats, school orientation, and even an actual walking tour (from a true local!!). She even coordinated an weekend trip to the Scottish Highlands and Isle of Skye which is one of my favorite memories of the entire adventure. I am forever grateful for CISabroad for the journey of a lifetime and all of their assistance in making it the best adventure I could have ever dreamed of. The city of Edinburgh is surreal. The history is in every stone in the city with roads that snake along century old stone structures. There's a perfect combination of old city and nature to explore. The city feels more like a large town with friendly locals and a very walkable and casual atmosphere. The nightlife is epic and I always felt safe walking home with my friends. The best memories of my life take place in Edinburgh on this study abroad program. Even a year later, I think about the friends and memories I made. I can't wait to go back!! Study abroad in Edinburgh with CISabroad, it will be the best decision of your life!!

This was my first time going abroad! This place was BEAUTIFUL! The dorms that you stay in are great! They are way better than I could imagine! Scotland has an excellent transportation system, which was very easy to use! I got super lucky and only had classes on Monday and I traveled Tuesday through Sunday! Took the train for the first time ever, which was super easy to get to and use! Scotland is a GREAT place for hiking! I hiked every week! If you go to Scotland highly recommend traveling around Scotland but then also traveling outside of Scotland! Traveling to near by countries is very cheap! Much cheaper to go to while in Scotland compared to if you were to fly there from the USA. I wish I would of known that, I would of traveled more outside of Scotland and planned more trips! HIGHLY recommend studying abroad! Or even just going abroad!

Edinburgh was the most incredible experience I have ever had in my life. It was also the hardest goodbye I have ever had in my life. So many firsts came from this experience, and I met incredible, open-minded people whose energy hyped up the entire experience because we were living every day like it was our last. There are no words to sum up the entire semester, only a feeling that hits me so hard when I hear a word, a phrase, a Scottish accent, or even from seeing pictures, all the memories come flying back and it is like I am back in the most magical place I have ever lived in.
We never said "no" to any opportunity that presented itself because we knew our time would end. I felt so accomplished and excited for everyday to find out what new things I would come across, or learn. I have no regrets from my semester abroad, and it is an experience I will never forget. I will be back.

The most difficult part was coming home. I did not want to leave Edinburgh or Scotland generally. I had the time of my life and I cannot recommend studying in Scotland enough. The bus system was extremely straight forward and easy. I felt incredibly safe at all times and in all the neighborhoods I visited. My roommates and I were able to get flights all over the UK and Europe from Edinburgh Airport and I honestly had the best study abroad experience that I think I could have. CIS was indispensable when it came to getting everything ready and they were always available when I had questions. Bottom line, GET TO SCOTLAND ASAP.