By Megan Schulte, student study abroad ambassador

What program you are on: Semester exchange at the University of Glasgow

Is it a Miami or Third-Party program: Miami exchange

What you are studying with your program: Earth science and geography. Classes include Environmental Hazards: Physical Hazards, Humans and Hazards, Cartography and Design, Paleoclimatology, and History of Art.

Why you chose the program that you did: I thought that Scotland would be an interesting place to study due to its diverse geology, including four tectonics plates and volcanic landforms. The University of Glasgow in particular has been named Scottish University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018. The Geology program is ranked 8th in the UK by The Complete University Guide (2018). The food sounded interesting as well!

Coolest place/thing that you have done so far: Climbing Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh was an exhilarating experience that provided an amazing view of the city. The 3-mile hike brings you to a height of 823ft, from which you can see Holyrood Park, the Firth of Forth (an estuary leading to the North Sea), and the Edinburgh Castle. Later that day I went on a tour of the haunted underground city, the hidden city of body snatchers and ne'er-do-wells.

Favorite part about the program: Having teachers from across Europe means they can provide a variety of expertise on their local geologies. Classwork, as well as involvement in the Glasgow University Earth Science Society (GUESS) brings forth many interesting discussions, especially comparing environmental processes and disasters between the UK and the US.

How study away has affected/changed you so far: As a scientist, a Jew, and an avid traveler, Scotland has much to offer. Getting to know the students and staff here, as well as the people I’ve met while traveling, has forged lasting memories and a greater appreciation for the country. Also, hearing what others thought about the United States gave me lots to think about. I would highly recommend studying in Scotland to artists, scientists, and business people alike.