First Year Experience Abroad Scotland
In this immersive 10-day journey, you will travel to the captivating cities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Sterling, Scotland, where you will connect with your JU cohort to explore the breathtaking architecture, history, and culture. As part of the Fall 2026 semester, you will enroll in the JU 111 course, engaging with JU faculty to maximize your next four years of college. Once the semester wraps up, you will embark on your Scotland adventure from November 30th - December 9th, traveling alongside the same peers and professors to deepen your academic experience.
This program and course are designed to help make your first year at JU a smooth transition to success, as it mirrors the similarities with stepping into the college environment for the first time with that of traveling and living in a different culture.
This course is open to all majors, and fulfills JU鈥檚 Experiential Learning credit, a graduation requirement for all undergraduate students.
This program is great for students with strict course schedules (i.e., Aviation, Nursing) who are still interested in a study abroad experience.
Important Dates
Course Dates: August 10 - November 20, 2026
Travel Dates: November 30 -December 9, 2026*
*subject to change
Application & Deposit Deadline: August 21, 2026
Final Payment Deadline: September 15, 2026
How to Apply
- Students must have their JU tuition deposit submitted before applying for this program.
- Click 'Apply Now' below to first create your Traveler Profile. Enter your JU email and create a password.
- Once logged in, click 'Explore Programs', and type JU First Year Experience Abroad in Scotland in the search bar. Click 'Apply Now' on the program page and submit your application.
- Once accepted, you will need to submit a $500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot.
- The deposit is deducted from the total program cost.
- .
- Click 'Make a Payment' in the 'Education Payments' quadrant.
- Select 'Florida', '小蓝视频', 'Online Payments', and 'Study Abroad
Deposits' to proceed, shown here:

- More information on submitting payment to JU is available here.
On-Site Program Cost
$4,380 - $5,170 + airfare (subject to change, based on number of travelers)
*This price range is determined based on enrollment. The final on-site program cost will be determined after the application and deposit deadline has passed. The $500 deposit is deducted from the total on-site program cost. The program cost is in addition to the Fall 2026 JU tuition.
Once enrollment is confirmed for the 3 credit JU 111 course, the on-site program cost will be added to each student's JU account.
Included in On-Site Program Cost
- Airport Pick/Drop-Off In-country
- In-country transportation (coach bus & public transportation)
- Welcome and Farewell Dinners
- Breakfast daily
- Shared accommodations
- Group excursions, activities, and entrance fees per itinerary
- 24-hour emergency support services
- On-site Program Coordinator for the duration of the program
- Emergency Medical & Accident insurance for each participant
- Gratuities to guides and bus drivers and/or similar
Excluded from On-Site Program Cost
- Roundtrip Airfare
- Students will receive specific instructions on arrival/departure.
Please do not book flights until you have received these details from Study Abroad & Away.
- Students will receive specific instructions on arrival/departure.
- Meals (unless otherwise specified on itinerary)
- Incidentals
Course
During the Fall Term, students will be registered for JU 111 401z for 3 credit hours. This class section meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:45pm. If you are already registered for a different section of the JU 111 course, please contact your academic advisor to enroll in the appropriate section.
This program fulfills JU鈥檚 Experiential Learning undergraduate requirement for graduation.
Standard JU tuition and fees for Fall 2026 apply for the JU 111 course.
(See JU Undergraduate Tuition & Costs)
This program is open to 15 first year students. Additional applicants will be placed
on a wait list.
Faculty Leaders
Tiffany Leach
Tiffany Leach is a Professor of Art, Chair of the Department of Visual Arts, and Director of the MFA in Visual Arts at 小蓝视频. Professor Leach completed her BFA in visual arts with a concentration in ceramics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her MFA in visual arts from the University of Georgia. Professor Leach's sculptures address the social norms of contemporary society for women and the understanding of the human experience. She specializes in ceramic sculpture with figurative elements, that utilizes wheel thrown vessels as metaphorical references. As well as functional wares that address similar elements and themes. Her work has been exhibited, lectured, and collected at national and international venues. She is passionate about study abroad and an engaged learning experience at all levels. Her travel and love of adventure has led to time spent living abroad prior to teaching at JU, as well as a month-long artist residency in Rome, and most recently an artist residency in Skopelos, Greece. Professor Leach has taught study abroad programs in both Italy and Iceland and she has spent time traveling in Europe, South Africa, Canada, and Central America.
