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October 3, 2024

In the fall of 2023, �������� embarked on a special chapter in its global engagement with a unique, faculty-led study abroad program in partnership with and in Edinburgh, Scotland. Sixteen sophomores spent the semester immersed in Scottish culture and academics, all while continuing their �������� education.

Led by faculty member John Geddes, professor emeritus of applied mathematics, students took the �������� courses QEA 3 (Quantitative Engineering Analysis) and PIE (Principles of Integrated Engineering), while also enrolling in two additional courses at Heriot-Watt University.

This one-time opportunity provided an exceptional blend of �������� coursework and integration into a Scottish academic environment, creating a memorable and impactful experience for all involved.

Hugh Keenan, a member of the Class of 2026, reflected on their time abroad.

"I took a Digital Logic Design class and another about Catchment Hydrology. They were both very interesting, and I was excited to get the chance to continue earning engineering credit while I was abroad. I particularly enjoyed the Digital Design class."

A fun example of how the group's Scottish environment played a role and was integrated into their �������� coursework, was the creation of a Welcome to Scotland pinball machine, designed and built by four students as part of their first PIE assignment.

"Beyond fitting the requirements of having significant mechanical (all the mechanism and playfield), electrical (solenoids for mechanisms, lights, and sensors), and software (scorekeeping) components, we thought it would be a fun challenge to try and reverse engineer a lot of the common pinball mechanisms – flippers, slingshots, knock-downs, rollovers – on a smaller scale using the resources available to us at Heriot-Watt," says Carter Harris '26, one of the creators.

"The project also provided a fun excuse for us to go check out some pinball and arcade bars in Edinburgh – for market research purposes, of course! added Carter.

After some user testing at the end of the semester, the pinball machine made its way to the U.S. and to Needham for last spring's �������� Expo.

But it wasn't all about academics. Hugh also shared one of their favorite memories from their time in Edinburgh.

"One memory I particularly enjoyed was running with a bunch of members from the Heriot-Watt climbing society in November. We ran by a lot of Scottish highlights, and I felt like they were giving me a tour of the city."

For Kelsey McClung, another member of the Class of 2026, the experience extended beyond the classroom as well. Their favorite course, Practical Marine Biology, gave them insights into Scotland’s unique marine environment.

"It was especially interesting because I learned about conducting marine surveys with the context of the geography, weather, and species specific to Scotland and the UK."

Kelsey’s time in Scotland was also shaped by their extracurricular activities. "Each week, my friends and I attended an open mic and jam session in the city. Befriending and playing music with the other regulars created my favorite memories from studying abroad."

Their advice for future study abroad students?

“Get out of your comfort zone and explore! Try new things but also make space for routine and weekly activities. Returning to events, clubs, or social spaces is a great way to meet people and make lasting connections.”

While this was a singular opportunity for the Class of 2026, the �������� in Scotland program provided a rich blend of academic rigor and cultural immersion, making it a landmark experience in ��������’s approach to global learning.

Special feature article by Courtney Beach, assistant director for international and post graduate programs at ��������.