UK: Scotland: Edinburgh - City and Place

Overview 

This environmentally focused study abroad program takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, in one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, students will have a three-week immersive experience. Through lectures and discussions, day trips to historic and cultural sites, and hands-on activities, students will be introduced to key concepts relating to urban planning and design, history, urban ecology, place-based tourism, and social and environmental justice.

With more than half the world's population living “urban” already, and the movement from rural to urban accelerating rapidly, it is imperative that cities accommodate this growth in a way that makes them livable, socially just, and sustainable. Edinburgh is a fascinating place to study urban change and observe how a medieval city has transformed over time to the bustling tourist destination and cultural capital that it is today. This program will focus not only on the development of sustainable cities but also on the concept of place, inviting students to explore the question, “What makes a space a place?” Students will consider what makes Edinburgh a place that draws people in—through its representation in media, its rich history, and its appeal as a travel destination. 

This program is suited for all majors and academic levels.

Highlights and Excursions

• Green space surveys
• Trips to Tantallon, Craigmillar, and Stirling Castle
• Service project with Water of Leith Conservancy 
• Visit a once-active coal mine at the National Mining Museum
• Visit an agroecology/urban mushroom farm 
• Visit the site of Scotland’s first railway -  the Tranent-Cockenzie Waggonway
• Visit the site of historic salt pans and make your own sea salt! 
• Design your own sustainable city 
• And so much more! 

Good to Know

• Physical Activity: The program will require moderate to extensive walking and standing to participate in program activities including hiking.

Upcoming Info Sessions

• September 23 6:00-7:00PM (virtual)
  • Microsoft Teams meeting
    • Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/283771976257604?p=loGQlurQHQt0493oOr
      • Meeting ID: 283 771 976 257 604
      • Passcode: zb2ZP2BW
• October 13 12:00-1:00PM (in-person - Gordy 307)
• November 3 4:00-5:00PM (in-person - Gordy 210)

Living Arrangements 

Students will stay in on-campus housing at the University of Edinburgh in single en-suite rooms. The residence hall is all within convenient walking distance of the university and includes a “full Scottish breakfast.” 

Program Dates 

May 29 - June 19, 2027

*Students will need to depart the U.S. one day early to arrive on the program start day.  

Academics  

Students will enroll in the following courses:

• Spring: 1 credit of HC2905: Special Topics in OHIO Honors
• Summer: 1 credit of XLRN2100: Building your Story through Study Abroad

If you are a student in the OHIO Honors Program, you will also earn co-curricular credit for the experience. 

Cost

The following information is intended to help participants understand the estimated costs associated with the program.  For additional information regarding program costs, please refer to Understanding Program Costs for Ohio-Credit Programs.

The total estimated cost for Summer 2027 is still being finalized and cost information will be updated when the next program cycle opens for application.

• Undergraduate: $X,XXX + 1 Credit of Spring 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees + 2 Credit of Summer 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees
• Graduate: $XX,XXX + 1 Credit of Spring 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees + 2 Credit of Summer 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees

Tuition rates are based on participant's Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study (refer to Bursars for more information).

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Since this program collaborates with WorldStrides, all participants are eligible to apply for WorldStrides Higher Ed Custom Program Scholarships.

Eligibility

This program is open to full-time students at Ohio University who are interested in environmental studies, urban history, sense of place and sustainability.

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.  

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements

When applying, students will be required to submit:

• a copy of their DARs,
• a 1-2 page personal statement explaining why they are interested in the program, and
• 2 letters of references

Applicants must complete a pre-departure orientation as well as an interview with the Program Director.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport book when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,  apply for your passport  now.

Entry and exit requirements can vary by destination and it is the traveler's responsibility to ensure that they meet these requirements. OGO has compiled general information about entry/exit requirements and you can review specific information for your destination on the U.S. Department of State website on international travel. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page 

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens 

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations