Arriving in Edinburgh felt like stepping into a gothic snow globe. Now, two short weeks later, that feeling hasn’t faded, and I’m confident it will stay with me for the next five months. With its medieval architecture and shadowy cobblestone streets, this city has brought my dream of attending Hogwarts to life.
Only after I got off the train from London did I begin to process the reality of being alone in a new country. The initial wave of apprehension quickly gave way to excitement and an insatiable urge to explore. I spent my introductory days exploring this historical city in the company of many, many stairs and cups of hot cocoa. There’s an endless number of hills to climb and bagpipes to hear (I was quickly proven wrong in doubting there’d be kilted men playing on every corner.) Thanks to the warmth of its diverse residents and unmistakable Harry Potter ambiance, Edinburgh is a truly magical place. I am in awe of being able to call home.
The Yes Theory
It’s no lie that the experience of studying abroad comes a mix of discomfort and nervousness. Prior to boarding the plane, my mind spun with worries: What if I don’t make friends? What if I can’t adapt to the new teaching style? What if I miss my friends and family too much? And, perhaps most critically, how will I survive without my daily H-E-B yogurt and granola? However, I’ve gradually realized that worrying is a rather stressful waste of energy – one I’ve challenged myself to replace with action.
Since arriving in Scotland, I’ve embraced the “Yes Theory,” a philosophy championed by a digital media community that suggests “life’s greatest moments and deepest connections exist outside your comfort zone.” This mindset has already led to some incredible experiences. The first night in my flat, a roommate I had just met invited me to dinner with her friends. If I hadn’t said yes to this seemingly uncomfortable experience, I wouldn’t have found a ridiculously great group of friends made up of people from Australia, Canada, New York and more places around the world. We have trips to Paris and Amsterdam in the works and have spent countless hours together exploring the city.
More recently, I hesitantly agreed to attend a Ceilidh dance class. To my surprise, I not only survived but left with a new, very useful, talent!
When I decided to study abroad and leave behind the familiarity of Texas, I took a huge step outside of my comfort zone. That, however, is just the place I want to be. By challenging myself during moments of discomfort and saying yes more, I am setting the stage for an unforgettable semester in Scotland. Along the way, I anticipate strengthening my confidence and ability to embrace the unexpected.
Learning in a Global Context
When it comes to academics, I feel just as fortunate here as I do at the University of Texas at Austin. Although I’m only in my first week of classes, it’s already clear how passionate and thoughtful my professors are. From my Visualising Scotland class to Human Resources Management, I’m experiencing a diverse range of classmates and teaching techniques. One notable difference is the grading style – most classes rely on one or two major papers instead of nightly homework, which offers a refreshing change of pace.
As an advertising major, I find it fascinating to compare academic topics in Scotland with those back home, particularly through an international lens. Over 40% of the student population is international, and this diversity enriches both classroom discussions and group projects. For example, the “midterm” project in one of my classes involves curating and presenting a group portfolio on a topic related to HR. Collaborating with classmates from around the world has given me new insights and enhances my teamwork skills in a truly global context.
Looking forward, I am nothing shy of thrilled to be encapsulated by the winds and whiskeys of Scotland. Along with replacing the letter “z” with “s” in a few words, I’ll be substituting queso for haggis. As unappealing as that dish sounds, it’s not too bad (given a generous dip in brown sauce.) I cannot wait to see more of Edinburgh’s beautiful campus, several other European countries and, inevitably, growth in myself as a person.
This post was contributed by Emma Love Larson, a Global Ambassador for Spring 2025. Emma is a junior studying abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Leave a Reply