Hi, I'm a french student, can you inform me about Scotland?

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Ellie

Well for starters, Edinburgh is a very multinational/multicultural city. I'm studying here and the girl next door to me in halls is french and she was surprised at just how many french students there are here. There's loads of really good international groups for students that'll make you feel at home.

Scotland is a beautiful country, although be warned it's quite cold and it does rain quite a bit. Edinburgh is a fantastic city, plenty happening. The Scottish are generally quite friendly, although just like anywhere there are rough areas and some rather unpleasant people, you just have to be smart about where you chose to go.

Despite common perception Scottish people dont always wear kilts, although we do sometimes eat haggis (it's really yummy). They like their alcohol and the traditional Scottish dancing. As a student you should get plenty of chances to experience that.

But before making a huge decision to move to Edinburgh I'd suggest coming here for a wee holiday so you can get a feel for the place. :)

katem1992

I live about 40km from Edinburgh, and really enjoy visiting the city. It's multi-cultural, so you'll have no trouble finding SOMEONE who speaks French. However, it still hangs on to the Scottish charm - famous castle, ancient buildings, pipers on every street corner and gorgeous gardens. My parents went to Edinburgh University, and both had great experiences there. As for entertainment/night life - there's plenty of night clubs, theatres and decent restaurants as well. Oh and Princes Street is brilliant for shops. Every Christmas, there's a winter festival with rides, a German market, Christmas food and an ice rink. So yeah, despite what everybody else is saying, I love this city!

As for Scotland in general, it's a really beautiful country, but the weather is rainy and cold most of the time. Ignore these biased English bastards - Scotsmen are good humoured, socialable and proud of their national identity.

Bon chance et bon voyage =)

ConfusedbeforeIEvenBegin

I live in the North East of England so I have the luck of being able to visit Scotland a lot, especially Edinburgh. The people are friendly, property is expensive, they are patriotic in general, there are many students living here like you will be. My colleague at work loved it when he studied there, he stayed a while afterward.dont know whats up the kilt though...scottish people are as varied as any part of the UK but they have the best accent. I'm only 1/8 scottish so I'm no expert but I don't know anybody who doesn't love the place.Cultural things to do especially in Glasgow, views are gorgeous in edinburgh and borders! lucky you if you go! x

scotland_rockers

the people of edinbrugh are usualy welcoming and friendly.

Jock

Well, you are French, we had an Auld Alliance with you & at one time you were automatically a citizen of Scotland, as indeed I believe we were in Frnace (when Mary Queen of Scots was around), and we share a common "Auld Enemi" (just joking before the English people go mad), so I don't think you will have a problem here.

I'm from Edinburgh, and of course it is a very cosmopolitan city. There used to be loads of Spanish people here in the 90's but you don't hear so many nowadays. There are a lot of Polish people here & most seem to have assimilated right in with Scottish culture (my best friends are Polish for example & work for banks here). My wife is Brasilian & she has never had a problem here.

The best information I can think of is at the following site. It ought to give you all the facts & figures, even if it is a bit dry:

http://scotland.org/ (some pages, L'orient, are in French)

Someone mentioned Scottish dancing. Of course there are two types. Scottish Highland dancing is unique to Scotland, whereas Scottish Country Dancing has many dances based on those that were popular in the French Court pre revolution days.

frustrated writer

The Scots are very friendly, very proud of their heritage. Like what the others have answered, Edinburgh is a melting pot, there are a lot of people from all parts of Europe, so you'll fit right in.

The weather changes drastically. As some in Edinburgh say, you can experience all 4 seasons in 1 day. I experienced snow, rain, and sun all in one day. Food is delicious, the haggis is really a must-try delicacy.

Population is small in Edinburgh, only about 5 Million, according to our tour guide. Summertime is festival time, and that's when people-watching is the most exciting. People from Glasgow come to Edinburgh to celebrate all the festivals. Otherwise, during non-festival days, the pace is relaxing, there aren't many cars going about, and the mix between modern and historic makes the place really surreal. If you shop at Princes street, you can just see the castle in your view and it's just lovely. All the historical landmarks are just minutes or an hour away so nothing is hectic and sightseeing is a breeze.

baby_face_paris

That's a bit much to ask...very general. If you try asking specific questions, you might have more luck.

Absolute Rotter

As Sir Terrance has so rightly pointed out do not under any circumstances find yourself under a Scotsman! I must also point out do not say yes to a Glaswegian kiss its not as welcoming as it sounds. Tip top (Laddy)

David R

Look hen if Poles can likes us anybody can

Tony

be careful

Lord Faversham-Shaftsworthy

Why on earth would any one wish to venture up there?
As for friendly... the blighters walk around robbing ones wallet drinking themselves in to oblivion ( I suppose it is not a bad thing ) and generally making a nuisance of them selves, I once had an encounter with a Scottish filly, mad as a box of frogs I may add and completely â€œCrabbitâ€.
As for studying in Scotlandâ€¦.do they even have schools up there?
Tally ho?

Sir Terrance DeCat.

Well, the Scots can be tricky blighters. Just make sure you stay away from any that are stood on top of mirrors, or you'll see a sight that will strike fear in to you.

Also, you will require ear defenders and a large net. The former to shield you from bagpipes, the latter to catch hagii.

Lastly, do not be tempted to drive a burning vehicle in to the departure lounge of the airport, otherwise a baggage handler will punch you.

Bristol City Got Klass

by the way us english people have trouble trying to understand what the scots say let alone french !

t'northener

Yes. It's on top of England somewhere. It's cold, wet, misty and full of sweaty socks.... Edinburgh is very nice though

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