Culture Shock

August 7, 2017

There was honestly not that big of a cultural difference in Edinburgh than back home. It helped that English is spoken here as well or else that would have been a huge barrier. I think the main differences were just how much cash is used here versus using a card and how often it rains! I had to always be prepared because the rain would come and go throughout that day at random times. It also was a bit chilly at times so it did not feel like it was summer. Edinburgh also did not feel like a city to me, the buildings and architecture give off a very different vibe, resembling older times and less modern than cities like Boston or New York City in America.

I did not get very homesick, probably because things were not too different and I was very excited to go do things and explore everyday. It went by very quickly and I can’t believe it’s almost over!

Written By

Trusha Patel

My program while on this DOC is Field Study of Economic Integration. My biggest study abroad goal is just to become culturally aware of how different everything is in Scotland. I hope to learn lots about the traditions and customs of the locals and just to see how their way of life is. This opportunity is more than just the classroom experience, it is something that I hope will shape me into a more aware and open-minded individual. I chose to study abroad to push myself out of my comfort zone. I live relatively close to Northeastern so I have never really had to adapt to a new environment when I came to college. This experience will hopefully give me the responsibility of adjusting to a new location graphically and culturally.