Summary

Co-sponsored by UW-Madison, the Scottish Parliamentary Internship program by Arcadia University, The College of Global Studies, allows students to enjoy the unique opportunity of working with members of the Scottish Parliament while earning academic credit.

During the first 5 weeks of the program, students participate in 3 courses that are designed to provide an overview of Scottish society, history, and culture. These courses will also focus on Scottish government and politics (including in relation to Great Britain).

Following the completion of coursework, students will participate in a 10-week internship program under the direction of a member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Students' assigned MSP will help determine a research project and supervise the implementation of this project. Students will explore and write on significant policy questions. Recent topics addressed by interns include Female Representation in the Scottish Parliament, Controlling Firearms in Scotland, the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act of 2003 and its Effects on the Criminal Courts, and Suicide in Scotland: The Need for a Hotline.

The combination of challenging course work and the opportunity to work side by side with an MSP will provide an unparalleled academic, professional, and personal experience.

Academics

Since 1965, Arcadia University's Center for Education Abroad has been providing opportunities for U.S. students to study abroad in Europe and many other destinations around the world. Arcadia University's unique internship programs allow students to develop and apply real-world skills within an academic context.

During the first five weeks of the Scottish Parliamentary Internship program, the internship experience is complemented with three academic courses: "Scottish Politics", "Government and Politics in the UK", and "Scottish Society and Culture." Courses are taught by accomplished instructors from the University of Edinburgh's Faculty of Social Sciences.

Following the completion of course work, students will participate in a 10-week internship directed by a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). Each student's MSP will help to determine a research topic and supervise the implementation of this project. Each student will complete a Final Research Report in regards to their internship assignment. This report is an assessment for the internship and includes course requirements, a report and journal.

Cost

Program cost information includes not only program fees, but out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Accepted students receive cost sheets with confirmed program fees in their acceptance packets.

Fall 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Spring 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Fall 2010-11 Cost Estimate Sheet

Location

Edinburgh is lively and cosmopolitan. Considered to be one of Europe's most beautiful cities, it has attractive public parks intermingled with magnificent historic architecture and world-class cultural attractions. Scattered throughout the city are jutting craggy rocks on one of which sits the ancient Edinburgh castle. The rugged natural beauty and the more manicured city-center gardens combine with the urban sophistication of its entertainment and restaurants to make Edinburgh a truly unforgettable city.

Edinburgh is known as the Festival City because of the abundance of events, which are hosted continuously throughout the year. There is the International Arts Festival, which showcases an eclectic and even bizarre variety of dance, music, art, and theater. The Fringe Festival, which runs simultaneously to the Arts Festival, draws amateur theater productions from all of Europe. If that's not enough, other lively events include the Film Festival, TV Festival, and Science Festival.

Students will love discovering all of Edinburgh's historical and cultural treasures, but also appreciate that the city offers easy access to other destination points such as Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness, as well as the scenery of the nearby Scottish Highlands.

Student Life

Orientation:  A required orientation session held before departure at UW-Madison helps students prepare for studying abroad. Topics covered include academic, financial, administrative, cultural, and site-specific issues.

Housing:  Students will live in self-catered flats owned by the University of Edinburgh, typically with other Parliamentary Interns. The flats usually accommodate 3 to 6 people (occasionally 10-12 in specific areas) and are mixed gender. All bedrooms are single study rooms (w/ bed, desk and bureau). Utilities (heat/electric) are included in the program fee, but meals are not. Students are individually responsible for payment of phone bills. Cooking, dining and bathroom facilities are shared. Flats are generally located between the University central campus area and the Parliament building.

Excursions and Activities:  The University's Students' Union plans an ongoing program of club nights, concerts, and live performances and sponsors more than 170 clubs and associations. A comprehensive range of sports facilities are scattered in and around Edinburgh. Students can join any one of 52 sports clubs or consider mixing it up in the weekly leagues of soccer, rugby, basketball, badminton, or hockey.