University of Stirling

I quite enjoyed the opportunity I had to hear and speak English everyday. However, it was sometimes difficult to understand local people outside the university, because of their Scottish accent. I do not think I improved a lot in understanding the Scottish accent, although I became more confident with addressing Scottish people. I regret that British students were distant with international students and mostly preferred to stay together rather than speak to us. I finally kept in touch with more international students than British ones.

Pick a university that has courses you are studying. Don't overload yourself as you will want to travel but try to gain as much from the university as you can. Don't take a huge suitcase..you will not need as much as you think. And once you are over there- travel. See and experience as much as you can, from local culture to the countries close by.

Fly into Prestwick cause there is a rail connection between there and Stirling. There is none to Glasgow International. For backpacking around Scotland, Macbackpackers is a great company as well as Stray Travel. That's how I did it.

If you can, hire a car and spend a weekend or a week travelling around Stirling.

Travel around Scotland, you'll love it!!

The arrangements of the housing was perfect. The room was a bit small and expensive though.