Aberdeen, known as the Granite City for its buildings and the Silver City for its beaches is a very interesting place. Located on the North Sea, it was known for fish, granite and farming. All those have given way to the oil which was discovered mid-way through the 20th century. The light house which ones called in the fishing boats, now finds a line of vessels which run supplies back and forth to the drilling rigs and tankers. It sounds very industrial and cold, but in fact the modern and historical aspects of the city have managed to integrate in a way that make it a very comfortable place to live, learn and work. 

 This morning, we were met by university representative, Tarah Gillespie and she quickly dispatched us on a tour of the environs. We were regaled with local history and anecdotes by our guide, David Robertson, before beginning the official part of the visit.

We spent the morning learning some of the facts and figures of the univeristy: there are 16,000 students, 20 percent of which are international. It has recently undergone a curriculum review which welcomed some changes favoring incoming students and there has been a major commitment made to renovation and improvement. Recent major building efforts have included a state-of-the-art athletic complex and massive new library.

All the information was very helpful, but the highlight of the day was having lunch with some of the university professors and then being given a tour of the university by a delightful second-year student. We were given the chance to ask open questions and gain insight as to why students choose Aberdeen and what inspires professors to teach there.

Although there is a great deal more to tell, I will have to get back to you later as I have just been given word that I am expected downstairs for dinner in five minutes!!

ciao, edm 

This morning was a busy one. Beginning at 9 o'clock sharp, we were installed in one of the newly refurbished Student Association meeting rooms. We met with several administrators who explained the process of applying to Aberdeen, as well as other universities in the UK, gave an overview of the sort of support that was available to students, and shed some light as to how the housing system worked. The highlight of the day, however, was when the adults gave way to the students.

 

First we heard from the AUSA (Aberdeen Univ. Student Association) President of Sports. Drew graduated from Aberdeen last year but was elected to the position and was responsible for overseeing all aspects of sports, ranging from recreational to highly competitive. As you can imagine, it is a full-time job, and  I found it interesting to hear that all the leadership positions of the AUSA came from the student body and that it was not at all unusual for a third or fourth year student to be elected and serve even though it required the student to suspend their studies for a year in order to assume the myriad responsibilities. When I asked Drew why students would want to do that, he simply shrugged and explained that it was an amazing experience and a huge asset for a student's resume. 

 

Shortly after that presentation we were treated to a panel of North American students. Four students with a wide range of persepctives and ages met with us and shared their experiences with us. There was a young man who was doing a masters in business, a young lady from Minnesota who was pursuing her second undergraduate degree, another young lady from Calgary who was on a semester abroad, and finally a young man from the Boston area who was in his third year pursuing a degree in international relations and poilitics. It was this latter student who most interested me as he was emphatic about the necessity in today's world for all young students to factor in the importance of studying abroad in order to gain a global perspective. Although a strong advocate for the full undergraduate course of study, he did recognize that it was not possible for everyone. He did say, however, that having the experience of seeing his own country from another perspective while being immersed in a community with students who hailed from all over the UK and the world was invaluable. His parting comment reflected the value of independence gained from studying abroad: "Independence is like a language; to really learn it, you have to immerse yourself in it." 

 

Indeed, and though studying abroad is not necessarily for everyone, my visit this past week has confirmed a hunch I had that for those who want to take the step, Scotland offers an attractive option. Admittedly, it will take a while to adapt to the new accent and some different words, but the country is most welcoming. The young lady from Canada was effusive in the describing the warmth and friendliness of the people she met; she went so far as to say it was a bit unnerving at first. The academics are of the highest quality and the reason that foreigners are encouraged to come is that the numbers of UK, EU and Scottish students are strictly limited. In many cases, the universities would be much smaller. Foreign students serve both the purpose of increasing the student body and global reach whilst bringing in tuition. For UK, EU and Scottish students acceptance is highly competitive; though the standards are high for acceptance, foreign students do not experience the same restrictions. In the end, foreign students get the better end of the deal; they can apply to amazing universities (in many cases one that have resources similar to our top state schools) but instead of being with a majority of in-state residents, the population is widely scattered.

 

As the young man from Boston said, doing a full course of study abroad is not for everyone, but I suggest everyone consider it in some way, shape and form. Having met students, not only from North America, they wonder why US students are so insistent on restricting themselves, especially when competition is so fierce as comparable schools.

 

I will be heading to London tomorrow, and though I have no formal tours planned, I will be visiting a couple of the schools in the city to get a sense of the difference between English and Scottish schools. As always, if questions cross your mind, do not hesitate to email me.

 

cheers, edm 

 

 

After a busy couple of days in Aberdeen, I headed south on the train to London. I must be the only person on the planet who can manage to come to the UK in March and be treated to lovely spring weather and clear, sunny skies. People I meet, laugh and tell me that I have not yet really been to Scotland or England. Be that as it may, it has been amazing.

 

I spent my last two days racing around London and while not on official tours, did get a chance to stop by some of the schools in the city. I had planned to go out to Cambridge and Oxford, but finally had to agree with those I asked, that it was trying to squeexe in too much in too short a time. Instead, I stayed within the confines of the city of London.

 

Because the weather was so nice, wherever I went there were students lounging outside. It was easy to approach them and start a conversation. They were fascinated that I would travel from the US to learn about schools, frankly, I learned a tremendous amount from them.

 

LSE - Is not a school for the "feint of heart". The work is incredibly demanding and it is highly specialized. For the student who is ready to jump into an international, financially-oriented program, it is well worth considering. However, it is nothing like the typical undergraduate scene where there are societies and activities to promote social life and independence. Personally, I think for most Portledge students, LSE could be a great experience as a graduate or semester program, but for a four-year, right from the start program, I think it is too focused and limited.