A Semester in Scotland
Written by Jessica Kidwell
About to land in Edinburgh, Scotland, history major Abby Idstein, ’25, looked out her window to see a beautiful sunrise above the clouds. “I took this as a good omen for my coming semester an ocean away from home.”
This spring, Abby is participating in a study-abroad program through the University of Edinburgh. Abby continues her history major while exploring Scotland’s rich culture, studying the landmarks and artifacts she’s studied at Hillsdale.
Though the program is independent of Hillsdale, all of her course credits transfer toward her graduation. Abby made all of the necessary arrangements to study in Scotland, and all of the Hillsdale faculty seemed to share her enthusiasm.
“I definitely think it will benefit me to see the birthplaces of so many concepts we study at Hillsdale,” Abby said, “After learning about the French Revolution, the English Civil War, and the Renaissance, I’ll now be able to experience that history in a more personal way. The liberal arts are designed to give students the tools to do their own investigation of the world, which is exactly what I plan to do here.”
Abby is currently enrolled in three history classes: Themes in Modern European History, The English Discovery of Russia, and Science and Empire, which amount to a full-time course load. With two of her classes meeting only once a week, Abby takes advantage of every moment abroad.
“I could honestly go on and on about how amazing Edinburgh is,” she said. “It’s by far the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. I easily get lost in the winding streets. Every part of the city bleeds history, and all you want to do is explore!”
Over the weekends, Abby visits amazing museums and unique cafes, restaurants, and pubs.
“The best thing about studying abroad as a history student is your easy access to museums all across Europe,” Abby said. So far, she has visited the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the National Gallery in London, as well as the Louvre in Paris and the Palace of Versailles.
Abby hopes to attend one or two Scottish ceilidhs—a traditional dancing event that showcases the social culture of Scotland.
Though the transition of living an ocean away from home has been difficult, Abby has learned to accept those moments as part of the process and to focus on making every moment count.
“I’ve met a lot of great people who are eager to explore and make new friends,” Abby said. “Students from all over the world have come to Scotland, and it’s been amazing to hear their life stories. One night I found myself at a pub with people from Canada, Australia, Finland, and New Zealand, all at one table!”
Abby is excited to continue exploring Scotland and the rest of Europe,which includes a trip to Florence, Italy, during the semester. Though Hillsdale will always be her home, Abby is excited to see what else the world has to offer.
“When Hillsdale talks about developing your heart and mind, I do believe that studying abroad will lead you toward that goal,” Abby concluded. “Living and learning in any foreign country will test your fortitude, as well as expose you to new perspectives and worldviews you may have never come across before. I knew from the beginning that my education would not be complete if I didn’t take this opportunity.”
Jessie Kidwell, ’24, hails from St. Louis, MO, and studies politics. Outside of the classroom, she loves to workout, watch the St. Louis Cardinals, and be with her Pi Phi sisters!
Published in April 2024