Study abroad in Scotland?

Question

I'm planning on going to a university in Scotland when I'm of age (currently 15), but I'd really like to familiarize myself with the area, meet the people and know what I'm going to be dealing with. My mom thinks I'm too young to travel there alone at this age, but she'd be willing to put me in a student exchange. I've been looking online and I've found some that were during the summer, but I'm looking for a year-long program to spend my junior year in. I don't exactly want to be living in a strange family's house either, I want to be alone and independant in my own appartment or something so I can go and find out everything I need to know. All I'd want is for someone to guide me around if I ever needed help.

Does anyone know a program simular to what I'm looking for? This is truly what I want to do. & do you think that if I searched up a high school I'd like to try out, called them and asked if I could be a "sort of exchange student" they'd let me?

Answer 1

It isn't necessary for you to spend a large amount of time in Scotland at your age. Most students don't visit the country before enrolling at university. It would be rather difficult to find housing at your age. You won't be able to sign a lease for an apartment. You could try a youth hostel.

I went to University of St Andrews and would highly recommend it. University of Edinburgh is also a good school.

Answer 2

FYI, no reputable study abroad program is going to let a minor live alone and independEnt in his or her own apartment. If you're really opposed to living with a host family, your best bet would be to look into boarding schools in Scotland that accept visiting international students for a year.