2025 Summer School Student Experiences
Sun Ao (Sun)
Wuxi Taihu University
Major in Automation, Year 4
First of all, I really appreciate the summer school program at Edinburgh Napier University. For me, it was a very interesting experience that not only gave me a deeper understanding of Scotland’s history and culture, but also allowed me to experience two weeks of life as an international student. For those who are planning to study abroad, this is a rare opportunity for an early taste of that experience.
Here, there are passionate and engaging teachers, diverse classes, and plenty of free time and extracurricular activities to explore the city of Edinburgh in depth over the two weeks. You can choose to cook for yourself or discover the city’s food scene on the streets. The most unforgettable activity was the ceilidh dance—whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, you can easily join in. All you need is the courage to take the first step.
Ce Gu (Mila)
Wuxi Taihu University
Major in Human Resource Management, Year 2
This trip to Edinburgh was truly delightful for me. I really love this vintage and dreamlike city.
The summer school is different from ordinary travel: the planning is easier, but it requires more social interaction. I’m quite an introverted person, yet watching the scenery together, experiencing ceilidh dancing, hiking, taking photos, and cooking with others turned out to be far from unpleasant. Through these new social experiences, I feel that I made up for some parts of myself that I had been lacking.
Some things must be seen with your own eyes in order to form your own thoughts. Behind Edinburgh’s beautiful streets are the workers; in the cozy shops, many products look strikingly similar; on the roadside, there are vegetables provided with love for the homeless; and for the sake of the environment, plastic bags are rarely used… Everything is both complex and real.
I love Edinburgh—I love the little dogs running freely on the beach, the stunning sunsets, the summer winds, the moss growing on stone walls, the busy buses… even the buses have dogs on them. Everything here feels full of life.
The summer school was also very well organized. During the day trips, we only needed to follow along, and it also gave me the chance to improve my English. It was truly a worthwhile experience.
After this trip, I also developed a deeper feeling toward my own country and gained an appreciation of the differences in the wider world. Traveling around made me realize that my sense of belonging is rooted in the culture I grew up with. Still, I will always remember everything I experienced in Edinburgh, and I hope I can go back again someday.
Yen-Wen MAO (Arwin)
SooChow University (Taiwan)
Major in Social Care, Year 2
I'm Arwin from Taiwan, and this was my first time in Europe as well as my first time flying alone across half the globe. Although I hesitated at first, I eventually gathered my courage and came to Edinburgh Napier University.
Here, I made so many new friends. We supported each other along the journey, worked together on assignments, and were guided by professional teachers who accompanied us throughout the two weeks of classes and trips.
Although the journey was long, it was truly a rare and precious experience. I hope that everyone can find the courage to come here as well, to broaden their horizons!
Linsen Yang (Forest)
Guizhou University of Finance and Economics
Major in Finance, Year 1
Two weeks at the Edinburgh Napier summer camp felt like a Scottish kilt lifted by the wind—carrying with it the freshness of the Highlands and the weight of history, unfolding gently in my memory.
Each day I wandered through the streets and alleys of Edinburgh, where even the cracks between the cobblestones seemed to hide stories—reading the grandeur of nature from the morning mist over Arthur’s Seat, touching the pulse of the Middle Ages in the shadows of ancient castle ruins, listening to locals speak in their rolling accents as they shared the secrets of whisky making, watching street performers play the bagpipes along Princes Street, the notes filled with the Highlands’ melancholy and pride.
The cultural salons in class felt more like a moving feast: the missteps while learning ceilidh dancing, the subtle expressions when tasting haggis, the clash of opinions when debating Scottish independence—all became the most vivid teaching materials. I realized that culture is never just a word in a book; it is the taste on your tongue, the rhythm beneath your feet, the scenery before your eyes, and above all, the sincerity and openness when people meet.
At parting, the melody of the bagpipes still lingered in my ears, and in my pocket were handwritten addresses from new friends. Two weeks may not be long, but they taught me this: what we call “study tours” are simply journeys that let the world live in your heart—so you can carry a broader vision as you move forward.
Ziyuan Guo (Kaya)
Shanxi Jinzhong Institute of Technology
Major in Economics, Year 1
The 15-day Edinburgh summer camp has come to an end, and I still feel deeply reluctant to leave this place. I miss my single apartment, the shared kitchen full of everyone’s endless creativity, the mornings we all rushed to catch the bus to campus, and so many other little things. Even now, I can vividly recall the moment I landed in Edinburgh—traveling 8,000 kilometers to meet friends from all over the world. Together, we walked along Princes Street, visited Edinburgh Castle, explored the Scottish Highlands and the beach. Every day’s memories felt like a highlight reel, unlocking so many new life experiences.
When I first arrived, I was quite timid about listening and speaking English in such an unfamiliar environment. But in this excellent atmosphere, with constant practice, and with the clear pronunciation of teachers like Ann, Trevor, and Iain, I gradually discovered that I could follow the lessons, and even speak with confidence. Daily conversations outside also became almost effortless. I even started correcting my pronunciation and imitating their intonation. I still remember learning the Scottish accent in class—the lessons were always lively and engaging. At the same time, I gained a deeper understanding of the differences between domestic and international education. What I want to say is: take the best and leave the rest—that was also one of my goals in joining this summer camp.
