Finding the opportunity to immerse herself in Scotland’s culture and landscape, Anya Nygaard, a third-year environmental science and management major and geographic information systems minor, studied abroad this past summer and had an experience like none other. From exploring the vast Scottish Highlands to countless adventures in Edinburgh, she fulfilled her University Writing Program requirement while spending meaningful time with her lively cohort. Through a blend of journalism and environmental studies, Anya refined her research and writing skills during her four-week stay.

Pursuing Passions Abroad

Although designed to be a program focused on professional exercises to build one’s writing skills, Anya also found a series of academic benefits outside the classroom. As a student involved in many extracurricular activities, including theater, research projects, and a part-time job, Anya was thrilled to discover that the program also offered her a chance to explore her own major and engage with her peers in various ways. 

Recollecting on the memories she made abroad, one that certainly stuck out to her the most: “The National Museum of Scotland offers free admission to all of its visitors. It was just an incredible example of free knowledge and how there is such a deep appreciation and respect for environmental and animal science in Scotland.” 

With research on evolution filling two to three floors of the museum, finding this pocket of comfortability in a new place allowed Anya to feel even more welcome when adapting to Scottish culture as a whole.

Building on her amazing time exploring the nature exhibits of one of Scotland’s most popular museums, Anya’s experience among the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands left her with many unforgettable views and lessons to bring back to UC Davis. From taking a swim in Loch Ness to learning how to perform a traditional Ceilidh dance, Anya was swept away by the vibrant people and culture as she ventured through each cobblestone street with her cohort. Unable to comprehend just how old the history and the architecture of Scotland truly are, Anya embraced the many differences between the United States and this vast country.

From small things, like politely asking locals to speak a bit slower, to trying fried haggis, Anya was able to gain a better grasp of her worldly passions and how the scientific world translated into these global dreams. 

Describing her stay in the Highlands as “a refreshing and transformative trip,” Anya also reminisced on watching the sunset with her cohort and sharing stories of great entertainment: “We were so deep in nature and exploring it all was almost like a fantasy land. I couldn’t believe how high the mountains were and how deep the valleys were.” 

Reconnecting with her passion for environmental preservation by writing an article for one of her classes on wetland ecology, Anya described how Scottish conservation law is less restricted than in the United States. Out of pure fascination with the high level of trust the Scottish government places in hikers and visitors, she was able to reflect on such international differences while also writing an assignment for her class.