Meagan Mitchell

Major: Psychology
Minors: Public Health
Pathway: Global Health
Study Abroad Program Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Study Abroad Term: Fall 2024

Student Testimony

What motivated you to pursue a global education experience?

From the beginning of my time at Santa Clara University, I was drawn to understanding human behavior across different cultures and had an interest in research. The University of Edinburgh is one of the top research institutes which made me really interested in it. I also enjoy hiking, photography, and traveling and wanted to choose a location that would allow for plenty of these opportunities. I wanted to pursue a global education in order to gain an understanding of global perspectives within psychology and the health system.

Describe your initial thoughts and feelings as you prepared to study or intern abroad.

Before going abroad, I didn't fully know what to expect. I went into my experience not knowing anyone from my program, so at times I was nervous. Still, I told myself the whole point of studying abroad for me was to learn from new teachers and cultures, travel to places I've never been before, and put myself out there. I transferred to Santa Clara, so I'm used to starting over at new schools so the academic side didn't concern me. I prepared by talking to friends and others who had previously studied abroad and researched the city I was moving to.

Share a memorable experience or encounter that immersed you in the local culture.

One of my most memorable experiences while studying abroad was participating in a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance, during a trip organized by my program. They brought in a live Scottish band and taught us the dances. I didn't know a lot of the people I was dancing with but we shared lots of laughs together. The Scottish locals were very enthusiastic about this tradition and also took time to share stories of their families and heritage. This experience gave me a deeper appreciation for Scottish culture beyond what I could learn in a classroom. It showed me how traditions like ceilidh dancing bring people together.

Discuss your academic or professional experiences abroad. 

The course that made the most impact on me while abroad was Psychology of Social Groups. It was a very insightful social psychology course and covered a wide variety of data and information. It made me aware of many implicit biases I wasn't aware of previously, taught me about a variety of cultures and experiences, and the positive and negative effects of different situations in society, such as prejudice, hierarchies, how social groups form and thrive, and more. Being in a research institution exposed me to new perspectives in psychology, particularly in how different cultural and educational contexts shape research questions and methods. Personally, living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to unfamiliar situations, and build confidence in my independence. Professionally, it helped me network and meet a wide variety of students and Professors, as well as help me figure out more of what I want within my career goals.

Reflect on the personal growth and development you experienced during your time abroad.

Studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh was an amazing experience that pushed me to grow in many areas. Living in a new country, far from home and familiarity, challenged me to become more independent, adaptable, and confident in my ability to navigate unfamiliar situations and traveling abroad. One of the biggest adjustments was adapting to a different academic system. The emphasis on independent learning and research required me to fully manage my studies, which strengthened my organizational and problem-solving skills.

Describe the friendships and connections you formed with both local residents and fellow students.

While abroad, I met some of my favorite people in the whole world, who immediately welcomed me and made me feel at home in a new place. I met two girls I didn't previously know from Santa Clara, and one of them lived in a flat with mostly Scottish and English students with a few American abroad students. This flat became my home, and I spent almost every night in their kitchen or going on adventures around Scotland with them. These relationships made my study abroad experience the best thing I've ever done, but also made it hard to leave and say goodbye to all of them.

Share a story about a challenge or obstacle you faced while studying or interning abroad and how you overcame it.

One of the biggest challenges I faced while studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh was adjusting to the UK’s teaching style and independent learning structure. Coming from an academic system that emphasized frequent assignments, discussions, and feedback, I initially struggled with the independent learning expected in my courses. To overcome this, I created a new study routine, setting weekly goals for reading and essay preparation. Through this experience, I learned to adjust and adapt in order to strengthen my learning.

How has studying or interning abroad influenced your career goals, worldview, or future aspirations?

Studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh had a huge impact on my goals, shaping both my career goals and my worldview. The experience reinforced my love for travel, inspiring me to seek out further opportunities to live and study in different countries. It also solidified my desire to pursue further education in psychology, with the possibility of earning my master’s degree in Australia. Being immersed in a global academic environment showed me the value of cross-cultural perspectives in psychology and research.