Hi everyone! My name is Fadhil Ahmed, I am an international student from Iraq, and I studied abroad during the Spring of 2024 at the IFSA – University of Edinburgh program. I chose Edinburgh because I wanted a truly immersive experience. It is a place where history, culture, and adventure meet. Scotland turned out to be exactly that, and much more.
Life in Edinburgh
Living in Edinburgh was inspiring. I stayed just next to Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcanic peak that towers over the city. Climbing it at different times of day became a ritual: at sunrise the whole city glowed, and at sunset the streets looked golden against the sea. The city itself was full of contrasts: bustling during the day, yet calm in the evenings; historic and modern all at once. I loved how the long summer daylight hours stretched deep into the evening, giving me extra time to explore.
The city also gave me the chance to reconnect with old friends who had studied at the University of Edinburgh before me. Meeting them in the same places they once called home gave me a sense of belonging, as if I was part of a larger story that connected us through the city.
Travel and Adventure
In Scotland, my experiences were nothing short of epic. I hiked in the Highlands and visited Inverness, discovering how easy it is to lose yourself in nature there. One of my favorite things about Scotland is that wild camping is allowed, which gave me an incredible sense of freedom. The people I met along the way were warm and welcoming, and conversations with locals often left me with insights about Scottish culture and pride.
I also traveled to London during my semester, where I visited museums that hold more than 100,000 Iraqi artifacts. Walking among these collections was both fascinating and emotional. One of the most striking pieces I saw was the Babylonian Map of the World, a clay tablet dating back over 2,500 years. Seeing artifacts like this, which were created in Mesopotamia, where my own roots lie, gave me a profound sense of nostalgia. It reminded me that while I was exploring new places abroad, I was also rediscovering the depth of history carried by my homeland.
Epic Highland Hike
The most unforgettable experience was a hike from Loch Duich to Cannich: more than 13 hours of walking through rugged Highland terrain. The landscapes were breathtaking: rivers, valleys, and hills stretching endlessly in every direction. It was challenging, but it gave me the kind of stillness and reflection that’s hard to find in everyday life. That hike, more than anything, reminded me why I had chosen Scotland. I did that for the chance to immerse myself in a place where nature, history, and culture are deeply intertwined.
Castles and Nostalgia
Another highlight was visiting Dunnottar Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff above the North Sea. Walking through its ruins felt like stepping into a scene from Middle Earth. There was something both nostalgic and magical about standing there, with the waves crashing below and the castle walls whispering stories from centuries ago.
Reflection
Studying abroad in Edinburgh was about more than just being in a new place. It was about embracing independence, adventure, and connection. From reconnecting with old friends in the city, to being a part of a dynamic city, to hiking through the wild beauty of the Highlands, every experience shaped me in new ways.
If you’re thinking of studying away, my advice is simple: go. Edinburgh gave me memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and I will always carry with me the lessons I learned on those trails, in those castles, and among the people I met.
All photos by Fadhil Ahmed
Fadhil studied away Spring 2024 at IFSA – University of Edinburgh. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.
Visit the Semester Study Away Process website to see how you can begin your semester in Edinburgh!
