posted October 06, 2009 12:37 PM         

The gave me two options:

1) A student exchange with The University of East Anglia (in Norwich, which is 110 miles from London).

OR

2) A Scholarship contest to one of four Scottish universities: University of Glasgow/Aberdeen/Edinburgh, St. Andrew's University.

Upside to UEA: I will definitely be accepted; they have a great Film & Television program; it's not far from Huntingdonshire (where my Grandmother is from).

Upside to Scotland: It's a scholarship of $17,000! So most of the trip will be paid for; It's in Scotland, which still isn't too far from England.

Downside to UEA: It's not in London; I don't know what their Drama department is like; It's a smaller university- about 5,000 students; I need to come up with $7,000 by August 2010.

Downside to Scotland: It's a contest that i need to enter- only 5 students get to go, and several other universities compete; I'm not Scottish, so my chances are already slimming down; It's NOT England. England is my Mothership.

And then of course there is the option of finding another universities Study Abroad Program (which would mean maybe attending a school in London, etc.). But they suggested i consider these first.

posted October 07, 2009 08:35 AM         

Well, i can't just choose Scotland. I have to write a 5 page paper about wanting to go and my history, etc. Which is really no problem. The only problem is being one of the five people picked out of X-amount of contestants... but we'll see.

posted October 07, 2009 10:44 AM         

You would be out in the provinces, so yes, like Wheels says, you might meet small town attitudes you don't like. But, unlike if you were in London with a million other international students in the tourist zone, you will get to see the real England. That might not always be pretty, but it will be real.

Huntingdonshire is also flat.

If your heart says you want to be in England, go there, make the best of the opportunity. The real downside I can see with this option is having to find 7 grand by next summer.

The other option, yes, nice, but like you point out you only have 1 in 5 chance of getting it. Also, if your heart isn't really in it, that is your second choice.

posted October 07, 2009 07:38 PM         

Thank you for the information on Norfolk though. Very useful.

BM, i've been hearing a lot about the dangers of London lately- is it really THAT bad? Like, will i be safe?

My heart is telling me England, but not Norwich. However, my HEAD is telling me to be practical. It's saying, "Ashley, you need to write the best essay in the history of essays and get a stinkin' scholarship to Scotlanddd!!!!!"

...but i never was a big fan of the head anyways.

There are several other English universites that allow an International exchange for the full year:
Queen Mary University of London, Middlesex University, Lancaster University, University of Manchester, Goldsmiths College University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, and University of Sussex.

posted October 14, 2009 04:08 AM         

Would you prefer to live on a campus or in a city? Lancaster is on a campus in a rural location.

Sussex, I think might be on a campus but it is in the Brighton area. This might be a good choice. I used to live in this city, I loved it. The university has a good reputation. A train to London will take you about 50 minutes.

Middlesex University is in north London. You won't be walking past Big Ben everday, if you know what I mean. You are well out of the city centre.I think Goldsmiths is on the south bank, the rest are central. But don't take my word for it!

Manchester is in the north, it's an old industrial city with lots of regeneration projects and is known for its gay scene. Lots of students there.

Violence? You get there anywhere a lot of people congregate. I lived in London for several years, I watched my handbag and all the usual precautions but I didn't worry that much. I know Manchester well, and Brighton, of course. One gets in the paper for gun warfare, the other drugs. But like I say you could find this kind of antic in most places.

posted October 25, 2009 11:52 PM         

Just to send an update, i am now in the process of having my family tree traced to determine whether or not i am Scottish.

I am also writing my application essays- which brings me to another question!

What are some Scottish customs and traditions? In my essay I am writing about some things I would like to do while in Scotland; i was wondering if any of you know of any festivities, activities or pastimes that are big in Scotland? Anything that is a "must-do"?

If any of you would be interested, or willing, to view my essay (so far) i'd LOVE to get some feedback. I always welcome constructive criticism!

posted October 26, 2009 07:42 AM         

~ http://www.insiders-scotland-guide.com/ ~

posted October 26, 2009 08:11 AM         

Are you suggesting that she choose between Scotland and England based purely on their men?

Certainly not! ***shocked***

posted October 26, 2009 10:40 AM         

quote:

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Who cares about England or Scotland. Where the heck does Toby live??????????

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