Today marks the anniversary of my tumultuous arrival in Edinburgh three weeks ago. I really cannot believe it has only been that long because most days I feel like I have lived here ages. Between all of the administrative tasks of moving and the program responsibilities starting just days after arrival, I really had no choice but to get settled quickly. The experience of being an international student versus a semester abroad student has also been very different and has contributed to me feeling more like I live here. I haven't had a program director to help me find my way around or to take me sightseeing, nor am I part of an instant American group of friends. As you all know by now, I very much like finding my way around new places so the independence has been positive. Really, the only 'difficult' part has been understanding the local lingo. Many times during conversations I find myself wondering what the heck they are talking about usually because they use words in a context I am not familiar with. Like 'I am so wrecked [tired]' or 'do you have a plaster [band aid]'.
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| my street |
Classes are going brilliantly as well. Everything has been full speed from day one. No 'syllabus' days here; they expect you to have the readings done for the first class and they dive right into material. When I break my tuition down into a per class amount I guess I am glad I am getting the most for my money! The majority of my classes are comprised of a weekly lecture portion and then a tutorial, which is like a small group geared towards discussion. There is little in class time but a lot of independent reading. My grade will be determined by only one or two papers per class. I am slightly nervous for the papers only because they will be much different from the style of business papers I did at Truman and the writing style in general is different in the UK, as is some grammar, spelling, citation, etc.
Very late but here is my room! Pretty basic and a bit drab...
I am still finding time to fit touristy outings in. Last weekend two flatmates and I toured Holyrood Palace which is where the Queen stays during her visits to Edinburgh. The Palace construction began back in the 16th century and was home to royalty such as Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of Scots. We unfortunately were not allowed to take pictures inside. Holyrood Abbey also sits on the property and though it is just ruins now, it was quite magnificent to see. It was founded back in 1128 making it almost one thousand years old!
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| Holyrood Palace |
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| Holyrood Abbey ruins |
More to come soon! Xxxx
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