In coordination with the Office of International Programs, students attending ICLC during the fall semester may opt to leave for Great Britain a few days earlier than their colleagues to attend the Edinburgh Festivals. While this program is administered and organized by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance - students from across campus have participated in this short-term study abroad opportunity in this magical city.
Edinburgh is an amazing city divided into two main areas: the medieval Old Town, which straddles the volcanic ridge between the castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. Original habitation dates to the Bronze age and the road that developed from the ridge to the palace, known as the Royal Mile, developed quickly and with little space to grow outgrew up. Aspects of this medieval tenement are still intact today and an inspiring part of the city.
The New Town to the north evolved after 1757 when wealthy merchants drained the marshy area and expanded the city beyond the medieval walls. This new town was considered the “Athens of the North” and these new inhabitants embraced and fostered all things intellectual and educated. The New Town contains Britain’s finest concentration of Georgian architecture.
The Old and New Towns are divided by Princes Street, the city’s biggest thoroughfare and commercial center, which is close to many of the city’s museums and galleries and is where the train from London drops us off.
We will spend three full days exploring this magical city, seeing some significant sights through a bus tour, a walking tour, and visits to the castle and museums. We will take in the many festivals that make the city come to life in August with world-class theatre, opera, music, literature, art, and performance. We will stretch our legs by traversing the Royal Mile, hiking Arthur’s seat, and seeing the views of the city from Calton Hill. We will also experience a culture rich with traditions, stories, history, and partake in the culinary delights such as deep-fried mars bars and haggis! For JK Rowling fans - see where the first and last Harry Potter books were penned, see Platform 9 3/4 as well as the inspiration for Hogsworth.
Find more information by downloading the
Edinburgh Festivals Brochure
Questions & Inquiries
Contact Steve TenEyck at
steneyck@ithaca.edu
https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/school-music-theatre-and-dance/student-resources/study-abroad