UGA - SPIA - GLOBIS: Study Abroad in Scotland : Testimonials (Edinburgh)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Final Reflection Questions
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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Studying abroad isn't so scary! Scotland is different than the US, but not so different that I felt unsafe or completely out of place. I feel confident I could travel elsewhere and learn as I go.
— Sarah Kellogg, Summer 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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The acceptance that is celebrated in this culture is probably my biggest take away from this abroad experience.
— Jordan Heithold, Maymester 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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There was so much to take away from the whole experience. From the natural wonders to the culture and history to the locals and every day life, Scotland really had it all. I'll cherish my experiences there forever.
— Evan Katz, Maymester 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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One thing I took away from my trip is that of the perspective of being a "foreigner". There are many things I take for granted about being native to America, such as knowing the currency, the customs, and the language, all of which give me an advantage when it comes to fitting in with American culture and people. Even though Scotland is an English speaking country and has similar customs to America, I still felt like a fish out of water at times, showing me for the first time a taste of what it's like and how difficult it is for people who don't look like or sound like what Americans perceive as "American". I also really enjoyed getting to know the other students who came on my trip, forcing me to consider how they also changed and made the overall experience more positive for me.
— Samantha Napierala, Maymester 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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I think my greatest take-away from this experience was simply how kind and welcoming the people of Glasgow were. As a group we talked a lot about the city's motto "People Make Glasgow" and that statement is so true because the people we encountered while there were some of the most friendly people I'd ever met. I'm sure you could ask any of us on the program and we could each give our own story of a local Glaswegian going out of their way to be nice to us. That kindness is something I will surely carry with me for the rest of my life and hope to implement into my life back in the States.
— Ansley Davenport, Maymester 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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Going into the schools taught me so much. The elementary school in particular, showed me how much better the education system in the U.S. could be.
— Morgan Land, Maymester 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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I was really amazed by the Glaswegian hospitality and acceptance of all different people from all different races, ethnicities, economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, etc. The culture had a healthy dose of socialism in the structure and everyone seemed to agree with it and support it (free/affordable education, healthcare, etc. for everyone). I've always wanted our culture in America to be more like that.
— Marlina Steinson, Maymester 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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My most significant takeaways from this study abroad and experience where the lenses I am now equipped with to see the world in. I better understand how the Scottish education system work but also how much different and better it is from the American education system. I also now see the ties and influence Scotland has on the rest of the world. Over all I now have a more global lens to view the world.
— Calli McCormack, Maymester 2019 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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If it's a matter of money, still go. You'll settle things later but this is an opportunity of a lifetime and you wouldn't want to miss out. Never again will you have the chance to travel with 20+ college students from the University of Georgia and "go along for the ride". Everything is already planned, all you have to do is go and enjoy yourself while learning.
— Ashley Carson, Maymester 2019 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
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I have a newfound appreciation for international travel. Although Scotland has many traits in common with the United States (including similar ancestry, the same language, and many customs), a lot of it was different, and those differences enriched my education. Going into UGA, I was far more focused on the political science side of my SPIA double major, but now I'm intrigued by what international affairs has to offer me in the future.
— Evan Katz, Maymester 2017 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
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It made me reconsider why I want to be a teacher and what kind of ways I want to impact my future students. Being in Scottish schools and being able to interact with Scottish students gave me a new perspective into what my teaching could be like, how joyful my students could be about learning.
— Samantha Napierala, Maymester 2017 |