API: Experience Edinburgh, Scotland (Scholarships Available)

I was part of a trial program between API and my university where we combined our in-person specialized university classes with Heriot Watts university. Because it was a new program, the onboarding process gave little to no details and left students in the dark. But once I got to Scotland, I met a lot of Heriot Watt students that I'm still friends with a year later and go to go see Scotland through excursions and personal adventures. I learned how to be more independent and confident in self. Some hiccups that happened were the fire alarm going off 13 times during the night in a single month in my accommodation, but API Edinburgh team helped me moved into another building and getting appointments at the GP was difficult especially without a UK number. Overall, I had a great time and encourage others to take the chance and study abord.

I really struggled in adapting when I studied abroad. I didn't know anyone else in my program, and I had a couple of health issues that made the start difficult. However, API helped me tremendously to fit it. They helped me relocate, took me to the doctor, and were a wonderful support to lean on. I am so happy I picked this program, as by the end, I couldn't believe I had to go home. I ended up making wonderful friends, and having an incredible 4 months.

Without a doubt, there isn't a day that goes by without me thinking or talking about my time studying abroad in Scotland with API! Where to begin - from the moment I decided to apply to the program, the entire admissions staff was extremely helpful (not to mention incredibly kind) in guiding me through the application process. Once I was accepted & flash forward to my arrival day in Scotland, I felt a genuine sense of comfort knowing that I had a program manager (living in the country) who I could message anytime with questions, advice or simply see while hanging out on weekend cultural immersive API events. Furthermore, I chose to study abroad with API because I loved the idea that being with API meant that there would be a whole other group of American students studying abroad with me - as I didn't know anyone at the University of Edinburgh before arrival, it was nice to know that I would have a whole immediate group of 'friends' to build a connection with as we explored living in the city (who I still to this day stay in touch with)! Not to mention, the University of Edinburgh was honestly a dream school for me - If I could be a student for life, I would probably study there for the duration :) Overall, anyone looking for the best study abroad experience, look no further, whether you go to Scotland or anywhere else with API, you're sure to be in great hands as it was one of the best times of my life (API, University of Edinburgh, 2018).