Hiya!
This week, we officially became young professionals in this amazing city. We started classes as international students at different campuses of Edinburgh Napier University and began our EPA internships.
It will definitely take some time to figure out Napier since Furman runs in our blood; we are used to more thorough communication with professors, a clear-cut syllabus with deadlines, and consistent feedback. Napier emphasizes individual study and our overall grades will typically only come from two or three major assessments. However, our Napier professors have expressed their passion for their students and clearly want everyone to do their best. Several of us have noticed that module leaders are even looking for student representatives to present feedback on their module at the end of the term, showing Scotland’s commitment to the student experience and high-quality education.
Internships are also off to a great start! Only a few of us have taken the wrong bus or tried to break into the wrong office, so Nancy would be proud. We are representing Furman in Scottish parliament, non-profits, local businesses, and healthcare systems. We are quickly realizing the differences between work etiquette in Scotland and the United States. Many of us dress casually for work and go out for lunch (or drinks!) with our supervisors. The Scot’s roundabout way of communicating workplace politics or project expectations will take some adjusting to but we can tell that our supervisors are excited to have us.
Even with all sixteen of us spread out across Napier’s three campuses, various flats, and internship offices, we still find time to get together and fill each other in on our weeks. Through potluck dinners and game nights, we have really gotten to know each other, and have a sense of family and community amongst ourselves. Being away from Furman and familiar places can be an adjustment, but fun activities and bonding moments sure make it easier.
This past weekend, our entire group attended a Heart of Midlothian Football Club game. The game was hosted at Tynecastle Stadium, and the Hearts played against Livingston Football Club, from West Lothian. The stadium was open, and the beautiful weather enhanced the incredible atmosphere in the stadium. To put it frankly, Scots take football very seriously. Being in the middle of the intense Hearts fan section, it was a good thing Dr. Armstrong told us to wear maroon! From mocking the opponent’s goalie continuously throughout the game to waving the team flag and beating the drums, the stadium was ringing with cheers, avid fans, and the occasional expletive.
In our free time, we wandered to various places, taking advantage of all that Edinburgh and the surrounding area have to offer. A sunset hike to Arthur’s seat was the perfect end to a Saturday and we climbed against some serious wind! All were safe though, and were only blown away by the beauty of the city and the sky. Check out the video to see Edinburgh from above, and a peek into our experience at the Hearts game!
Cheers!
Baillie and Megan
