Throughout my time in Edinburgh and across Scotland, I was exposed to exclusive on-site learning experiences that enhanced my knowledge about the Scottish witch trials. By visiting museums and meeting with several local experts, I now understand the causes and historical significance of this dark period in Scotland’s history. The witchcraft trials was kickstarted in Scotland due to King James VI’s failure to transport his wife over from Denmark. He passed the Witchcraft of 1563, making witchcraft a capital offense. It came at a time when the Protestant Reformation was attempting to cement itself in society, suppressing any dissent. James VI even wrote Daemonologie, a dissertation outlining witchcraft and demonic possession. This period of witchcraft trials proved how society’s beliefs can result in thousands of innocent people executed.
This study abroad experience consisted of two courses that intertwined with one another. The first, Magical Nature, introduced information about witchy charms and how to craft your own charm. In our final Book of Charms & Whispers, the class was prompted to utilize what we’ve learned about charms to create our own. This activity definitely showed me how much creativity and dedication goes into. Our other course, Magical Landscapes, opened up my thinking of writing of place and the creation of a place. As a person who does not reflect much on my surroundings, the practices uncovered a new outlet for me while I journal back at home. As one who is high functioning, it grounded my mind and gave me a new perspective on deep reflection in general. Overall, I felt that my time in Scotland allowed me to slow down, despite being busy with daily activities and excursions.
In the future, I plan on taking some of the practices that we participated in back to Pittsburgh. For example, sound walks were a part of the Magical Landscapes class. During a sound walk, you stay silent and simply walk in an environment, making note of what you hear and observe along the way. I would enjoy doing more sound walks at home, as it quieted my mind. On this trip, we did a lot of our work surrounded by natural landscapes and outside environments. With this, I would like to continue studying in more outside landscapes because I noticed that it centered my focus for work.
For the entire experience, there have been so many individuals who have supported the group. In particular, we spent the most time with our two professors, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Ryan. If any of us had trouble understanding the directions or needed help, they were so understanding and kind. They truly made the experience what it was because of their support.
As a participant on this program, I one hundred percent recommend another Frederick Honors student to participate in this experience. It is such a great opportunity to meet other students from different campuses, and experience a new country. Edinburgh is the perfect place to visit if it is your first time abroad!
By far, my favorite memory from this study abroad was the day trip that I took in the first week. It was always a dream of mine to visit the Highlands, and it came true because of this extraordinary opportunity to study abroad. As a beach lover, another favorite memory was when the entire group was driven across the Fife coast. The beaches and coastal villages of Fife are gorgeous and is a must for anyone visiting Scotland. The last excursion of the trip was to Arthur’s seat, and standing at the top of the summit was the ideal ending to a fantastic month abroad in Scotland!
