A Bumpy (and Amazing) Road to Edinburgh

There are so many fun events I cannot wait to share with you, but a story would not be complete without its beginning, so let’s go to chapter one.

So no one told you Erasmus was gonna be this way

This is the very beginning of the second semester, classes have started, and many things have happened. I came back home for one week only during the holidays because I wanted to be back on time in Scotland for Hogmanay. I do not regret my decision: Hogmanay was wonderful and I highly recommend you to…

Reflecting on the Last Few Months: Realities of Study Abroad

The fall term has almost come and gone. I really cannot believe it is almost time to go home for the holidays. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to return to Edinburgh to study abroad for the spring term as well but many friends I have made have to say goodbye to this wonderful…

A German in Edinburgh – moving in

It is 2:30 in the morning, I am three-quarters asleep and on my way to the Munich airport. “September to May. 9 months”, I think. If I put it into perspective with a hopefully 80+ life span it is not long at all. On the other side if I count the days there are approximately…

Being a visiting student with a dog

The typical comment I receive when I say that I came to Edinburgh with Curry, my one year old dog, is “I wish I brought my dog too, I miss him/her so much!” Of course, if you have a pet you understand how hard it is to be apart, but when you actually plan to…

“Welcome” is…

…much more than a word. It is a feeling. Filled with excitement and the thrill of a new beginning. It’s being invited. Invited to come and stay and to share your story. It means being allowed to be yourself and to feel at home in your new surroundings. It is openness and warmth and a…

#1: still in NY, then not

Three weeks ago I found myself on the Metro-North heading to Poughkeepsie once again. The train was the fullest I had ever seen it, crowded with returning students armed with overstuffed suitcases en route to their various higher education institutions. They filed into their seats, squealing as they embraced their friends, looking forward to another…

Surviving Freshers: Tips I Wish Someone Had Told Me

Hello! My name is Maria and I am a second-year English major from the United States. I will be studying Literature at the University of Edinburgh as a visiting student for the entire academic year.

I’m On Exchange in Edinburgh Part II

“There’s nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased Scotsman” – Groundskeeper Willie in Sweet Seymour Skinner’s Baadassss Song, The Simpsons (1994). I’ve always been hindered by some mass crippling doubt. It started when I was seven. I had just graduated from Stingrays to Dolphins at State Swim and it was time for us…

Shocking my Culture… One day at a time

The featured image is the last picture I took of New York City before embarking on my study abroad experience. Seeing as this is my first post, I want to take a minute to share a small story of how I got to this moment right now.  A few days ago, my flat held a small party…

Fears and Expectations: My thoughts upon arrival

  I have now replaced the cold and wet Danish climate with the equally cold and wet Scottish climate, and I am full of questions and expectations for my time here: Will it be difficult to adjust to a different teaching style? How will I fit all the books on my reading list into the…

Info Dump

I decided to change things up from a ” WOW SCOTLAND” post, though one will come shortly :). I am instead going to explain my decision making process and what information is important while you (potential study abroad vagabond) are looking into the University of Edinburgh. This may seem obvious or perhaps blow your mind,…