Where the Highlands Begin and End: A Semester in Stirling

I went to Stirling, Scotland for my semester abroad. Stirling isn't far from both Edinburgh and Glasgow and is known as "the gateway to the highlands". It is one of the most beautiful towns I've ever visited, Stirling castle rests on a hill in the center of the town and I've watched the sunrise from the esplanade, the view is incredible. The university campus just as beautiful, with loch airthrey right in the middle. I used the walking paths everyday. There's a castle on campus as well, but the best natural feature is, without a doubt, Dumyat Peak. It's a bit of a right-of-passage to make the hike and I wasn't successful the first time, but at the end of the semester, I got to the top with the friends that I had made over the semester, and we watched the sunset. It was easily the greatest sunset I've ever seen. The best part of Scotland wasn't just the scenery, but the people. Everyone I met was kind, and everyone stops just to chat, especially on the trains. I also ended up with a wonderful group of flatmates, they made my 21st birthday so special and they are certainly life-long friends now. One of the best things I did for myself was join the archery club, not only to I regularly shoot now, but I was able to make good friends local to the area. The easiest way to immerse yourself in the culture around you is definitely to look for an organization or club you find interesting and go, you will make friends naturally. In all, I don't think I had a bad day there, my heart misses Scotland, and anyone who's considering studying abroad should definitely consider Scotland, especially Stirling, it's very residential with close connections to the larger cities!