Bagpipes, Kilts, and Camaraderie: Edinburgh will change your life Past Review

100% WORTHWHILE. It was tough deciding if I was going to stay for a year. To be honest, I miss Wellesley everyday- it truly is a wonderful place, and we are getting an unparalleled experience by living and learning there. That being said, I also love Edinburgh, but it is different, and I think that when going into any study abroad experience you have to anticipate a different mentality, as you will be immersed in a totally different culture. That is what I really wanted, a cultural immersion at a top-rate university, in a country with an interesting political climate. I think this has been a little taste of what graduation is going to be like, and I am going to have major separation anxiety from Wellesley lol. The classes are very different from Wellesley- they are a lot bigger, and you don't get as much of a personal relationship with your profs or sometimes other students. You will probably have a lot more free time here, but that free time can be easily filled :) But, just because you're not in class does not mean you won't be learning! Self-discovery is an important part of life, and you can get back in touch with the academic pursuits you really love, not just what your major curriculum requires. It is also good to think about whether or not you will go home for holidays (i.e. Christmas), because family time is important! (But Skype, facetime, email, the internet, etc. make the world a much smaller place :)) I did ask around a lot and did my research, and everyone recommeneded a year. So I am going to do the same for you- DO IT! Jump in head first. I miss my Wellesley friends terribly. However, they are were abroad in different semesters, so I wouldn't be able to spend as much time with them anyway. And, I have met wonderful, wonderful people here, so great that I think it is safe to say I have friends all over the world :) A semester is long, but in my opinion, it is not enough time. Even though I've been here for a semester already, I still have so much I want to accomplish! I had friends who were only here for a semester and they SO wish they could come back (we miss them terribly!) Campus is right in the "city," but honestly it does not feel like a city at all. But it has all the perks of a city. this is a GREAT place to live. And contrary to popular belief- it DOES get sunny! and it is beautiful. and charming. and a clean safe city, with tons of history. You get a feel for it so quickly, easily navigable, I walk everywhere. I have met wonderful people, from all over the world (Edinburgh is a really european/international place)