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Scotland

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Accommodations and Accessibility

The IFSA team is ready to help you plan for various accommodations you might need abroad. We’re here to support you and help you prepare for a successful study abroad experience.  

Early planning is key. First, know that options for accommodations vary by country, city, and university. This makes it important to share your requests for academic, mental health, diet, religious practices, housing, physical disabilities, and other accommodations early in the planning process. Connect with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor or with our Health, Safety and Wellness team at hsw@ifsa-butler.org as soon as possible.   

The information you share on your health and wellness and housing forms supports this process. After receiving these forms, our Health and Wellness team will follow up as needed to help you arrange accommodations you may need. Our goal is to plan carefully with your help, working with our UK team as needed.   

Academic accommodation. In the UK, the law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Keep in mind that accommodation may vary depending on the UK program you choose and may also be different than what you’re used to at your home university. Universities require students to request services directly, and we can help you navigate this process. Take a look at what our partner universities offer below:  

More to explore: 

Mental and Physical Health

Maintaining your mental and physical health while abroad is a priority, and we’re ready to help you plan to support both. We’re here to help you work with CISI insurance to find local health care abroad, as well as to create a plan for your specific needs. Early planning is key, so don’t hesitate to work with our Health and Wellness team early in the application process and ask for guidance from your Enrollment Counselor. Please share your needs on our health and housing forms, so we can follow up. 

Keep in mind that if you have medical needs, you might need to work with our home doctors and CISI insurance to ensure proper care is available. 

Mental health. One in four people in Scotland have reported experiencing mental health problems, like anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Younger people are most affected. Negative stigmas have spread regarding mental health. It is a national priority to improve mental health and well-being.   

In addition to support from the IFSA team in Scotland, you can access the mental health, wellness, and general health resources on your university campus: &

Sports and fitness. Whether you want to join a club team or walk local trails, there are plenty of options. Each university has facilities and clubs; some require membership or charge a participation fee.  

Check with the IFSA team about CISI insurance coverage for injuries sustained during sports. Coverage is generally broad but there are exceptions for high-level competition. 

Visit your university website and follow up with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor if you have questions about the fitness, athletic, and outdoor recreation opportunities. 

More to explore: 

Faith Communities

Studying abroad will likely introduce you to new religions and faith communities around the world. If you plan to practice your religion abroad, consider researching the customs, laws, and places of worship at your destination. 

Scottish people generally welcome all religions. Scotland is considered a religious country. Roughly 54% identify as Christian, with half of these Protestant. The national church is the Church of Scotland. One-third of the population is not religious. Small pockets of Judaism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are also present. 

Our partner universities have a range of clubs, organizations and places of worship for a wide range of religions. Learn more about the individual universities’ religious and spiritual offerings below: 

More to explore: 

Considerations for Women

There is notable gender segregation in Scotland, especially regarding employment. Most informal, temporary, and part-time positions are filled by women. The Scottish government is working on removing social and economic barriers to create a better social environment for all.   

Scotland is also one of the safety countries, with one of the world’s lowest rates of violent crime. Most crimes involve theft, fraud, house break-ins, and shoplifting. Despite this, it’s still important to exercise personal safety precautions.  

Scotland was the first UK country to form a Women’s Health Plan, which includes improving support for menstrual health care, sexual health, heart health, and menopause. As of 2022, period products are free for women in Scotland. Contraception is also available at no cost for all genders. 

More to explore: 

Race and Ethnicity

Though Scotland has a multi-cultural population, census data shows about 95% of people identify as White. Scotland’s large cities are more racially diverse than rural areas. Like any country, there are stigmas and stereotypes that permeate some aspects of society. As a whole, Scotland is welcoming and inclusive.  

Studying abroad as a heritage seeker can be a complex journey that brings expected and surprising experiences and emotions. It can be fulfilling to find community and cultural connection in your country of ancestry. 

For all students, locals could be curious about your political views and speak directly about these topics or openly criticize the U.S. and its citizens.  

You might encounter stereotypes or misconceptions about what an American should look like, because of how U.S. culture is portrayed in popular TV and films.  

Scottish culture 101: 

  • A ceilidh is a social gathering that includes dancing, folk music, and storytelling.   
  • Equality, tolerance, and social justice are held in high esteem. 
  • Bagpipes have been important since the 16th century, when they were mainly used as a wartime instrument. 
  • Food plays a central role. Popular items include porridge, stovies (a potato dish), cheese, shortbreads, Angus beef, and game dishes such as salmon, grouse, and venison. 

More to explore:  

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

While there is some intolerance, Scottish people are generally welcoming and accepting of LGBTQIA+ community members. Gay marriage, adoption, and military service are all legal and the government has also passed legislation that prevents discrimination. In 2023, there was controversy over the blocking of UK legislation that allow transgender people to legally change gender without a medical diagnosis.  

More to explore: 

Support 

University resources 

Healthcare 

More Support

From managing money abroad to supporting first-generation college students, our professional advising staff and onsite teams are here for you.  

Student Perspectives

Read about living and learning in Scotland: Student Stories.