January in Edinburgh
Unique Experiences
Savor Traditional Scottish Cuisine
with dishes like haggis, cullen skink, and cranachan
Explore famous castles
like Edinburgh and Stirling Castle
Walk to Crammond Island
during low tide and explore the WWII fortifications
Your Destination
Edinburgh is Scotland’s cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its festive atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. January is the perfect time to experience the city's charm with fewer crowds while exploring iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile and enjoying traditional winter festivities like Hogmanay celebrations. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Edinburgh is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Edinburgh will open doors for you to explore Scotland's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Hike up Arthur’s Seat, a 342-million-year-old extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, which offers superb walks and stunning views
- Go on a walking tour of the city, where you can check out the original Hogwarts
- Take part in a pub quiz or listen to folk music in one of Edinburgh’s famous traditional pubs
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.
Program Blogs
Your Guide to Scottish Slang: Top 10 Phrases You Should Know
If you’re about to embark on a Scotland study abroad adventure, it’s a smart idea to familiarize yourself with the dialects, accents, and even varying languages spoken in this charming... keep reading
Ireland vs. Scotland Travel: Where Should You Study Abroad?
When you think of Ireland and Scotland, you might be imagining two very similar countries – lots of greenery, the U.K., cafés, and packed, early histories. And although there are... keep reading
Why you Should Study Abroad in Edinburgh this January!
Are you considering studying abroad this winter? Look no further than Edinburgh, Scotland’s enchanting capital. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture, Edinburgh offers an unparalleled study abroad... keep reading
Housing & Meals
HOUSING
CIEE Edinburgh offers various housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. You will have a room in a shared apartment or residence hall located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a single/double room in a shared apartment or residence hall located under 45 minutes of CIEE Edinburgh. Apartments and residence halls boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
MEALS
Shared Apartments/Residence Halls: Meals are not included.
Academics
CIEE Edinburgh: Study within the Eric Liddell Community Centre, a beautifully converted church, located near coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, and vintage stores. Situated 25 minutes from the city center, CIEE Edinburgh features classroom space, meeting rooms, a café, and a second-hand bookstore.
Course Information
History, Philosophy, Religion
Visual and Performing Arts
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program January 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
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 of Aberdeen.
Devon Garufi
Program Manager
Devon's passion for International Education began during her own study abroad experiences in Prague and Sevilla. Since then, Devon has dedicated her career path to working with people.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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