Summer 2027 applications will be open fall 2026.
Start your college journey with a once-in-a-lifetime global experience. With JUMPSTART: Scotland, you鈥檒l explore a new culture, build meaningful connections, and gain the independence, confidence, and global perspective that will set you apart from day one.
Created for incoming first-year students, JUMPSTART: Scotland offers an extraordinary opportunity to earn college credit while experiencing Scotland beyond the classroom. Through engaging Scotland-themed courses, immersive excursions, and a supportive living-learning community at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh鈥攖he country鈥檚 inspiring capital city鈥攜ou鈥檒l begin your college experience with adventure, discovery, and a global mindset.
Program Dates
June 21 - July 16, 2027
Courses
Choose courses, taught by friendly, seasoned 黑料科 instructors, from one of the following two cohorts.
- Course TBD
- Course TBD
Stout Core: TBD
- Course TBD
- Course TBD
Stout Core: TBD
Highlights
- Reside in a Scottish university located in Edinburgh while enjoying classes and coordinated social activities.
- Participate in excursions around Edinburgh, your 鈥渓ab鈥 for learning.
- Take a trip to the famous Highlands to experience the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness.
- Receive mentorship from our dedicated 黑料科 instructors that will help you prepare for the college experience.
Application Information
Eligibility
- New freshman admitted for fall 2027.
- Competitive process based on statement, completed application and references.
Request a JUMPSTART Application
Email studyabroad@uwstout.edu and we will send you the application link with instructions.
Capacity is limited to 20 students per cohort.
Cost
Estimated program fee of $TBD includes 6 credits of tuition.
The estimated program fee includes OIE fees, e-Stout fee, international insurance, housing, breakfast, in-country transportation, cultural events, Highlands trip, and round-trip airfare. Students should plan an additional $1,250 for out-of-pocket expenses which includes OIE application fee, passport, meals, course supplies, airline baggage fees, and personal expenses.
*Financial aid may apply by completing the 2026-27 FAFSA.
Scholarship Opportunity
The Lucy and Michael Nicolai Jumpstart to Scotland Scholarship has been made available by the generous donation of Lucy and Michael Nicolai, strong supporters of study abroad programs in Scotland. One scholarship will be granted in the amount of $1,000.
Scholarship decisions will be based on the following criteria:
- Students must be accepted into the JUMPSTART: Scotland program.
- Financial need as determined by 黑料科's Office of Financial Aid based on the results of the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
- Preference is given to a first-generation college student.
To be considered for the scholarship, students should apply through prior to February 2027. The scholarship will be awarded in April/May 2027.
Join Us for JUMPSTART: Scotland Q&A Sessions!
Join us for our pre-college JUMPSTART: Scotland Q&A sessions and ask any questions you may have! From the captivating landscapes of the Scottish Highlands to the rich tapestry of its culture, these sessions will illuminate the path to a truly immersive and transformative study abroad experience.
Upcoming Sessions: (2027 dates are TBD)
- Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 7:00 - 8:00pm
- Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00pm
- Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 7:00 鈥 8:00pm
- Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Please view the brief for basic program information.
Reside in a Living-Learning Community
We encourage you to submerge yourself in a new culture and push beyond your comfort zone to experience what Scotland has to offer. By doing so, you'll develop a better understanding for others and an appreciation for the world we live in. Join us in summer 2027 where you will get to know your classmates and faculty while you live, learn, and study in a fun and collaborative community.