Semester in Edinburgh - Edinburgh Napier University
Athlete Friendly
Green Campus
Wake up in down-to-earth Edinburgh
Study at Edinburgh Napier University, a top-notch rigorous institution with three distinct campuses: focus on applied sciences in the new sleek buildings of Sighthill Campus, daydream about the Scottish highlands (and your studies) in the turreted Merchiston Campus building with humanities classrooms at the top of a winding staircase, or plan your financial future gazing out of the large windows of the Craiglockhart business school. The charm of this enchanting hilly city, romanticized by poets and ghost stories, will stay with you long after you've returned home.
What to Expect
Language(s):
English
Average Courseload:
3 courses (12-15 US credits)
GPA Requirement:
2.50
Visa Requirement:
NONE Required!
Highlights:
Learn from industry professionals alongside local students in project-based classes
Explore the bustling capital city with castles and captivating old-world charm
Vibrant campus life with numerous sports teams, clubs, and volunteer opportunities
Live, study and socialize with students from Scotland and 100+ other countries
Stunning campus, with buildings dating from the 16th to the 21st centuries
Learn More About This and Other Programs
Edinburgh is like stepping back in time. The old buildings and architecture are just beautiful. I loved roaming around the city for months and I always managed to find something new and exciting.
Madison Miller
I met so many wonderful people and instantly felt at home with the help of CIS Abroad's amazing site director. There are tons of opportunities to travel and the weekend trip to the Highlands was one of my highlights.
Edinburgh Napier University is one of the largest universities in Scotland and was recently rated one of the top two "new" universities in the UK. The three main sites of this multi-campus university (Sighthill, Merchiston, and Craiglockhart) are linked by free shuttle, with quick access to the city center. The modern university is grounded in tradition, as evidenced by the grand 16th-century architecture that merges with cutting-edge facilities. Students respect the university for its innovative and enterprising approach to learning.
Edinburgh Napier University was founded in 1964 by John Napier, inventor of logarithms and the decimal point. The university's origins as a technical college have given it a foundation in applied learning, deep relationships with industry, and responsiveness to the job market. It offers a diverse range of courses in business, computing and creative industries, engineering, health, and life and social sciences. All of these courses will be available to you. And the university's connected interlibrary loan system (with knowledgeable librarians ready to help you navigate their electronic resources) means students rarely need to purchase textbooks.
The community is as diverse as the course offerings; over 30 percent of the University's more than 15,000 students are international. You'll meet people from all over the globe as well as local Scottish students. Enjoy the vibrant campus life with numerous sports, clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
Accreditation(s): Recognized by the Privy Council and a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU and the European University Association (EUA)
Edinburgh is a quirky mix of historic meets modern. Life is booming here in Scotland, which means you'll walk along cobblestone streets and gaze upon cutting-edge, modern architecture. You'll step into a wifi hotspot with the Edinburgh Castle as your backdrop. The city is also making waves for its commitment to "green" and sustainable practices. You'll never be far from Edinburgh's expansive parks and craggy cliffs, where you can take in amazing views, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
The Scots in Edinburgh adore their festivals, and you'll love them, too. To name a few, you might enjoy the International Science Festival, the Jazz and Blues Festival, or the Festival Fringe. You can tour the Edinburgh Castle that's been dominating your view, or visit attractions like the Camera Obscura, the Royal Museum, or the Royal Yacht Britannia. Unwind and chat with the locals at a pub, where you can work up your courage to take a bite of haggis, the national dish.
From Edinburgh, you can explore the highlands and other haunts of Scotland, or you can even hop over to England or Europe for the weekend!
Live the Local Life
Volunteering
Meet locals and your wider community in one of the many volunteer opportunities. There is, for example, the John Muir Trust, a conservation charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing wild places.
Farmer Markets and Food Festivals
You'll find weekly local markets with fresh local produce, and regular food and drink festivals countrywide.
Skiing and snowboarding
Scotland's five ski centres offer a very different experience to mainstream Europe.
Hiking
A popular weekend pursuit with 283 separate mountains (now known as the Munros) reaching over 3000 feet.
Ceilidh
A traditional Gaelic social gathering, which involves playing folk music and dancing.
Live music
Music sessions pop up regularly in most bars and clubs. Some traditional sessions go back years.
Edinburgh Napier University - Residence Halls
Location
Semester in Edinburgh offers a range of University-owned housing in the center of the city and within easy reach of the campus. From your ”flat,” you can easily reach shops, restaurants, cafés, bars, cinemas, and sports facilities. You’ll share your flat and its kitchen and living room with four to eight other students, but you’ll have your own bedroom and en-suite bathroom. You’ll also get a “bedding pack” with linens and a pillow upon arrival.
