Posted October 25, 2021
After a brief hiatus, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls plans to reintroduce its long-running Experience Scotland program in a new location.
Beginning this spring, Newbattle Abbey College in Midlothian, Scotland, will serve as the new base of operations for the Experience Scotland program. This follows the end of a 34-year lease at the nearby Dalkeith Castle, where the program had been held since its inception in 1986.
Experience Scotland was not offered during the 2020-2021 academic year, as the COVID-19 pandemic placed a hold on all programs offered through the Office of International Education.
UWRF’s International Education website, uwrf.studioabroad.com, describes the Experience Scotland program as an “amazing experience with virtually limitless opportunities for educational and personal growth.”
According to Kelsey McLean, an education abroad adviser for UWRF, course offerings in Scotland will be very similar to previous years, as the program will stay largely the same despite the hiatus and change in locale.
“The most significant changes won’t be visible to students, they’re more on the administrative side,” said McLean, referring to the new partnership with Newbattle Abbey College. Student interest in the program for the upcoming spring semester has been high, and those interested are very excited to get involved, said McLean.
Leading the program on location this spring is Group Leader Kathy Steffan.
“The relaunch of the Experience Scotland program at the beautiful Newbattle Abbey College will definitely support students’ interest in seeing the world differently,” Steffan said. “Witnessing student transformations and knowing they’re making lifelong friends along the way are among the most satisfying parts of playing a role in the Experience Scotland program.”
UW-River Falls is currently accepting Experience Scotland applications for the spring semester of 2022. Any interested student is welcome to apply at uwrf.studioabroad.com
For additional information on the Experience Scotland program, email kelsey.mclean@uwrf.edu.
The article may be found online at https://uwrfjournalism.org/2021/10/uwrfs-scotland-program-readies-for-spring/.