WHY THIS PROGRAM?
ABERDEEN WOW FACTORS
• Science Majors, Rejoice: Tons of STEM Courses
• Get Fit: Join an Aberdeen Athletic Team
• Safety First: Aberdeen named UK's safest city
THE ATHENA TOUCH
What makes this Athena?
• Location: Quaint hidden gem
• Quality: Top Level School
• Courses: Many diverse course offerings
ACADEMICS
ACADEMICS in ABERDEEN
WHY WE PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN:
The University of Aberdeen offers an incredible amount of courses in nearly every academic discipline you are looking for, including STEM, while maintaining a smaller community vibe. The administration at the school is very friendly, personable, & approachable, which is exactly what you want while overseas.
HISTORY:
Founded in 1495, the prestigious University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university.
EXPERIENCE:
You will be learning at an incredible campus – a great mixture of historic buildings and cutting edge technology.
COURSES
Courses have the following % breakdown:
| COURSES | General % Offered |
|---|---|
HUMANITIES | 40% |
STEM | 35% |
ARTS | 10% |
SOCIAL SCIENCES | 10% |
BUSINESS | 5% |
Mary-Alice Clancy
Overseas Advisor
Mary-Alice studied in London during her undergraduate degree in Boston.
Having enjoyed studying abroad, she decided to do a Ph.D. in Politics in
Northern Ireland. After a career in research, she decided to switch gears and work in study abroad. Having benefitted so much from studying and living abroad, she is keen to help students get the most out of their time in Aberdeen.
FEATURED ACADEMICS: STEM MAJORS, REJOICE!
If you’re a science, technology, engineering or math major, you’re probably having a hard time finding a place to study abroad. Look no further - Athena’s Scotland program has tons of STEM courses for you to take abroad!
STUDENT LIFE
FIELD TRIPS & EXCURSIONS
Aberdeen is awesome, but part of the whole study abroad experience is getting out and about. For the semester program, Athena will provide the student with a pre-paid voucher to choose from the many activities organized through the International Center, such as:
- Treasure Hunt Around Old Aberdeen
- Movie Night
- Isle of Skye
- Fraserburgh Lighthouse
- Loch Ness & Inverness
- Slains Castle & Bullers of Buchan
HOUSING
• You’ll stay in the on-campus student village in a single-occupancy bedroom, and share your flat/apartment with typically 4 other suite mates.
• Flats/apartments are comfortably furnished, complete with a living area, bathroom and kitchen.
• The housing is in a safe area, with an on-site bus stop that gives students access to the rest of the city.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT: Athletic Teams
Want to show off your skills in Scotland? Past Athena students have joined the University athletic teams and have competed interscholastically!
FAQS
Is there stuff to do in Aberdeen?
Yes! Aberdeen is a city of over 200,000 residents, and offers plenty to do for a mid-sized city. Aberdeen has two parts: Old Aberdeen, which is the more historic center and where the University is located, and Aberdeen, which is more of the business and commerce center. Also, both parts are part of the city of Aberdeen (we know it’s a little odd to say Aberdeen is part of Aberdeen!)
Will I be able to travel?
Yes! Field trips are included in the program, and you will be able to do independent travel as well. For more local travel, the Scottish Isles and Scottish Highlands are not too far away. You can also board a train to London, or a plane to other European destinations.
Can I request to room with my friend?
Yes! In the typical housing situation, you will have your own room, but will have suite/apartment mates. You can request to live in the same suite/apartment as your friend.
This is done after you are accepted into the program; you will note this in your housing request forms.
Do you provide flights?
We have partnered with STA Travel, an incredible student-focused travel agency. The good people there will be able to help all Athena students arrange flights overseas.
BLOGS
Past students have shared their experiences through blogs. Check them out to get first-hand accounts of what life is really like!
SEE THE BLOGSMy understanding of the world changed dramatically...I understand things more now & notice things in my daily life that I didn’t notice before such as lifestyle or common habits.
KELSEY SVARE
North Dakota State University
THE CITY
CITY HIGHLIGHTS
What’s Aberdeen Like?
When you’re at the heart of Old Aberdeen, you feel like you’re on the set of Harry Potter, surrounded by Gothic buildings and archways. The city is truly a melting pot of the old and new, combining history and modernity in one. The moderately-sized city is great for study abroad because you have access to everything you need, while still being in a city that feels like a true Scottish neighborhood. You will find it easy to feel at home in Aberdeen. The people are friendly, down to earth and there is plenty to do in the city.
CITY PERKS: Aberdeen is a charming Scottish city with charming Scottish people. This young college town boasts many cultural and community activities to partake in.
WEATHER
- MILD TEMPERATURES: The oceanic climate of Aberdeen causes the temperature to be milder than one might expect, given its northern location. Temperatures do not flucturate very much, with the average lows and highs staying between 30-65 °F throughout the year.
- WARMEST MONTH: The warmest month is July, with an average temperature range of 50-65 °F.
- COLDEST MONTH: The coldest month is January, with an average temperature range of 32-43 °F.
MAP
DID YOU KNOW?
Aberdeen is the sunniest city in the United Kingdom.
DID YOU KNOW?
Aberdeen’s region is home to so many castles that it actually set a record, including some that have been featured in films.
CITY HIGHLIGHT: Safety First
Aberdeen has been named the safest city in the UK (according to the international consulting firm Mercer).