Check out the photo gallery to get a sense of what your housing might be like.
Meals
Your flat comes equipped with standard kitchen appliances including a microwave, oven, and refrigerator so you can cook your own meals. Dishes, pots and pans, and cutlery can be purchased at low cost at nearby stores.
Inclusions and Amenities
Bathroom - SharedCommute - Public TransportationDouble RoomKitchen EquipmentLaundryLaundry - Onsite
What's Included
Inclusions
Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing
Medical and accident insurance
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Pre-departure orientation
Assistance with travel arrangements
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Airport pickup
On-site orientation
Student Union fees
Edinburgh Napier University official transcript
The Local Life cultural program
Welcome & Orientation
Upon arrival, you'll be picked up the airport (nothing like a friendly face after a long flight!) and checked in at your accommodation. In the first few days, take part in both the University and CIS Abroad orientation program, where you'll learn practical tips for living in Scotland like where to go out, how to stay safe, where to shop. Then, it's off to explore the capital, Edinburgh, and enjoy a welcome meal.
Farewell & Re-Entry Program
Many alumni stay in touch, and some revisit Scotland with friends and family. Going back home after being abroad and the personal growth during that time can be a shock to your system. Your Site Director will walk you through some of the things to expect, and reflect on your experiences abroad so that you can remember the highlights. We never say goodbye in Scotland, so before you go, we share a "haste ye back" meal to celebrate your time here and make sure you know the "Scottish welcome is always open."
Program Excursions
While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site
Wander through the Old Town or explore the majestic terraces of the New Town. You'll want to bring your camera to capture these UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Mountains and Lochs
Towering mountains, glittering lochs, thick woodlands, and miles upon miles of golden beaches—Scotland's landscapes really will take your breath away. Tour the rolling hills and lush farmland of the Lowlands and drive through deep glens surrounded by mountains in the Highlands.
Hebridean and Outer islands
These Scottish Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides are a diverse chain of interconnected islands with their own unique way of life. So stunning are the beaches that the Thai Tourist Board used pictures of them in their own tourist material!
Site Director
Elayna Hebert
Vice President of People & Culture
About:
Elayna traveled to Montreal, Canada, in high school, and fell in love with traveling. It was a brief love affair, and her passion for travel continued in Costa Rica and Spain. She is responsible for day-to-day coordination of all HR, IT, and general office management. Elayna is an avid, albeit untidy, organic gardener. Her passions in life are the fabulous world of visual arts, all things French, and Scrabble. She spends her small amount of 'spare time' with her husband watching in wonder as her young daughter grows, and planning their future fantasy life living in southern France. Elayna lives in South Deerfield with her husband, daughter, and their guard-cat, Phil.
Travel Tip:
When I lost my phone when I landed in Spain for the first time, I thought it was the end of the world. I realized that the experiences I had without being distracted or taking photos was a gift. Remember to be present in your journeys!
Jeanna Brady
Site Director in Scotland
About:
Jeanna was born overlooking Loch Ness and grew up in the Highlands of Scotland. She studied in Edinburgh, and after majoring in science went on to work in local and central government. She believes in lifelong learning and remains a student of life! Jeanna has eight years of experience with CIS Abroad (seven as Site Director) and strongly believes in equity and accessible education for all. -Learning and education has been a strong influence in my family over generations. Education goes beyond the school. Studying abroad is a life changing experience. It allows you to see the world from a new different perspective and to be better prepared for your future in the increasingly globalised world we live in. My job to help you make the most of the many opportunities studying and living in Scotland affords you, and to ensure you have a successful, fun and memorable experience. I have strong Scottish heritage. My Celtic roots give my family our language, music, fun, compassion and culture which continues to this day. Like many Scots, I enjoy the unspoilt nature and landscape here, from great sailing, (and yes surfing) in the West, off-road motorcycle, hiking and skiing in the Highlands to the diverse cultural and multi cultural activities flourishing in many aspects of daily life here.'
Travel Tip:
Plan ahead of your program! Do your research and reach out to our Alumni to make the most of your time in Scotland. There are so many free and affordable activities, including public galleries and museums, live music sessions, open-to-roam landscape, and a great range of clubs and societies on and off campus!
