Gap, intern, or study abroad in
Scotland
Enrich the time between high school and college in a gap program, differentiate your resume with an internship, or get class credit while you study abroad. Along the way, you’ll attend prestigious universities, enjoy career-accelerating experiences, and immerse yourself in Scotland’s lifestyle and culture.
API Students in Scotland
Destination Overview
API offers programs in two culturally and historically rich Scottish cities – Edinburgh and Stirling. Edinburgh serves as Scotland’s contemporary capital and is home to a thriving arts and culture scene. Stirling is an ancient capital of Scotland and offers students the opportunity to live in a true university town, mid-way between the major centers of Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Scotland has seen many centuries of high-quality learning and is recognized as being one of the most inventive nations on Earth. It’s also friendly and safe and combines a strong sense of its own identity with a multicultural community spirit. Dotted amongst spectacular landscape are lively cosmopolitan cities with vivid and varied art, sports and social scene.
Learn about studying abroad in Edinburgh
Cities in Scotland with API Programs:
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Glasgow
Stirling
Why Edinburgh
- Medieval cobblestoned streets, a majestic castle and a skyline of turrets, domes, and spires
- Cosmopolitan city surrounded by a dramatic landscape of mountains, valleys, and lochs
- Compact city center – very walkable downtown!
- World-famous music and multimedia festivals
- Year-round sporting and cultural activities
- A city of contrasts: elegant Georgian facades of the New Town and winding, twisting alleys and hidden courtyards of the medieval Old Town
- Vibrant cultural scene of live music, performing arts, museums and art galleries
- Abundant green space and more trees per capita than any other city in the U.K.
Why Glasgow
- Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow combines historic architecture with bold creativity and a famously friendly vibe.
- A cultural capital packed with live music, museums, galleries, and festivals — many free to enjoy.
- Large, diverse student population offering an energetic and globally connected university experience.
- Explore the trendy West End, relax in Kelvingrove Park, and admire the stunning Gothic University of Glasgow campus.
- Legendary nightlife, from traditional pubs with live music to buzzing clubs and concert venues.
- Shop Buchanan Street or wander the stylish Merchant City for unique finds.
- Easy access to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs for breathtaking Highland scenery just outside the city.
- Experience the spirit behind the city’s motto: “People Make Glasgow.”
Why Stirling
- Campus has its own loch and castle!
- Situated between Scotland’s two largest cities, Stirling gives students a true Scottish university experience while being surrounded by green hills, friendly people, and history around every corner.
- Stirling offers a full menu of performing arts, nightlife and shopping combined with the community feel of a smaller city
- Embrace the comfortable feeling of a smaller university that attracts students from across the globe!
- Walk out of your dorm and be on the foothills of Dumyat, a large hill with popular hiking trails and a gorgeous view from the top
- Large number of on-campus clubs and activities, actively inviting international and study abroad students to participate
- Explore the life and legacy of William Wallace, popularized by the movie Braveheart, at the Wallace Monument, the top of which offers a stunning 360 view of Stirling!
- Step back into history in Stirling and visit Stirling Castle, an important Scottish castle where famous monarchs, such as Mary Queen of Scots, were crowned
Holistic Global Education Experiences
API is dedicated to fostering accessible, impactful educational experiences that prepare students for success in an interconnected world. By combining high-quality programming with strategic advising, innovative technology, and personalized guidance, we ensure that learners from all backgrounds are equipped to thrive. Our holistic approach to global education supports students through every phase of their journey, reinforcing our core values of equity, respect, and lifelong growth.
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“Studying abroad was always something I wanted to do and I do not think I could have found a better place and program for my semester abroad. I fell in love with the country and I am already planning to go back. API was extremely helpful throughout the whole process, and provided us with so many opportunities and resources throughout the semester. I made some incredible memories, met wonderful people and truly had the time of my life!”
~Rebecca W.
API Scotland student
