UK: Scotland: Edinburgh - City and Environment

Overview 

This environmentally-focused study abroad program takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. Here, in one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, students will spend four weeks studying urban history and sustainability. Class lectures, guest speakers, and frequent field trips will introduce students to key concepts relating to urban planning and design, resource provisioning and conservation, urban ecology, and social and environmental justice. 

With more than half the world's population living “urban” already, and the movement from rural to urban accelerating rapidly, it is imperative that “we design our new cities - and retrofit our old ones - so that they are more efficient, just, and livable places,” according to Program Director Dr. Geoff Buckley. Anyone interested in environmental studies, urban planning, and sustainability will be interested in this experiential learning-based program, especially as it takes place in Edinburgh, a city renowned for its reputation as a leader in the worldwide effort to “green” our cities. Of course, you also will learn a lot about Scotland's geography and history!

Living Arrangements 

Students will stay in on-campus housing at the University of Edinburgh. A variety of rooms are available, including standard singles en-suite, standard doubles and doubles en-suite. Rooms are all within convenient walking distance of the university and include a “full Scottish breakfast.” 

Program Dates 

May 31- June 28, 2025*  

*Students will need to depart the U.S. on May 30 in order to arrive in Scotland on May 31.  

Academics  

Students will enroll in 3 credits of GEOG 4550 - History of Planning. If you are a student in the OHIO Honors or 1804 Scholars program, you will also earn 1 curricular and 2 co-curriculars, all of which count towards graduation with OHIO Honors. 

Cost  

The program fee for this program includes: Student accommodations, Historic Scotland pass, bus pass, excursions,  one group meal per week (for a total of 5), and international medical health insurance. 

In addition to the program fee, students should plan for 3 credit hours of tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs. Below is the student budget worksheet for this program, which outlines these costs.  

Undergraduate Student Budget Worksheet Summer 2025 

Items that are not related to the program (ie. additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.  

*Note: 

• Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with this program. 
• If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program. 

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility and Requirements 

This program is open to full-time students at Ohio University who are interested in environmental studies, urban history, urban planning and sustainability.

When applying, students will be required to submit:

• a copy of their DARs,
• a 1-2 page personal statement explaining why they are interested in the program, and
• 2 letters of references

Applicants must complete a pre-departure orientation as well as an interview with the Program Director.

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy.  

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,  apply for your passport  now. Some countries also require a visa to legally enter or reside in the country. 

U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page 

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens 

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations