Is a student visa required for this program?
No - For North American students, travelling to Scotland for under 90 days requires no type of visa.

Is airfare included?
No - You are responsible for your own airfare. We recommend www.travelocity.com or www.studentuniverse.com.

Is airport pick up included?
Yes - The Adelante Director in Scotland will meet you or the College will send a driver to meet you at the airport in Edinburgh.

Will I receive transcripts at the end of my Adelante Semester or Summer Study Abroad Program?
Yes – Transcripts from our internationally accredited participating College abroad are included in the program price.  Upon successful completion of your Adelante Summer Study Abroad program, official, fully transferable and sealed transcripts will be issued, in your name, to the Adelante HQ offices in California.  We will then contact you and request where you would like these to be mailed.

Can I receive academic credit for participating in this study program?
Yes – Using the included, fully transferable Transcripts (see question above), candidates can choose to receive credit for participating in an Adelante Summer Study Abroad program. It is advisable to make sure early on that the international coursework offered in this program will be accepted by your home University, if you wish the credit to be applied to your current studies.  Adelante provides course lists and course descriptions and detailed syllabi.

Do I have to be enrolled in a college or university to participate?
Not at all - This program is open to students, and it is also open to recent graduates. It is also open to people who simply want to live in Scotland and learn the culture of this fascinating country while in an Equine or Ecology setting.

Can I arrive a day or two early / stay a day or two later?
If you prefer to arrive early or to stay longer, you will have to make your own arrangements for transportation to the College and find your own accommodations during that time. Adelante will be happy to provide you with a list of guesthouses, B&Bs or hotels.

When is program payment due?
Full payment is due no later than 45 days before the program start date. Due to limited spaces, a $500 holding deposit is required prior to the payment deadline in order to guarantee your spot.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Any cancellations must be received in writing by fax, mail or email. Phone cancellations are not accepted. If you cancel your participation in the program 45 days prior to your start date or earlier, you will receive a full refund of the program fee. If you cancel 30 - 45 days prior to your start date, you are responsible for 50% of the program fee. If you cancel 0 - 30 days prior to your start date, you are responsible for 100% of the program fee.  Also, if you cancel at any time following your arrival in Spain, there will be no refund. The $150 application fee is non-refundable.

Is insurance required?
Yes - Students can use existing insurance, and add this program / trip, or can buy insurance just for this trip / program.  Basic medical coverage is all that is needed and should run no more than $40 - $60 per month.  In the past, we have referred people to Arizona-based ASA, Inc. - they can customize a plan for you based on details you provide. You can call them at 888-272-8288. In addition, students will be covered by the Oatridge campus’ Public Liability Insurance.

Are excursions included?
Most excursions are included. However, some new or additional excursions may be offered for a fee. Final details on excursions will be included in your Scotland Orientation package.

Will I be able to use a computer or have internet access?
Yes - Participants in this program have regular access to a modern computer lab with internet access. Free wifi is also available.

How much should I budget for living expenses per month, above and beyond what is included in the program fee?
About $100 USD per week, and this covers normal expenses like train / bus money, some going out for meals or at night and extras like coffees or magazines. The price goes up when you start going out at night more and when you begin to travel further abroad (which we do encourage!  For example, you can get to London, all parts of England and Ireland, and even other parts of Europe pretty easily from Scotland).

Can I contact a past or existing Adelante candidate as a reference?
Yes - Please take a look at our Online Community site to see entries from our candidates past and present. This site is a live resource Adelante created based on requests from our candidates.  It is a useful tool for anyone looking to participate in our program or any other trip abroad.

My friend and I would like to do the program together. Can we live in the same housing?
Yes - For this program all housing is in the student residences at the college.

Is there an in-country Orientation upon arrival?
Adelante provides an extensive orientation packet, prior to arrival, and the College provides another in-depth Welcome and Orientation. In addition, the Adelante Director in Scotland is available upon arrival.

Should I bring my own helmet?
The College will provide headgear for riding. However, you are free to bring you own, if you prefer.

Are all books & materials included?
Yes.

Can I buy or rent a cell phone once I am in Scotland?  About how much is this?
Yes – you can purchase a cell phone for around $30 or less.

If a friend or family member comes to visit, can they stay with me at the College?
Visitors could stay in the Residencies at around £50.00 per night.  The Residency is basic campus accommodation, nothing fancy.  There is also the option to stay nearby at the Houston House Hotel for Bed & breakfast at £75.00 per night www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/houstounhouse

Is there an ATM machine on campus?
The College does not have an ATM machine. However, there is a facility within the Student Services Office to withdraw up to £30.00 daily using a debit or credit card. The nearest ATM to the college is located in the village of Uphall which is a brisk 20 minutes walk.  ATM machines are readily available throughout Edinburgh, including the airport.

What will the weather be like?
Temperatures can be expected to reach a maximum of around 60F during the day and in the mid 40F during the night. It should be reasonably mild and yes, occasional rain should be expected (although this can, in Scotland, be difficult to  guarantee). An average rainfall of 5cm or 2 inches can be expected during June. Field visits to the west of Scotland could encounter heavier rainfall.