Field Trips for St Andrews, Scotland

The following are possible destinations and activities; view term calendars for specifics. Due to continually evolving COVID-19 regulations some field trips may or may not be available during the term you choose to study abroad.

Semester students have two day excursions included in their USAC program fee; yearlong students have three day excursions included in their USAC program fee. Possible destinations are listed below.

Stirling

This day trip includes a range of sights along the Fife coast and a venture through its small picturesque villages - Culross Village and Falkland Village. Much of our day centers on the historic city of Stirling, home to several important battle sites and monuments. We'll explore the ancient interior and impressive architecture of Stirling Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland. Strategically located on top of Castle Hill and surrounded by steep cliffs, the castle towers over important battlefields of Scotland’s past. Next stop is the National Wallace Monument, a distinctive tower honoring one of Scotland's most famous warriors, Sir William Wallace. As we pass through three exhibition rooms, a 246-step spiral staircase leads us to breathtaking views of Scotland's historic heartland.

Note: Yearlong students can choose to attend this field trip in either the fall or spring semester.

North East Coast

Experience the dramatic Angus coast in north east Scotland! We'll visit the ruins of Dunnottar Castle, a medieval fortress perched impressively atop a cliff and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea. Our journey then takes us to Arbroath Abbey, one of Scotland's most historically significant churches. Founded by William the Lion in 1178, the Abbey is most famous for its association with the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, which asserted Scotland's independence from England. Time permitting, the day may also include a visit to a museum of ancient Pictish stone carvings.