Our Trip to Scotland – A Student Experience

Our trip to Scotland was an unforgettable experience full of sports, new places, and lots of fun moments with friends.
 
Before we even arrived in Scotland, the journey itself was exciting. We had a layover at Amsterdam Airport. The airport was huge and really beautiful, and many of us used the time to walk around and explore the shops. Some of us bought slushies and snacks while waiting for our next flight. Soon after, we finally landed in Edinburgh, where we were welcomed by Suzanne, who was very kind and friendly. From the airport we had a private transfer that took us directly to the school campus.

At the campus we spent a lot of time doing activities and sports. Jack, our sports instructor, introduced us to many different games like dodgeball and a fun mix between tennis and baseball. One of the coolest things was learning how to play golf, which many of us had never tried before. At the same time, some students had a baking workshop with Lucy, our teacher, where they made muffins decorated with creative designs like the Scottish flag. When the boys came back from sports and saw the muffins, they were immediately impressed and suddenly wanted to try baking too. Those muffins quickly became one of the highlights of the day.

We also visited the beach in Musselburgh. It was very windy and we ended up with sand everywhere, even inside our shoes. We noticed that the ravens there were much bigger than the ones we usually see in Croatia. Later we walked around the town, had delicious ice cream, and in the evening we used the stones we collected from the beach to make creative art. The best decorated stone even won a small prize.

On Wednesday and Thursday we spent time exploring Edinburgh. We visited the amazing National Museum of Scotland where we saw dinosaurs, airplanes, Formula One cars and even Dolly the sheep. The museum was so big that an hour and a half felt far too short.

Our guide and teacher Miguel made the trip even better with his fascinating stories about Scottish history. He showed us Greyfriar's Kirkyard where J. K. Rowling found inspiration for some Harry Potter character names. We also walked along Victoria Street, which looks a lot like Diagon Alley. Another highlight was visiting Edinburgh Castle. Exploring the castle and listening to the audio guide made the history feel very real, especially when we saw the old prison.
 
On Friday we travelled to St Andrews. We visited the famous university where Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales studied, saw the ruins of a beautiful old church, and enjoyed what might have been the best ice cream of the whole trip.
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However, if you ask most of us, the absolute best part of the trip was the free time we had to explore, shop, and experience Scotland on our own. It made the whole adventure even more exciting.
 

A week of Learning and Discovery in Scotland

Our study trip to Scotland was a wonderful experience that combined language learning, cultural exploration, and plenty of memorable moments for our students.
 
The group arrived on Saturday evening in Edinburgh after a pleasant journey with a short layover at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Amsterdam. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the local coordinator Suzanne and transferred by private transport to the campus in Musselburgh.
 
On Sunday morning the students completed a placement test that allowed them to be grouped into appropriate English classes. Despite the typical Scottish weather – with occasional wind and light rain – the atmosphere remained enthusiastic and positive throughout the week. In fact, the changing weather only added to the authentic Scottish experience.
 
Each morning from Sunday to Tuesday began with English lessons, followed by a variety of afternoon activities designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and cultural discovery. Students enjoyed indoor and outdoor sports sessions led by experienced instructors, which proved to be a great way for them to bond and get to know one another better.
 
Excursions also played an important role in the programme. The students explored the coastal town of Musselburgh, walking across Musselburgh Bridge and along the shore overlooking the North Sea. They collected stones on the beach which later became part of creative arts and crafts projects back on campus. The historic Pinkie House offered another memorable experience, where students learned about the building’s past and heard the famous story of its “lady ghost.”
 
One of the highlights of the week was the visit to Edinburgh on Wednesday and Thursday. Guided by the knowledgeable and engaging Miguel, the students explored the historic city while hearing fascinating stories about its past. The group visited the impressive National Museum of Scotland, where students were able to explore exhibitions ranging from dinosaurs and aircraft to the famous cloned sheep Dolly. From the museum terrace they enjoyed a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
 
The walking tour also included historic sites such as Greyfriar's Kirkyard and the colourful Victoria Street, which many visitors associate with the magical atmosphere that inspired J. K. Rowling while writing the Harry Potter series. The visit to Edinburgh Castle was another unforgettable moment, particularly the audio-guided tour and the opportunity to explore the historic grounds.
 
The programme also included enjoyable evening activities on campus such as baking workshops, arts and crafts, quizzes, board games, and film nights. Students particularly enjoyed the sports sessions, golf practice, and the small campus shop where they could buy snacks and treats during their free time.
 
The final excursion on Friday took the group to St Andrews, the famous university and golf town. Students visited the historic centre, explored the surroundings of the renowned University of St Andrews, and saw the ruins of the old cathedral. A sweet highlight of the day was a stop at the well-known Jannettas Gelateria, where many agreed they tasted some of the best ice cream of the trip.
 
Throughout the week, students enjoyed a balanced programme that combined learning, exploration, sports, and relaxation. The variety of activities – from city excursions to creative workshops and free time – ensured that every student found something to enjoy. The trip offered a valuable opportunity not only to practise English but also to experience Scottish culture, history, and hospitality in a truly memorable way.
 
Despite a little rain here and there, the spirit of the group remained high. After all, experiencing Scotland would not be complete without a touch of its famous weather. Overall, it was a week filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories.