Student Bloggers

Currently Studying at: University of Aberdeen, Scotland

Homeschool: The College of Wooster

There were a few things I didn’t consider when I decided to study abroad in Scotland. Awed by the museums, the libraries (Aberdeen has a seven-floor library!), and the scenery, I completely failed to consider two essential facts. One, many ‘traditional’ Scottish meals revolve around meat and two, alcohol is a big deal. As a vegetarian and non-drinker, I had inherently othered myself in a way that my American accent did not. As an anthropology student, I seek to immerse myself in the cultures I come across. Yet by being a vegetarian and non-drinker, I figured I had done quite the opposite of that. However, as I look back at my almost two months in Scotland, I’m surprised at how comfortable and at home I’ve felt. Sure, there is a culture around two things I do not do, but they are also surface stereotypes of what is inherently Scottish. I’m not in short supply of plenty of other ways to immerse myself in the culture – culinarily, or otherwise.

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Stonehaven, the Isle of Skye, Inverness, Edinburgh, Dundee, and of course, Aberdeen. In each place, I have had hilarious company and a wonderful time. I think the most important tip I received before going abroad was, “Enjoy the place where you are.” I think too often people focus on the idea of traveling Europe, of visiting the big cities like London, or Paris, and they fail to appreciate where they are. Every place in Scotland has been an adventure. On the Isle of Skye, we got caught in a torrential downpour. I’ve gone swimming and have felt less soaked to the bone. Yet, I had the most amazing time. In Inverness, my friend Mia and I visited the candy store they went to while filming the Bachelorette and tried a candy called the Black Death (do not recommend!). In Edinburgh, we stumbled on a pop-up market and purchased way too many macarons. In Aberdeen, Mia and I accidentally went to a children’s interactive play thinking it would just be a normal play. It’s safe to say we were the only people in the crowd who were not five or forty. But nonetheless, we laughed and enjoyed ourselves. Scotland has been a combination of giggles and absurd adventures, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My favorite thing about Scotland has definitely been the abundance of castles. Initially, my goal was to see a castle a weekend. I have not achieved this goal, but I’ve still seen an amazing number of castles. Visiting castles has led me to ponder very important questions – what makes a castle? And what makes a palace? I think palaces are more modern – take Buckingham Palace – while castles are typically older and most likely kind of in ruins. I think I’m more of a castle girl myself. Being from the States, the ability to see a castle that dates to the 12th century is astounding. In Scotland, you trip over history, whereas in the States you wouldn’t know history if it hit you in the head.

Hopefully, now that I’ve gotten the first daunting blog post out of the way, I can blog more frequently. I’d like to think of this blog as a way for me to jot down all the shenanigans (and studies) I manage to complete while in Scotland.