It’s hard to believe that our time abroad is coming to an end. It feels like it was just yesterday that we arrived here in Edinburgh after what had seemed like an eternal journey across the pond. Throughout our time here, we’ve experienced unforgettable adventures, adapted to a different culture and even come to call this place our home. Studying abroad has been such a unique opportunity that has allowed for so much growth and limitless exploration. As these last few weeks are wrapping up, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on these past four months, and how we’ve changed not only as students, but as individuals.
Over the course of our time here we’ve been fortunate enough to travel to some of the most beautiful locations Scotland has to offer. Our trip to Isle of Skye was by far one of our favorites. With its breathtaking highland views and quaint small towns, it was this excursion that exposed us to a whole new part of Scotland unlike anything we had ever seen in Edinburgh. While living in such a beautiful metropolitan city has been amazing, it was so nice to escape to the highlands for a few days and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.
The views of Skye were unbelievably beautiful, but what stood out to us the most was our interaction with the group. It was our bonding as a group that made the trip a turning point in our minds. Traveling from the bustling city of Edinburgh to the sparsely populated town Kyleakin, all we really had was each other. For the first time since arriving in Scotland, we felt like we finally had the opportunity to just sit and chat with our fellow classmates. From staying up late in the hostel playing our favorite games and making some Slovenian friends to jamming to music together on the bus, it was there in Skye that we all really became friends.
For two devoted fans of the hit drama television series Outlander, we were both thrilled when we were accepted into the program. Of course, this wasn’t the only reason we wanted to study abroad in Scotland. There was something special about the Edinburgh program that was intriguing. We both wanted to experience living in a place that we had never been to before, but also be in Europe so we could travel during free weekends.
We are both experienced travelers having visited Europe extensively, so we were both curious to see how the UK differs from the other countries we’ve visited. Edinburgh is the perfect size. It’s a big enough city that begs to be discovered, filled with peculiar nooks and alleyways that tempt you to explore all your surroundings.
It is such a walkable city and public transportation is so easy to use. This freedom to roam without having to use a car allows for reflection and a chance to observe the surroundings.
One of the main reasons we were interested in the Edinburgh program was the internship component. We both wanted to experience working in a different country where we could learn how an organization and system works.
Working in the Scottish Parliament has been such a unique experience that has allowed for the growth and acquirement of certain skills that I will use in the future. As a Spanish and Communication Studies major who is fascinated by languages and cultures, I was interesting in seeing how the Parliament functions, especially with the current political situation with the independence movement and Brexit.
I’ve obtained a global perspective by working in a political system that I am not familiar with, and discovered an interest in international politics. Working in the Parliament has also allowed me to learn more about the culture, social dynamics and relationships between Britain and Scotland. As a parliamentary intern to MSP Colin Beattie, a member of the Scottish National Party and a representative of Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency, I have gotten the chance to write speeches for debates, write press releases and newspaper columns. Every Thursday, I try to attend First Minister Questions, which is when the members of the Parliament ask the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, any questions they have regarding Scotland’s economic, political, social, health and global status. It’s been such an interesting experience working at the Parliament and I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work there.
To learn more about the Scottish Parliament, visit their website: http://www.parliament.scot/
Working a non-profit that helps children with special needs, The Yard focuses on providing care, support, and opportunities for adventure and friendship for disabled children and young people. At The Yard, they are truly dedicated to creating a safe environment where disabled children and their parents can just play. It was so amazing to work at an organization like The Yard because it is a truly unique charity whose staff’s dedication to their cause is unlike anything I have ever seen. Though I was an intern officially assigned to their communications department, I not only got to see all the inner workings of marketing and public relations, but I also got to assist all the other departments including fundraising and the play staff.
I even got to help 
coordinate Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s first visit to The Yard and meet her myself! On my last day, my colleagues were kind enough to gift me an autographed piece of art that the children of The Yard had created during the visit. While I will always remember my time at The Yard and all of the wonderful people that work there, I now have something that I can keep forever as a token of my time on their staff.
To learn more about The Yard, visit their website (that I assisted in reformatting!) https://www.theyardscotland.org.uk
During this time of the year, days are shorter and colder. As two Greenville natives, we’ve often found ourselves missing the warm South Carolina sun and blue skies, but there is something special about Christmas time in Edinburgh. There are several different activities and things to experience like the Christmas Market and the Silent Disco.
At the market they have a number of different food options like crepes, raclette cheese sandwiches, braddworst sausage, chocolate covered strawberries and so much more. The Christmas Market also has several stands with Although the sun sets at 3PM, the Christmas lights illuminate the entire city and warm your heart.
To see all of the amazing activities at the Christmas market, visit their website here. http://www.edinburghschristmas.com/#stq=&stp=1
Studying abroad has changed both of our lives in more ways than one. While the two of us have completely different backgrounds when it comes to international travel, we both agree that studying abroad is unlike any other trip we have ever taken. Studying abroad allows you to discover the world and experience a brand-new country with incredible new customs, perspectives and opportunities. It’s a breath of fresh air, one that you might not be familiar with, but allows you to completely immerse yourself in the culture. After nearly four months here, we can both say that there is nothing quite like being on your own in a foreign country. It’s so liberating getting to explore a new place and become fully independent. Often times, we would find ourselves discovering who we are and observe how we adapt to diverse situations. Being in a new place by yourself can be overwhelming at times, but it allows for self-growth and the opportunity of a lifetime. This semester has challenged us in so many ways and forced us to grow out of our comfort zone, and for that, we are grateful for all the memories and experiences here.
We will always remember Dr. Armstrong’s lectures on media in his apartment Tuesday nights, our weekend trips across Scotland and the special friendships we’ve made during our time here. We have loved our time here in Edinburgh and we can’t imagine our study abroad experience being anywhere else. While we are sad to leave the place we have called home for almost four months, we couldn’t be more excited for the next group of Furman students who will soon embark on their own adventures in this fabulous city.
So, let’s toast to an unforgettable semester, or, as they say in Scotland, Slainte Mthath!
Cheers,
Liz and Marina
