Study Abroad Programs in Stirling
“Gateway to The Highlands”, Stirling is one of Scotland’s most historic cities. It used to be one of the only connections to the Scottish highlands and has had a significant history of battles for Scottish independence. Its castle, Stirling Castle, is a royal residence much like the English Castle in Windsor.
Stirling is the embodiment of the quaint, old-world cities you often see in movies. Rolling hills, a castle at the top, cobblestone paths, old-style buildings, verdant green trees and grasses, and a beautiful river (River Forth) running through it, Stirling is definitely a place to study in if you want a quiet, scenic semester. If you’re looking for a more New York/London type feel, I caution you against studying abroad in Stirling (though this change of pace would not disappoint). So, get your stomach ready for pounds upon pounds of haggis, your eyes for men in kilts and your ears for the sweet sound of bagpipes!
Study in Stirling if you’re less a city type and more a nature type. If ever there were a manifestation of nature and those charming, picturesque towns, Stirling would be it. Though Stirling does contain a retail-minded section of the city, its Old Town is the reason for its appeal.
Stirling Castle
One of the best-preserved castles in Scotland, Stirling Castle boasts a Great Hall, Palace and Royal Chapel. In olden times, possession of Stirling Castle meant control of Scotland. Stirling Castle should definitely be a point of destination while studying abroad in Stirling, and there are cheaper concession tickets for students. Be sure not to go during the summertime, or else it just becomes another tourist trap (due to the high volume of people) and loses its medieval charm.
Wallace Monument
Get your fill of Scottish pride by going to the monument celebrating the General, William Wallace, who led the Scottish to victory over the English. The inside holds different displays on the Battle of Stirling Bridge and various other important Scottish people. Wallace Monument also provides a discount for students, and gives a fantastic view over Stirling at the top.
Stirling Old Town Jail and Old Town
Following in the theme of buildings and monuments, the Stirling Old Town jail is a great place to visit as well. Serving as a jail during Victorian times, it now holds performances of actors portraying the difficulties of Victorian Prison Life. This one gives a concession price for students as well. Your trip to the Jail should include a general tour of the entire Old Town: take a trip back to the 15th-17th centuries by visiting Mar’s Wark, a Renaissance Town House, The Church of Holy Rude, the town’s parish church for 600 years and the Beheading Stone, currently encased in iron bars to prevent contemporary use.
Smith Art Gallery and Museum
With your obligatory museum visit in every country, the Smith Art Gallery and Museum fills this requirement. Admission is actually free here, and it houses a small art gallery, local museum and popular café. Things of note, it retains the oldest football and oldest curling stone, both dating from the 16th century.
The Scottish Highlands
Probably the thing Scotland is most famous for, the Scottish Highlands is nature at its most beautiful and finest. It’s a breathtaking region filled with battlefields, ancient monuments, beautiful beaches, famous lakes and verdant glens. I would recommend doing the highlands over Spring Break as a day or two is definitely not enough to comb through the entirety, or even just get a feel, of the Highlands. If there were only one thing you could do in Scotland, this would be it.
- Saltire provides scholarships and awards for those planning on traveling to Scotland.
- Fulbright is one of the leading providers for those trying to find scholarships for international education.
- Here's another website that provides scholarships for study in Scotland.
- More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships
