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Welcoming International Students to Scotland
With one of Europe's most respected education systems and a wide range of universities and courses, Scotland has long been a popular choice for international students.
Most Scottish universities welcome foreign students with a variety of "meet and greet" services, trips to places of interest and the opportunity to join clubs and societies. The following overview highlights some of the welcome programmes available around Scotland.
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh has a dedicated International Student Centre (ISC) offering trips, tours and events throughout the year.
International Day is Sunday 13 September and students can attend practical information sessions and go on guided tours to help them find their way around the campus and city. The Freshers’ Week programme runs from 12 - 20 September.
University of Edinburgh: International Office
Edinburgh Napier University
With over 2,500 of their students coming from over 100 countries, Edinburgh Napier University is used to helping international students. They offer an airport meet and greet, first week activities and International Students’ Club as part of their service
Napier Students' Association also run Freshers' Week, a chance to get used to student life outside the classroom and sign up to various clubs and groups
Edinburgh Napier University - International Students
Glasgow
The Glasgow International Students Welcome Programme runs from 3 - 25 September and is joint funded by seven universities and colleges in Glasgow and the surrounding area
Student volunteers from the universities and colleges work in collaboration to welcome students to Glasgow. They organise travel arrangements and give information on accommodation and the cost of living but also places of interest to visit.
Glasgow International Students' Welcome Programme
University of Dundee
For international students arriving at Edinburgh airport, The University of Dundee will operate a free meeting service from 4 - 11 September, with a £10 charge for EU students.
During Orientation Week there are a number of events for all students including the University Principal's Official Welcome, sports, societies, fairs and events organised by the Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA).
University of Dundee - International Students Section
University of Abertay Dundee
The University of Abertay hosts students from over 60 countries, running International Student Week from 7 - 11 of September and an Orientation Week for all students the following week.
International Student Week includes a free meet and greet Edinburgh airport pick-up service and the chance to make new friends and meet the lecturers. Other sessions will cover topics on adjusting to life and culture in Scotland and practical issues such as money and study skills.
Abertay University - International Guide
University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen has a student population of around 14,000 and an international community of students from 120 different countries.
A Welcome Weekend, run by the Students' Association for new International and European students, involves practical advice sessions on immigration and accommodation for living in Scotland.
Other activities include the Mini-Freshers' Fayre, AUSA Scottish Culture Day, and an International Five-a-Side Football Competition.
University of Aberdeen - International Section
UHI Millennium Institute, Highlands and Islands
Offering university-level learning with an excellent standard of living, studying at the UHI Millennium Institute has many benefits to international students.
Because the UHI consists of 13 colleges spread out across the North of Scotland there is no one single induction event. In every college students have an induction event prior to start of semester in which they are provided with information on the course, the area, rights and responsibilities, especially with regards to visa issues.
UHI colleges are fairly small and students stay close to their tutors and advisors so that they can ask for help and advice at any time and there will always be somebody to help them out.
UHI Millennium Institute - International Section
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