Educational System
More than 30 percent of young people in Britain attend college or university. You will find that learning at British universities is much different that that of an American institution in that much more responsibility for learning the material is given to the student. Keeping in mind that there is no standardization of degrees in Britain, teaching methods and assessment vary from institution to institution. In general academic life in British universities consists of large lectures followed by more intimate tutorials and labs where the information is studied in detail. You are expected to read, research and prepare outside of class time. |
Partner Universities CIS currently partners with the following universities in Scotland: |
People and Culture The name "Scotland" derives from the Scoti, a Celtic tribe who migrated to Scotland from Ireland during the fifth and sixth centuries and who, in time, merged through conquest and intermarriage with the Pictish tribes to form the nucleus of the Scottish nation. The official language of the nation is English, although Gaelic is spoken, primarily in the Highlands and the Islands and the Scots language (which has many similarities to English, but also draws on French and Gaelic) is also spoken in the Lowlands.The people of Scotland are said to have a rock-solid identity and sense of self - they are proud of their heritage no matter where in the world they may have migrated. 5.2 million people inhabit Scotland and are mainly Caucasian, although many ethnicities can be found, particularly in the larger cities. Two-thirds of Scots belong to the Church of Scotland, although the more rigorous United Free Presbyterian Church is more popular in the Highlands and Islands. Culturally speaking, Scotland can boast when it comes to folk art, literature and festivals. Encompassing all of these cultural facets is the annual Edinburgh International Festival - one of the world's leading arts events. This is the largest festival in all of Britain and a must if you are interested in seeing fringe theatre, music and poetry being performed to audiences from all over the world. Throughout the year there are many other less famous, but equally enjoyable festivals presented throughout the country. In terms of exports, Scotland has given much to the world besides its whiskey. Perhaps the most famous icon of Scottish traditional culture is the Highland bagpipe, which achieved the height of its popularity during Queen Victoria's reign because she liked to be woken by one playing outside her window. Tartans (kilts), another Scottish icon, date back to the Roman period, but were only associated with particular clans after the 17th century. Additionally, the Scots are quite famous in the world of science where they are credited with discoveries such as bitumen, waterproofing, the telephone, the television and radar. |
Geography and Climate People are routinely confused by Scotland's relationship to Great Britain. It is important to note that Scotland, England and Wales are all countries in their own right, and combined constitute the island nation of Great Britain. Northern Ireland and Great Britain combined are known as the United Kingdom (UK) and if you combine the Republic of Ireland with the UK you have the British Isles. The modern history of Britain is considered to have started around the mid 1400's. By that time Wales had been conquered by England, and Scotland had become part of Great Britain when the King of Scots succeeded to the English throne. Suffice it to say, however, that each country has a rich, elaborate history unto itself. Scotland is about half the size of England and comparable in size to Maine. With a varied landscape of rolling hills, lowlands and mountains, geographically it can be divided into three areas: the Southern Uplands, the Central Lowlands and the Northern Highlands and Islands, with two thirds of the country designated as either mountains or moorlands. Scotland is also noted for its lochs (this name is generally used for lakes in Scotland). Much of the west coast of the country is intersected by Sea Lochs, the longest of which, Loch Fyne, penetrates more than 40 miles inland. Notable fresh-water lochs include Loch Ness - the one with the Monster! There are wide variations in climate over small distances in Scotland. Although the country lies just south of the Arctic Circle, the Gulf Stream winds keep the temperature relatively mild. The east coast tends to be cool and dry, with winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, while the west coast is milder and wetter, with average summer highs of 66ºF. May and June are the driest months and July and August are the warmest. |
Health and Safety Violent crimes are still very rare in Scotland and city centers are safe for the most part. With that being said, you should be cautious in areas with which you are unfamiliar. We always advise you to use common sense while you are traveling to other countries. While studying in Scotland you will need to have health insurance to cover you in case of an accident. Students who will spend more than six months in Scotland will technically be able to use the national health plan. However, we recommend that you always purchase supplemental insurance. CIS can make arrangements for you to purchase comprehensive international heath and travel insurance for about $50.00 - $75.00 per month. |
 CIS - Center for International Studies 25 New South Street # 102, Northampton, MA 01060 Toll-free phone 877 617-9090, Phone: 413 582 0407 Fax: 413 582 0327, Request More Information |
Scotland, being part of Britain, shares its education system. Due to colonization, the British education system, or remnants thereof, is seen throughout the world. Britain is home to some of the leading educational institutions in the world. There are 168 universities and colleges of higher education in Britain, with a total of 1.8 million full and part-time students enrolled in higher education. 