Jeremy Stalker
Dr. Jeremy Stalker is an Assistant Professor of Marine Science. He received his B.S. at Michigan State University; his M.S. at the University of Montana; and his Ph.D. at Florida International University. His research interest and areas of specialization include: Hydrology, Stable Isotope, Ionic and Nutrient Geochemistry, Coastal Oceanography, Geophysics, and Forensics. Dr. Stalker is also a passionate advocate of education abroad and the valuable experience it provides for students and faculty. He spent his youth traveling abroad with his parents and continues to honor the family legacy of international education by leading programs abroad with JU students.
Tentative Program Itinerary
- Sunday, Nov 29 - Depart the US for Scotland
- Board overnight flight
- Board overnight flight
- Monday, Nov. 30 - Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
- meet CIS Abroad Onsite Program Coordinator at
the airport and transfer to accommodations via private transportation.
鈼 Health & Safety Orientation
鈼 Group Welcome Dinner - Meals Included: -/-/D
- meet CIS Abroad Onsite Program Coordinator at
- Tuesday, Dec 1 -
- Participate in a guided walking tour of Edinburgh and explore the city's historic
sites, charming streets, and beautiful views, offering a glimpse into its rich culture and
architecture.
鈼 Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Dome, which features a blend of traditional treats,
including Scottish shortbread, scones with clotted cream and jam, along with a
selection of fine teas, served in cozy tea rooms or historic settings.
鈼 Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Summerhall. Brilliant live music and dancing for everyone,
from complete beginners to experienced ceilidh dancers, everyone is welcome. All the
bands have a caller who will teach the dances throughout the night so everyone can
get involved and have a great time. Come and experience some of Scotland鈥檚 finest
culture while briling the night away.- Meals Included: B/-/-
- Meals Included: B/-/-
- Wednesday, Dec 2- Day Trip to Stirling
- 鈼 Explore the hidden delights on a guided walking tour of Stirling and learn about
this
medieval city, it鈥檚 rich history, and those that shaped and influenced the town into
what it is today.
鈼 Enjoy a self-guided tour of Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important
castles in Scotland - Meals Included: B/-/-
- 鈼 Explore the hidden delights on a guided walking tour of Stirling and learn about
this
- Thursday, Dec 3-
- Join a former resident and journey back in time to explore Edinburgh's only preserved
17th century street on a guided visit to Mary King's Close. Explore the rooms,
streets and spaces underneath the famous Royal Mile and experience over 400 years
of history from myths and legends, to the deadly plague epidemic. - Meals Included: B/-/-
- Join a former resident and journey back in time to explore Edinburgh's only preserved
- Friday, Dec 4 - Day Trip to Glasgow
- 鈼 Escape Edinburgh for the day and journey to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is
known for its vibrant arts scene, rich industrial heritage, and diverse architecture,
blending modern culture with historic charm.
鈼 Enjoy a self-guided visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery, a renowned cultural venue,
housing an impressive collection of art, natural history exhibits, and historical artifacts,
set within a beautiful park. - Meals Included: B/-/-
- 鈼 Escape Edinburgh for the day and journey to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city, is
- Saturday, Dec 5 -
- Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse (self-guided), the official residence of the British
monarch in Scotland, which offers a glimpse into royal history with its stunning
architecture, beautiful gardens, and historic rooms. - Meals Included: B/-/-
- Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse (self-guided), the official residence of the British
- Sunday, Dec 6 - Day Trip to the Scotland HIghlands
- Spend the day on a Loch Ness and Highlands tour, which will take you through the
breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, including iconic Loch Ness,
famous for its legends and stunning views. You'll experience charming villages,
dramatic mountain scenery, and historic castles, immersing yourself in Scotland's
natural beauty and rich heritage. - Meals Included: B/-/-
- Spend the day on a Loch Ness and Highlands tour, which will take you through the
- Monday, Dec 7 -
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Scotland's national rugby stadium The Murrayfield
Stadium* on a guided tour and learn about its history, iconic facilities, and the thrill of
the game. Visitors can explore the locker rooms, press areas, and stands while
learning about Scotland鈥檚 rugby legacy. - Meals Included: B/L/-
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Scotland's national rugby stadium The Murrayfield
- Tuesday, Dec 8 -
-
鈼 Free Day
鈼 Group Farewell Dinner
- Meals Included: B/-/D
-
- Wednesday, Dec 9 - Farewell Scotland!
- Check out of hotel, group transfer via private transportation to Edinburgh Airport
(EDI) for return flight home. - Meals Included: B/-/-
- Check out of hotel, group transfer via private transportation to Edinburgh Airport