Studying abroad is one of the best things that you can do as it allows you to experience a different education system as well as a different culture. In fact, spending a considerable amount of time in a foreign country will most likely provide you with more of an education than anything that you could ever learn in any class.
Scotland is one of the best places to do this. Some of the world’s most prestigious universities are located here, and the history of this country will make you feel like you’re living in a history book. Also consider that 94% of Scotland’s international students said that this country is a “good place to be.”
However, before you catch your flight, you’ll need to take care of a few things.
Passport and Visa
Ensure that you have a passport that expires more than six months after your expected departure out of Scotland while a visa may be required. Check with your local or Scottish university to see if this is the case. Note that U.S. and Canadian citizens generally do not need a visa if they will be studying in the United Kingdom for six months or less.
Travel Insurance
In Scotland, you’ll be covered by the National Health Service, but you should have travel medical insurance so that you can be medically evacuated and repatriated if necessary. Take into account that the National Health Service will not cover you while you’re outside of Scotland visiting other countries.
Accommodations
Make sure that you go to a site like Student Accommodation One to ensure you can secure accomodation in Edinburgh, Glasgow or elsewhere in Scotland. Fortunately, student accommodation options in Glasgow are especially numerous as several schools call Scotland’s largest city home, including the University of Glasgow.
Plane Ticket
This may already be arranged by your home university. Make sure that it has or will be handled by it or by you. If it’s your responsibility, make sure to buy your tickets well in advance so that you can procure a cheaper rate. Also check a few days around your target date as one or two days difference can sometimes mean quite a lot of savings.
Money
Ensure that you have enough money for your stay. Prepare for the immigration officer at the airport asking you for specifics. All major credit and debit cards are accepted in Scotland, but bring some cash with you too, at least in your own currency. Also let your bank know about your trip as, if you don’t, they may lock you out of your account, believing that you might be a victim of international fraud.
Packing
When in doubt, don’t bring it. Definitely pack light. This is partly because you want to travel as light as possible after arriving and partly so that you’re not unnecessarily paying excessive baggage fees for the flight over. Take into account that you can purchase many necessary items after you arrive.
Phone
Generally, it’ll make the most sense to buy a pay-as-you-go phone in Scotland. However, you may wish to instead use a phone from your home country that provides international service. If you do the latter, thoroughly research the costs of using it in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe. Also consider that you might want to do your more extensive conversations on Skype or via a similar program.
Language Skills
Although Scottish people speak English, the accent can be difficult for some to understand, and Scots also have words or Scotticisms that you may not know. While in your home country, watch and listen to Scottish programs, and listen to Scottish radio. Doing so will help ease your transition once you arrive.
Scottish Culture
Also learn about Scottish culture as best as you can prior to arriving to help you get the most out of your time there. Wikipedia’s a great resource as are the previous suggestions of checking out Scottish media. Enjoy some Scottish music and watch Scottish sports events to experience some of the things that Scots are most passionate about.
Scotland is an incredible place with picturesque cities, beautiful castles, incredible open spaces, amazing nightlife, great people and a quality education system, and taking advantage of these tips will help you fully experience everything that Scotland has to offer. Finding the right course, student accommodation Glasgow, and budget will all help take you one step closer to studying abroad there!
