Scotland Observation & Research Assignments FAQ

Scotland Frequently Asked Questions

Find Scotland Observation & Research specific FAQs below

• What Happens After I Apply to go to Scotland, Step By Step?

  Once you apply online, and there is no charge for this, we send you a link to our calendar to schedule an initial phone or Skype assessment interview. This takes about 30 minutes, and in it our Program Director determines if you are a good fit for the program, and you determine if what the program offers, you are wanting to do.  Once both parties have mutually assessed positively, then we send out a Letter of Acceptance (for those looking to receive credit for their time abroad, this is a good document to show any academic Advisor)  and a setup date for a second, longer  phone or Skype interview. Prior to this second meeting, you will be emailed a link to confirm your spot in the program via a $250 PayPal confirmation fee. For the second interview, bring all of your detailed questions and be ready to take a lot of notes! We then check two of your references. Next step is to send your file to our team – Director and Intern Advisor – in your program city abroad.  They begin presenting your file to our participating companies abroad, in your desired sector.  Once the best company for your specific program parameters chooses your file, we then contract you, with them, for your international internship. You will sign this contract, too.  Concurrently, we coordinate the housing.  We like to be done with the entire step-by-step process by no later than about 30 days prior to your program start date. So, candidates will know both where they are living and where they are interning long before they arrive abroad.

• When does the Scotland Observation & Research program begin and when can I plan on arriving?

  The Observation & Research in Scotland program runs just one time a year:  6-weeks long and in Summer (end of May to beginning of July each year).
  Candidates arrive the Saturday just before the first Monday of their program start date. This allows time to unpack, get over jet lag and acquaint yourself a little with the neighborhood, e.g. finding the nearest ATM, grocery stores, cafes, post office, etc.  Plan on leaving the Saturday right after the last Friday of your program.

• Is there an Adelante contact for the Scotland programs?

  Yes – Our Director of Programs – Scotland, is Dr. Ray Barclay, who has more than 25 years experience placing students in international internships and study abroad programs.
  Dr. Barclay is the architect of the three signature Scotland Programs (Equine, Ecology, and Observation & Research) and is an excellent resource. He has decades of higher education experience, specifically within abroad and international programming for university students
  Candidates are given his contact information long before their scheduled start date, for access as needed during their program abroad.

• Is my $500 holding deposit refundable?

  No – except in cases of a medical emergency. This deposit secures your spot as these are always limited placements (just one and two spots in each) and prestigious opportunities. It also signals our Director of Programs in Scotland to begin the placement abroad process with participating faculty members.
  Failure to pay this means that you may lose your spot in these competitive placements. This amount is deducted from the cost of the program, not an additional fee.

• How much should I budget for living expenses per month, above and beyond what is included in the program fee?

  For Edinburgh, Scotland we suggest approximately $150 – $200 USD per week, and this covers normal expenses like groceries, bus & train money, some going out and one or two nearby excursions a month.
  The budget goes up when you start going out at night more and when you begin to travel further abroad (which we encourage!).