Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Edinburgh, Scotland

Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends

Summer '25 Applications Open

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Craft your own narratives against the backdrop of ancient castles, winding lanes, and spectacular landscapes. 

Grasp the depth and breadth of Scottish literature in Edinburgh, the birthplace of Arthur Connan Doyle and Iain Banks. Through expert-led workshops, immerse yourself in gothic narratives, crime tales, and mythological legends and develop storytelling tools and techniques. Go beyond merely reading and analyzing text and craft your own stories, recording audio renditions of your unique tales alongside other Global Navigators! 

Meet writers, poets, and performers during oral storytelling evenings. Rediscover The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and wander through the Royal Mile, where the early Harry Potter drafts were penned. Add your own voice to Scotland’s illustrious literary tradition. 

When not busy writing, stroll through the historic Old Town or surround yourself by nature in one of Edinburgh's 112 parks. On excursions, explore Scotland's stunning scenery in places like Stirling or Loch Ness. Witness firsthand how the country's literature encapsulates the nuances of its surroundings, capturing national identity, age-old myths, tradition, and modernity.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Experience Edinburgh through the eyes of a writer and oral storyteller. Try out literary techniques and structures to develop your own writing process. Come home with the skills to create original works.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, your own audio renditions of your written tales to showcase both your oral storytelling skills and your Scottish literature literacy.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
  • Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
  • Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

The Destination

Welcome to Edinburgh, a city that’s inspired countless scribes and storytellers for centuries.  

Edinburgh, the magical capital of Scotland is also known as the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature—both for its literary history and its ongoing efforts to promote literature through tours, festivals, and events. There are many literary treasures in the city’s streets, including the world’s second largest monument to a writer, the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and Greyfriars Kirk, a 17th-century church and graveyard whose tombstones inspired the names of Hogwarts's witches & wizards. 

Explore Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Arthur’s Seat, and more. Find museums and shops (including kilt makers) nestled in centuries-old stone buildings. Edinburgh truly comes to life in the summer when the city is busy with preparations for the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Fringe Festival. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere, admire the green rolling hills, and stop to taste delicious desserts at restaurants and cafés, like Scottish shortbread and cranachan

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.

  • Breakfast at the hostel/hotel
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors and professional writers
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop
  • Dinner at the hostel/hotel

Weekends

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites
  • Quality time with friends

Housing

Dorms, single rooms in shared accommodations with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Poetry Workshop & Beach Day!

By Ishan Davis at CIEE

Students spent the morning of Monday, July 22nd in a poetry workshop with the Scottish poet and performer Jenny Lindsay. Creative writers know that perfectionism and editing often stunts the... keep reading

From CIEE

Telling Stories

By Marina Flores at CIEE

At the Edinburgh Storytelling center, students were sucked into the story that instructor Kirsten's told, about the greed of a king. It had us on at the edge of our... keep reading

From CIEE

Weekend Getaway

By Marina Flores at CIEE

This weekend students stayed in Inverness. Our tour around the small town was filled with stories about fairies and wars. A story about fiddlers and fairies teaching us, if somebody... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

Creative Writing in the Land of Lochs & Legends EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city from viewpoints like Calton Hill or Arthur's Seat. Play games with fellow Global Navigators at the Meadows, a scenic park located in the city center.
  • Explore Edinburgh's impressive independent bookshops while getting inspired for your own writing.
  • Discover the 1,000-year-old Royal Mile, Victoria St., and Greyfriar's Bobby.
  • Take a day trip to the Scottish Highlands, exploring the landscapes that have inspired countless tales and culminating in a Nessie-spotting adventure at the Loch Ness. 
  • Have a picnic at the Royal Botanical Gardens, which has been around for 350 years! 

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.   

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25  

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition. 

More Questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Summer Session I 2024 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $6,450
Program Summer Session II 2024 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Costs $6,450

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(Local Set up to Use U.S. Smartphone Abroad)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Jacqui Bassett

Center Director

Jacqui is a born and bred Scot from Edinburgh. She has a postgraduate MSc in International Development from the University of Edinburgh and a degree in Psychology from the University...

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