Entrepreneurship Summer Program in Scotland – When I heard about the trip to Scotland for entrepreneurship, I was extremely excited and applied right away. I have never been to the UK and have always wanted to go. My family (Martin) dates back to coming from Scotland. I enjoy traveling and learning new cultures, so I knew this would be a good trip for me.

When I arrived on Thursday, I took the train up the coast to Aberdeen. Although, I was exhausted, I couldn’t help but be in awe at the scene of the water. It was gorgeous scenery with cliffs, coastlines, and fields. I found that the parts that we did see of Scotland are very similar to Nova Scotia. The coastline look like Cape Breton and the beaches look like home.

My favorite part of the trip is sightseeing, and learning the history of the castles. I think it is amazing that we saw cities and buildings that are older than our country. The history and culture in Scotland is so rich and you can tell that the locals are very passionate about their heritage.

The best event that we went to was an Aberdeen football (soccer) match. After our presentations, we decided to bus back to Aberdeen to watch them play Kazakhstan. It was nothing that I have ever seen before. I have been to an NHL game before, but the atmosphere was nowhere near to this football match. I have never seen so many people screaming and cheering in my life and no one sat down the whole game. It was exciting and it is something I will never forget.

By far the most educational and enjoyable part of this trip was meeting people from Germany. To be thrown into groups, to live in the same spot, and to do activities with them was the best way to get to know them. There English was quite good and I think they very much enjoyed having Canadians so they could practice their English. It was amazing to see the differences and similarities in our culture. We not only taught them English, they taught us German!  I have learned so much from them and vice versa. I know I will stay in contact with them for years to come!

This experience was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I have learned so much about myself, about my colleagues, and about my new friends. This was also a great experience to network with people from all around the world. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Mary Ellen Martin

Student, Business Administration

NSCC Waterfront Campus