People always say studying abroad will be ‘fun’ and a ‘great opportunity.’ But studying abroad this fall in Scotland has been much more than this. I simply can’t put into words the warmth and love I feel for the people I’ve met in just 4 short months. From the crazy old lads at the pub down the street to my wonderful 11 flatmates– everyone taught me lessons that I will carry on for this rest of my life. I decided to write about the 10 things that Scotland has taught me, stories included. Some are silly* and others serious– all equally important in the journey of ones life.
*Friendly reminder that the legal drinking age is 18 in the UK (unlike the U.S.) and would like to take a moment to apologize to my parents for my craziness.
10. Scottish slang and accent is basically a whole different language
One of the laziest reasons I chose to study in Scotland was the fact that it is a native English-speaking nation. I love the idea of learning new languages but it’s not a strong suit of mine and I wanted to feel comfortable. Little did I know “English” in Scotland is a whole different language. Add on the goofy Glaswegian accent and you’re in trouble. It took 4 months to learn a good amount of the slang and practice a mean Scottish impersonation but it was fun.9. Cab drivers are your worst enemy and your favorite therapist
Two parts to this one. First, never jay walk kids. Secondly, don’t call your parents at 5 in the morning telling them you got hit by a cab — it may result in a mini heart attack. But more importantly, don’t trust a cab driver to not hit you when you step off the sidewalk cause there’s a 93% chance they’ll just knock you over. I am a victim of this 93%.
Unlike the majority of cabbies that will run over your foot at 3 in the morning, there are a special few that I like to label as therapists. Cabbies are strangers who don’t judge and listen not because it’s their job but because they have nothing better to do in the time it takes to drive you to your destination. My favorite memory of a “cab therapist” was the dreadful Sunday morning my Macbook hard drive crashed. I had a 15 page final paper for my Scottish Enlightenment course done — it was due on Monday. I lost it all and the Apple store couldn’t help. Frantically, I jumped into a cab and started sobbing at my own misery. The cab driver listened to my story in between my weeping and calmed me down by being empathetic but also realistic in reminding me that life is bigger than a 15 page Scottish Enlightenment paper.
If you are ever in need of a quick 10 minute anonymous therapy session jump in a cab. It’ll save you hundreds of dollars and you’ll meet someone cool along the way.
8. Haggis is delicious, just don’t ask what is in it
Unless you crave sheep stomachs and juicy livers I recommend to never ask a Scot what goes into making the traditional meal. But I do recommend being a brave wee Lassie and trying it once in your life. If you are scared you can eat it fried and drenched in sauce– as Ben and I did in Edinburgh.
On a broader spectrum, I’d like to think eating haggis is a metaphor for living in the present. Some moments in life you don’t want or need an explanation. Just trust your gut (or hunger in this case) and leave it up to fate. Don’t try to explain how things work or try to plan a journey, just pick one and experience the wild twists and turns life throws at you.
Yes go ahead and try the damn haggis it’s not going to kill you, neither is trying new and adventurous things in life.
7. Music is universal
I’ve always seen music as a meditative and social tool in my life. From Arctic Monkeys to Dire Straits, music provides a is a path to your hidden voice. Most importantly, it allows you to connect with the people around you.
There’s nothing like being cramped in a small quaint pub filled to its brim with people singing in their raspy loud drunk voices to the melody of Galway girl or the verses of Sweet Home Alabama.
So grab the speakers and play what your heart desires.
6. Crash as many Holiday staff parties without getting caught
The two funnest nights I had in Glasgow were the nights my friends and I ‘accidentally’ crashed Christmas staff parties. First one was at the local bar in the west end. A huge oil company took over and turned the little pub into one of the craziest parties I’ve ever seen. The company bought endless rounds of drinks– one of the few positives of petrol’s wealth. And the night ended in a huge Hilton suite eating a room service feast and jumping on the beds till the sun rose.
The other party was at the Tennents’ brewery. If you have been to Scotland you would know Tennents is a very important word. It’s “Scotland’s favorite pint” and is extremely cheap compared to all the other imported beers. Not too shabby tasting either. Anyways, our flatmate Davide worked as an intern this past summer and is currently still doing work for the brewery. He took the whole flat (about 10 of us) on a tour around the factory. It ended with a taste session of course. But little did we know that wasn’t going to be the last pint of the night. Davide took us to the staff party which was being held in the top of the factory. The old quaint pub overlooked the bottling room. We were overwhelmed with hospitality. We walked in and all the old women grabbed is to dance to old 70s funk as we were poured pints after pints. We all danced for hours and had laughs with all the staff– from the secretaries to the CFO.
Lesson learned: if you ever have the chance crash a holiday party. You will have a night you will always remember.
5. You can never give too many hugs
I was so worried when I found out I was going to be living in a flat with 12 strangers. Little did I know those 12 strangers were going to be 12 of the coolest most genuine people I have ever met in my life.
After we got past our little shy awkward selves, our flat turned into a crazy and hilarious place to turn to for support, a good laugh, a place to rant, or to get a hug after a long day.What helped our flat get to this beautiful point of comfort was hugging. Hugs and kisses break the barrier and make you realize you have someone there.
So give out as many hugs and kisses as possible in your life. Never doubt that it’s a perfect moment for a hug.
4. Travel is important but immersing is the key
Yes, while studying abroad in Europe you should take the opportunity of cheap flights and youthful energy to travel all around. I had a great time getting to see friends studying abroad in other cities and exploring by myself. However, more than I would like I was stressed about money and exhausted from long bus rides and finishing homework on the plane ride home.
My solution– stick with the country you chose. Explore the whole country from coast to coast. See how people are in the north versus the south. Taste the different whiskeys and meals of each clan. The key to gaining a once in a lifetime experience living abroad is to actually live there. Instead of having the mindset that it’s just a vacation or an extended visit– convince yourself that its permanent. This allows you to immerse yourself in the culture and gain friendships that will last a lifetime.
3. Skirts look damn good on men
Enough said. Thank God for kilts, beautiful ginger lads, and the Glaswegian accent. Hereby declaring the Scottish nation as the most attractive in the world.
2. Talk about politics, religion, sex, and all the things you were taught were not polite
You are always told to never talk about politics and sex on the first date or with strangers. But I say that is total bs. How are you supposed to learn about someone’s values, characteristics, spirituality unless you talk about the things that make us all similar and different at the same time?
Politics and sex were our two favorite conversations in our flat. Let’s just say I know more about those 12 strangers than I would necessarily like to but I’m glad I do. With every conversation and every story told we all respected our differences while learning how similar every human being is. If you put 4 Americans, 4 Brazilians, 1 Catalan, 1 Swede, 1 Chinese, and 1 Italian in a room you get a wild ride of opinions and stories.
So share your story– with all its crudeness and insecurities. That’s what makes us human.
1. Scotland is beyond beautiful
I have been blessed to travel the world this past year. I’ve been on 26 flights, traveled to 7 countries, and explored over 30 cities in the past 12 months. I am forever grateful for the adventure of a lifetime. Each country taught me new lessons but Scotland is one for the books. The people I’ve met and the stories I’ve gained I will remember forever. As cheesy as it is this is not a goodbye for me. I know Scotland will be home for me at some point in my life– let it be post-graduate, work, or to raise a family.
So see you later Scotland and Slaandjivaa.
crazyspacesbetween 
What wonderful and creative minds you both have!
Thank you my love– same to you.
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