Returning to the Homeland
When I first landed in the US I was instantly greeted with familiarity. I loved being in Scotland but it’s just something about being in your own country that makes you feel more secure. After my connecting flight I finally landed in New Orleans airport. I felt instantly at home and was so excited to see my family. My family had made me one of those cheesy welcome home signs, but I was so happy to see them to be embarrassed. Once out...
While in Scotland
When I first arrived in Edinburgh, I was jetlagged and disoriented. I was more than ready to get to Heriot Watt University, find my flat and settle in to my new home for the month. My taxi ride to the university was really enjoyable as my driver was lively and talkative, a quality I would later learn is common among Scottish people. When I finally arrived at the university, I discovered that the flats were still being cleaned and I...
Losing a Loved One While Studying Abroad
I participated in the UA in Ireland: Chemical Engineering program in June 2019. The dates for this program were May 27th – June 28th, 2019. We took two courses, Transport Phenomena (CHE 324) and Stem Cell Bioengineering (CHE 492). Our last two Transport homework assignments were due June 24th and June 25th, our final exam was scheduled for 0900 on June 26th, our farewell dinner was at 1800 on June 26th, and our final project for...
Keep Calm and Stay Out of Temple Bar
While participating in the UA in Ireland: Chemical Engineering program, you will spend an excessive amount of time studying and doing homework. Your best friends will be coffee (which is €1 before 0900 at the on-campus Starbucks), your textbook, the library, and your classmates while doing your homework. This program is truly a study abroad, not like a “study abroad” your friends and family will assume you’re...
A Love Letter to Scotland
In Scotland, it feels like you can reach out and grab the old gods. The second I got off the plane in Inverness’s tiny airport, I knew I could live in the Highlands for the rest of my life. The people are friendly and there are forests and coastlines everywhere. I went to see a castle called Duffus Castle, and went to Lossiemouth beach. Going into Inverness was amazing as well-I was staying in a village called Nairn about 40...
Prepping for Scotland
Ever since high school I’ve known I wanted to venture abroad. Not only to see and explore other countries but also to experience different cultures, dialects and ways of life. Last year I began looking at the programs UA Education Abroad offered that catered to my degree, chemical engineering. I knew in my academic schedule for the upcoming summer that I would need to do a unit operations lab, so I scrolled through the programs...