Steeped in history, the charming Scottish capital of Edinburgh is regarded as one of the most culturally rich and visually appealing destinations in all of Europe. Against the backdrop of the stunning Lothian landscape, Edinburgh's strong Celtic tradition, sociable modern lifestyle and excellent universities attract thousands of students from abroad each year.

Founded in 1582, the University of Edinburgh is internationally recognized for its academic excellence and advances in teaching and research. By the 18th century, Edinburgh was at the forefront of the Enlightenment, and became a leading center for science, medicine and the humanities. The university boasts an impressive list of alumni that includes such luminaries as the architect Robert Adam, the economist Adam Smith, writers Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Robert Louis Stevenson, the poets Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott, the naturalist Charles Darwin, and the painters Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay.

The 1700s was a period of great prosperity for the city of Edinburgh, resulting in a rapid expansion of its population. The architect James Craig was awarded the contract to design the "Georgian New Town," and the "Athens of the north" was conceived. Built on principles inherited from the Greeks and Romans, superlative examples of neo-classical architecture line the streets and squares of this ordered grid. Students of architecture and architectural history are inspired by Edinburgh's array of magnificent structures, such as the majestic 12th century Saint Giles Cathedral, the Edinburgh Castle (a refuge of Scottish kings), the pre-Reformation Magdalen Chapel and the ultra-modern Scottish Poetry Library, which houses an impressive contemporary collection of works in Scots, Gaelic and English.

In 1707, Scotland merged with England to form the Parliament of Great Britain, a relationship that was to last nearly 300 years. Today, Edinburgh is Scotland's most exciting city and the site of the Scottish Parliament. The country is marking the 10-year anniversary of "devolution," the process of granting central UK government powers to Scottish authorities. Through the Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad intensive internship program, students of history, political science, law, government and related fields have an opportunity to undertake research under the guidance of a Member of Parliament.

For students interested in pursuing a semester or academic year abroad at the University of Edinburgh, a full curriculum is available in the humanities, social sciences, engineering, science, medicine and veterinary sciences. U.S. students can apply to study at any of the university's three main colleges through Arcadia. For aspiring writers and ardent fans of British literature, Arcadia's short-term summer programs give students an opportunity to learn from some of Britain's most distinguished scholars and notable cultural icons.

Edinburgh has many other highly respected institutes of higher learning. With roughly 800 students, the modern Queen Margaret University offers students a small-college experience in a wide array of fields ranging from business to healthcare to drama and the creative industries. The Edinburgh College of Art is internationally renowned, and draws talented art students from Scotland, Europe and around the globe. Heriot-Watt University is a leading research institute for students of business and industry, while Edinburgh's newest higher education institution, Napier University, has a truly multi-cultural student body with more than 2,500 international students from over 100 countries worldwide.

With Edinburgh's enormous variety of parks, gardens and preserved green spaces at hand, students won't need to venture out of the city to relax, unwind and enjoy a bit of nature. However, a study abroad experience in Edinburgh would not be complete without excursions to the surrounding Lothian regions. Ancient ruins, quaint villages and medieval chapels punctuate the stretches of pristine beaches, lush woodlands and dramatic cliffs of this beautiful countryside. Home to St Andrews, known as the "home of golf," Scotland and especially the Lothians feature some of the finest golf courses in the world.

Edinburgh has a lively cultural scene, and is home to top-notch music ensembles performing jazz, opera, folk and many other genres. Two exhilarating events that run concurrently and attract participants from all over the world are the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a dynamic competition of military bands, and Fringe Festival, a three-week theater event featuring thousands of shows and acts at nearly 250 theaters.

For students seeking inspiration, stimulation and a top-notch education, Edinburgh surely meets the task!

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad: www.arcadia.edu/abroad
Edinburgh Travel Information: www.edinburgh.org