Finally, there were countless wonderful experiences in Edinburgh: strolling through the streets felt like a dialogue with the Middle Ages; I remember everyone trying haggis, watching the sunset together on Calton Hill while people danced in the fading light, climbing Arthur’s Seat, lying on the grass, visiting a whisky distillery, sharing fish and chips, discovering all kinds of amazing food and drinks, and even drinking whisky together at a bar. Sometimes it really felt like I was blending into Scottish culture. Isn’t life all about these precious moments? I met so many new and outstanding friends. Fifteen days in Edinburgh may not be very long, but I truly believe we all left a piece of our love in this beautiful city.
Shuo Li (Owen)
Shanxi Jinzhong Institute of Technology
Major in Computer science and technology, Year 2
Time flies—my summer school experience in Edinburgh came to a perfect close last Friday, yet I still find myself lingering in this familiar and gentle city. My suitcase for the return journey remains unpacked, but my heart is already overflowing with countless memories from this journey.
These days, whenever I scroll through my photos, every moment on that land resurfaces vividly in my mind. I miss our enthusiastic, humorous, and engaging mentor Mr. Trevor. I think fondly of the kind and caring April and Iain, as well as the responsible and dedicated Ann, who gave me constant support and encouragement.
Even more unforgettable are the friends I shared this journey with—Logic, Forest, Moon, Sun… Together we searched for hidden cafés in the streets, climbed Arthur’s Seat to take in the city skyline, lost ourselves in the joy of ceilidh dancing, and laughed freely by the seaside. Because of you, my Edinburgh adventure became so lively and profound, and it was through you that I truly fell in love with this city.
These 14 days of study and travel allowed me to deeply experience the diversity of Scottish culture and the inclusiveness of its education. I encountered a different philosophy of learning—one that encourages expression and values the individual—something refreshing and inspiring. Yet through this comparison, I also grew more certain of my pride in my own country—we too are moving forward quickly and growing ever stronger.
This journey not only improved my ability to live independently but also taught me how to collaborate, communicate, listen, and embrace people from different backgrounds. I became braver, and more willing to explore the unknown world. Thanks to Edinburgh, I have turned a brand-new page in this "book of the world."
Perhaps one day I will return to that familiar land, though I know the companions by my side may not be the same. Still, the memories will stay with me forever—the genuine smiles, the warm embraces, and the stories we wrote together are now carried in the winds of Edinburgh, never to fade.
Jilin Yang (Honglu)
Hunan University of Technology and Business
Major in CFA, Year 2
Before the summer camp began, my heart was filled with both anticipation and concern. I wondered: Would the people in the UK be as friendly as those in China? Would British food be as tempting as Chinese cuisine? Would the buildings be as tall as those at home? At the same time, I was anxious—would my classmates get along well? Would my limited English allow me to communicate with the locals? What should I pay attention to on my first trip abroad? With these mixed feelings, I boarded the plane to Edinburgh.
The moment I stepped out of customs and set foot in Edinburgh, I was deeply captivated by its beauty: the azure sky dotted with white clouds, the quaint houses framed by vibrant flowers, and trains weaving through the long, historic streets. In that instant, all my worries vanished, replaced by joy and excitement. That very day, I met the friends with whom I would study and explore. Together with our teachers, we walked along Princes Street from one end to the other, from dusk until sunset, soaking in the unique charm of Edinburgh. Though we came from different cities and had different lifestyles, we quickly became a close-knit group—sharing laughter, happiness, and unforgettable moments.
When formal classes began, we faced the true challenge of English. In the classroom, we tried to grasp meaning from our teachers’ fluent speech, piecing together the words we understood, while using our “life’s worth of learning” to communicate with local people. At first, we could only manage a few simple, clumsy words. But gradually, we grew more confident, more fluent. Our hesitant phrases turned into open, fluent conversations. It was here that I truly realized the key to learning a language: the courage to take the first step. Even when our words were awkward or our grammar uncertain, as long as we dared to try, our English improved by leaps and bounds. Perhaps nowhere else could be more suitable than Edinburgh for practicing our English—because almost every local I met was so friendly, always willing to help and speak kindly. This supportive environment gave me confidence and helped me develop much better speaking skills.
Beyond the challenging yet rewarding classes, the diverse excursions were another highlight of the camp. Over these 15 days, we explored the alleys of Princes Street, discovered streams hidden in the forest, and learned about Scotland’s rich history in magnificent palaces. Edinburgh Napier University truly achieved the goal of “learning through enjoyment,” letting us absorb knowledge amidst breathtaking landscapes. I have always been the type of person who prefers staying at home, but every time I joined an excursion, I returned with a full heart. Whether standing in the ballroom experiencing the lively ceilidh dance, facing the rolling waves of the Atlantic on the beach, or gazing down from the summit of Arthur’s Seat, I witnessed the beauty of Scotland and discovered the true meaning of travel.
In the end, I can only say that joining this summer camp was one of the best decisions I have ever made. In Edinburgh, I not only made many new friends but also gained a wealth of historical and cultural knowledge, while greatly improving my English communication skills. If my friends ever ask me where in the UK they should go, I will answer without hesitation: "Edinburgh!"