Your Support Staff
Syd O'Wesney
Program Enrollment Coordinator - England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain
Travel Tip:
Make sure to explore the city that you're in! Although the beauty of study abroad is you have the chance to travel all over the country and to other countries as well, sometimes people forget how many amazing things there are right there in the city they're studying in! Make some local friends, participate in holidays and festivals, find that local beloved restaurant. Although I have many travel memories to talk about, some of my fondest or most nostalgic moments I have were the ‘in betweens' so to speak – going grocery shopping with friends, hanging out in the school courtyard at night when the temperature outside was finally bearable, saying hello to the neighborhood cow (yes, there was in fact a neighborhood cow). Don't neglect what you have right in front of you!
Aubree Compton
Assistant Director of International Operations
Travel Tip:
Whenever exploring a new destination for a few days, find a quaint neighborhood cafe/pub and visit it more than once. Strike up a conversation with the workers and the local patrons. Ask them for their advice on can't miss places and exchange stories. Soon you'll have new local friends and a place you can call yours in a foreign city.
Kaylee Klinger
Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Travel Tip:
The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!
CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.
ADVISOR TIP:
Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
Adventure Awaits!
Don't let anything stop you from missing out on a cultural learning experience.
Get our free guide!
Hear what students, interns, and alumni have to say
BOLDLY COMMITTED to providing the best experiences abroad
Brittany Joy
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Get to know your Irish classmates; you can learn about the country and culture from them. I have met people from around the world and from around America. Many of them I still stay in contact with them because we had become close friends and learned a lot from one another. These friendships would not be possible without CISabroad.
... Read On
Brittany Joy
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Get to know your Irish classmates; you can learn about the country and culture from them. I have met people from around the world and from around America. Many of them I still stay in contact with them because we had become close friends and learned a lot from one another. These friendships would not be possible without CISabroad.
Warda Aden
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
One aspect I enjoyed the most was the freedom that I had to be a student and visitor. My site director was the best at guiding me and always being there in any circumstance, yet I still felt like an adult.
... Read On
Warda Aden
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
One aspect I enjoyed the most was the freedom that I had to be a student and visitor. My site director was the best at guiding me and always being there in any circumstance, yet I still felt like an adult.
Sara Platt
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This program changed my life in many ways, but most importantly it taught me how to be adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed the intern mixers that allowed us to meet others in our program.
... Read On
Sara Platt
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This program changed my life in many ways, but most importantly it taught me how to be adaptable. I thoroughly enjoyed the intern mixers that allowed us to meet others in our program.
Alexa Valenta
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Come in with an open mind, make friends, and don't pass up an opportunity to explore. I now want to go on more adventures and feel more cultured.
... Read On
Alexa Valenta
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
Come in with an open mind, make friends, and don't pass up an opportunity to explore. I now want to go on more adventures and feel more cultured.
Katie Barton
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I will forever have a respect for all cultures and people. My favorite aspect of the program was the weekend trips and weekly activities planned for the students.
... Read On
Katie Barton
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I will forever have a respect for all cultures and people. My favorite aspect of the program was the weekend trips and weekly activities planned for the students.
Ellie Ashbrook
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
The excursions included in the CISabroad program were amazing. The site directors chose awesome tour guides for our excursions and made it a great experience. Both the site directors and the tour guides were extremely caring and knowledgeable about their job. I felt safe at all times.
... Read On
Ellie Ashbrook
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
The excursions included in the CISabroad program were amazing. The site directors chose awesome tour guides for our excursions and made it a great experience. Both the site directors and the tour guides were extremely caring and knowledgeable about their job. I felt safe at all times.
Alex Krell
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I stepped outside of my comfort zone and met so many friends while studying on the Gold Coast, which has allowed me to stay in contact with people on almost every continent. Being a marketing student, this diverse network will also benefit me on a professional level.
... Read On
Alex Krell
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
I stepped outside of my comfort zone and met so many friends while studying on the Gold Coast, which has allowed me to stay in contact with people on almost every continent. Being a marketing student, this diverse network will also benefit me on a professional level.
Rebecca Garibaldi
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
CISabroad created a comfortable and eventful atmosphere. This program opened my eyes to the world and allowed me to grow comfortable in my own skin when placed in new surroundings.
... Read On
Rebecca Garibaldi
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
CISabroad created a comfortable and eventful atmosphere. This program opened my eyes to the world and allowed me to grow comfortable in my own skin when placed in new surroundings.
Morgann McKunes
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of the world and showed me how small my problems really are. It showed me that I can be whoever I want and do whatever I want and that money isn't everything. Lastly, it introduced me to my CISabroad family.
... Read On
Morgann McKunes
5 / 5
Yes, I recommend this program
This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of the world and showed me how small my problems really are. It showed me that I can be whoever I want and do whatever I want and that money isn't everything. Lastly, it introduced me to my CISabroad family.
