Ella Duke, Magic & Witchcraft in Scotland, Summer 2026
I’d do it again in a heartbeat! This experience forced me so far out of my comfort zone that I feel like it transformed me completely. I would argue I’m a relatively shy person, and it takes a lot for me to forge friendships and truly connect with others. Since studying abroad, I am much more open to conversations, experiences, and getting to know people. On this trip, I met so many people, formed lifelong friendships, and made memories that I will always look back on fondly. Obviously living abroad in an academic setting is a little different than moving abroad on your own, but this experience made me realize this could be a possibility for me in the future. Over the course of the month, I fell in love with Scotland’s culture and rich history. Towards the end, I started to feel less like a tourist, and more like a local. Whenever I had traveled in the past, it was never just to “live” there, it was to visit and see all the cool sites. Going to Scotland just to exist there and study its history was so much more enriching than just being there on a family vacation. There was an adjustment period; feeling like I didn’t belong, missing my family, and wondering if this was the right choice. I cannot emphasize enough that I am so glad I made the last-minute decision to apply. We didn’t have much free time in this program, but our group made the absolute most of it. We listened to local bands play, wandered around the cobblestone streets, and tried all the spots recommended to us by locals. If you are on the fence about applying, just do it! You never know what could happen, and these are truly once in a lifetime experiences.
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