Table of Contents:
How to use this guide
Before you go
Tips for booking your Flight Health & Wellness Check Passports, Visas, and Immigration Rules Packing Cellphones Money Budget Predictor Apply for a Micro-Credential
Program Information
Introduction Staff Communication with Staff Academics Housing CIS Abroad Activities Arrival Instructions Evaluations
Country / City Information
Cultural Differences Diversity Abroad How to Move Around Things to do on your own Sustainability Tips Mailing Instructions Shopping
Emergencies, Health & Safety
In Case of Emergency Culture Shock Health Insurance Health Onsite Safety Onsite Code of Conduct Independent Travel Form
Voting From Abroad
Student Hub Links:
Micro Credentials

Welcome to
Scotland

The Academic system 

Academic institutions function differently from universities in the United States. The specifics vary from one institution to another. You may encounter differences in things like how Add/Drop works, how assignments graded and weighted, how professors interact with students, how placement tests work, how tests are weighted in the final grade, etc.  We've provided information below to help to get students prepare for the different academic experiences they will have on CIS Abroad's programs.  

Major: UK universities typically encourage early specialization in a major, whereas US universities usually require a broader range of general education courses before focusing on a major.

 
Teaching styles: UK universities favor lecture-based instruction, promoting self-directed learning, while US universities employ interactive teaching methods, encouraging student participation and collaboration.
 
Course load: UK universities often have a lighter course load with fewer classes per semester, allowing students to delve deeper into their subjects.
 
Assessment methods: UK universities base course grades on one or two major exams or papers, in contrast to US universities which factor in assignments, attendance, participation, midterms, papers, and projects.
 
Academic culture: UK universities emphasize self-directed learning, requiring students to manage their own studies and research. In contrast, US universities generally provide more structured support, including frequent guidance and resources, to assist students throughout their academic journey.
 
Grading scales: Grades may be lower percentages than what American students are accustomed to, for example, Pass = Over 40%, Distinction (Highest grade) = Over 70%.

Edinburgh Napier University (ENU)

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University of Stirling

7 Reasons Postgraduates Choose Stirling | University of Stirling Blog

View the University of Stirling Student Handbook here.

 

Adding / Dropping Classes

  • Choose courses purposefully because ENU or Stirling may ask you to justify if you need to drop a course.
  • Be aware that you might have to review alternatives with your Study Abroad advisor in your home institution.
  • If you do add or drop a class, be sure to notify your program's International Operations Director (see Staff section).

Transcripts 

Both Edinburgh Napier University and University of Stirling provide digital transcripts which are mailed to CIS Abroad about 8-10 weeks after your departure. It will be in the ECTS credit system, but we will mail it to the US institutions with a grade conversion chart for translations. We will notify you via email when your transcript has been sent to your university and provide you with a copy of your transcript as well.

If your university requires a hard copy transcript, please notify your program's International Operations Assistant Director.

Please note that your transcript won't be released until your CIS Abroad invoice is paid in full. 

Useful Links

Edinburgh Napier University website

University of Stirling website

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