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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's 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

On-Site Program Cost

• $4,380 - $5,170 + airfare (subject to change, based on number of travelers)
  • The $500 deposit is deducted from the total on-site program cost.
  • The program cost is in addition to the Fall 2026 JU tuition.

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.
• 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's Experiential Learning undergraduate requirement for graduation.
• Standard JU tuition and fees for Fall 2026 apply for the JU 111 course.

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 Jacksonville University. 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.

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.

Tentative Program Itinerary

• Sunday, Nov 29 - Depart the US for Scotland
  • 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.
  • Health & Safety Orientation
  • Group Welcome Dinner
  • Meals Included: -/-/D
• Tuesday, Dec 1 -
  • Participate in a guided walking tour of Edinburgh and explore the city's historic sites, charming streets, and beautiful views.
  • Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Dome.
  • Edinburgh Ceilidh Club at Summerhall.
  • Meals Included: B/-/-
• Wednesday, Dec 2 - Day Trip to Stirling
  • Explore the hidden delights on a guided walking tour of Stirling and learn about this medieval city.
  • Enjoy a self-guided tour of Stirling Castle.
  • Meals Included: B/-/-
• 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.
  • Meals Included: B/-/-
• Friday, Dec 4 - Day Trip to Glasgow
  • Escape Edinburgh for the day and journey to Glasgow, Scotland's largest city.
  • Enjoy a self-guided visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
  • Meals Included: B/-/-
• Saturday, Dec 5 -
  • Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse (self-guided), the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
  • Meals Included: B/-/-
• Sunday, Dec 6 - Day Trip to the Scotland Highlands
  • Spend the day on a Loch Ness and Highlands tour.
  • Meals Included: B/-/-
• Monday, Dec 7 -
  • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Scotland's national rugby stadium The Murrayfield Stadium on a guided tour.
  • Meals Included: B/L/-
• Tuesday, Dec 8 -
  • Free Day
  • 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/-/-