Google the International Education Institute (IE) at the University of St Andrews and you’ll find its list of high quality foundation, postgraduate, pre-sessional and short courses for international students. These prepare school leavers for university life through academic language and subject knowledge as well as cultural development.
Ask graduates and they’ll tell you that IE and St Andrews are so much more than that. Yes, you will combine the study of academic subjects and academic language skills, and forge a guaranteed route onto your chosen degree programme at St Andrews. It is true that when you study your foundation level at St Andrews you will get personal one-to-one tutoring; learn from experienced, accredited and award-winning teachers; and be part of the University of St Andrews from day one.
All of the above — what you study and what you get out of it — matters. With IE, however, how you live is just as important. This means you won’t just shuttle between classes, meals and libraries but have the vast array of activities within and beyond the university campus at your disposal.
The university alone is home to over 140 different societies. Tickle your tastebuds at the food and drink club. Get goosebumps at music events. Geek out and find your fellow stans. Join the debates in Parliament Hall. Volunteer in the local community. Go to over 30 theatre and performance shows that are held each year, from dramas and musicals to comedies and Shakespeare. Submit your graphic design, illustration, and photography services to the Student Union. Play tennis.
The university town and its surrounding area is just as dynamic. See where Kate Middleton and Prince William lived and had coffee. Take in the vistas of West Sands Beach (the opening scene of the film “Chariots of Fire” was filmed here) or explore the Victorian-era Kellie Castle & Garden.
Stop for lunch at the Steak Barn for a juicy steak or burger made from grass-fed cattle. Follow with a gelato — choose from over 100 flavours — at the world-famous Jannettas Gelateria. Journey through history on the Fife Pilgrim Way. Want adrenaline? Go on a “ghost tour.”
In short, with IE, you’ll be part of something special. To learn more about the International Education Institute at the University of St Andrews, click here.