By: Susanne Reynolds

This summer eight Bainbridge State College students spent time abroad in Scotland.

While in Scotland, they were immersed in the culture where they visited several sites, including Linlithgow Castle. The southwest Georgia students had many reactions to the food, culture, politics and weather.

For BSC students, such as Kim Dixon, it was her first time traveling abroad. The trip caused her to catch the “travel bug” while gaining appreciation for other countries.

She said, “The trip changed me in that my desire to travel has increased immensely. Going to a foreign, yet similar country, has made me understand and appreciate cultural differences.”

Other BSC students commented on their experiences in Scotland.

According to Leanna Stephens of Iron City, the most memorable time while in Scotland was when the group made a trip through the highlands.

“It was very cold and rainy, but so beautiful,” she said. “And I loved how a local man named Oban walked up and struck up a conversation with us.”

By studying abroad in Scotland, Stephens admitted it has “strengthened the desire to travel.”

For Jesse Steen of Bainbridge, this was not his first time out of the country. He was able to travel last year with BSC to Italy and France.

While studying in Scotland, Steen learned about Scottish literature and architecture.

“I learned about the many different writers from Scotland,” he said. “The architecture was beautiful and it was interesting how they take care of their castles and other older buildings.”

He also commented on how this trip has changed his views.

“It humbled me as an American, and made me even more thankful for our Constitution and our freedoms. Being in another country made me aware of being careful that I did not say or do anything that would allow the Scottish citizens to consider me disrespectful,” said Steen. “This trip has changed me as it enlightened me in the various customs, foods, and priorities in life that people have in different countries.

We Americans may take life too seriously and seem more stressed than the general population in Scotland.  They are more laid back and do not have the fast pace in life that we see in our country.  Seeing that has helped me to focus on what is really important and not become too stressed in life’s everyday occurrences.”   

Next year, Dr. David Nelson is planning two 2-week back to back programs in Scotland. For more information on studying abroad in Scotland, please contact Nelson at david.nelson@bainbridge.edu.