Student Spotlight: Taylor Hoyte in Scotland

What is one challenge you experienced during your first month? How did you overcome it?

One challenge I faced this month was learning the new school system. I was so used to how my old school did class registration, clubs, housing and so many other things that I was lost when I got here. It was something I did not expect at all. I kept leaving my keycard at home because my keycard at school is usually on my phone, and had so much trouble picking my classes. Finally after visiting the student office, and communicating with my program they were able to help me out and finally I can settle nicely in my routine.

What similarities and differences have you noticed between your host culture and your own culture?

Some similarities I have noticed are that living in a big city like Edinburgh it is a familiar feeling to New York City. Additionally the people here speak English so I have found communication easy. Some differences is that Edinburgh has a lot of Scottish people but it is also a very international city. My friends are from all around the world, the U.S., India, France and of course from Scotland as well. It's been really cool getting to know so many different cultures through my friends.

Have you stepped outside of your comfort zone yet? What did that feel like?

I knew coming abroad I was going to be going basically solo. Most of the people in my program are Juniors, so a year younger than me and a lot of people in my program came as friend groups. So I was basically starting from scratch as a freshman again. I went out of my comfort zone a lot to make friends, which I am so grateful I ended up doing because I met amazing people. I joined societies at Edinburgh like the African and Caribbean Society and the Fashion society, and even joined the Ice-Skating sports club (even though I have never skated before.) but it is really cool to learn and my membership also gives me coaching! I now have people I can call to get coffee, to thrift, or to just hang out and it's only been 4 weeks, so I am really proud of that.