Packing your bags for boarding school in Scotland? From food to dorms – and what the weather’s really like, we’ve got everything you never knew you needed to know and more, straight from the mouths of the students themselves.
What to pack (Hint: It’s probably more than you think)
Ankura Peng from China recommends packing for all eventualities. She still remembers her first winter landing when she arrived in Scotland:
“I arrived from Shanghai in winter, stepped out of the airport, and immediately started questioning all my life choices,” she says. “I remember thinking, ‘Is this a school or an extreme weather training centre?’”
The weather might be harsher than you’re used to, but with the right kit, it quickly becomes part of the adventure. Pack layers, wind and waterproof outerwear, and a sense of humour. A Scottish wardrobe is wide and varied, and we never miss an opportunity to dress up, as Vitus Koenig from Austria explains:
“Every Wednesday is ‘traditional dress’ day, when all the pupils and teachers wear traditional clothing from their country of origin.”
After looking at other schools, Vitus Koenig from Austria found a “perfect match” in Strathallan School. Source: Strathallan School
Expect a Scottish welcome
The Scots are known for their hospitality and friendliness. In fact, Vitus was so impressed by the Scottish people he met in Germany that Scotland was his first choice when looking for a place to spend a semester abroad:
“I found a lot of nice schools in Scotland, but when I found Strathallan, it felt like a perfect match as they offer a wide range of both curriculum and extracurricular activities. I was so impressed that I extended the semester to a whole year, and now I’m doing my A Levels here at Strathallan.”
Ankura, too, was pleasantly surprised to find her anxieties about communicating in English melting away:
“I quickly realised that most people are far more understanding than we imagine. Both teachers and classmates genuinely take time to listen, to wait, and to make sure you feel heard.”
She says she her friends will go out of their way to help bridge cultural barriers:
“I’m really grateful that my friends make an effort to understand me – my background, my history, even my traditions. Sometimes they even try to say a few words in Chinese, which is very cute!”
Boarding student Max Fadah, from Dubai, describes Strathallan as a real home from home:
“Everything felt familiar and comfortable and I started to think of Strathallan as more of a home than a school.”
Max Fadah may be several thousands of kilometres from this home city Dubai but he describes Strathallan School as his new home from home. Source: Strathallan School
Get ready to try something – or a lot of things – new
Strathallan’s busy schedule is part of what makes life here exciting, and can help you adjust if you’re missing home. Max explains that a busy timetable, evenings and weekends helped him with just that:
“My biggest challenge of studying abroad was how much I missed my family… what helped keep my mind off of it was Strath’s busy schedule, constantly being given activities and games kept me busy and active, not to mention the amount of time I spent with friends. Now I’m in my sixth year and I still follow that same ideology of keeping busy to keep me going!”
Vitus encourages international students to take the opportunity to explore everything your host country has to offer:
“Every Sunday, we can go on trips to different places. These range from trips to Edinburgh or Glasgow to paintballing or go-karting, so there is something for everyone.”
Having a teacher who wanted her to enjoy learning as much as being correct was a new experience for Ankura Peng. Source: Strathallan School
What about the teaching?
For Ankura, the difference in teaching styles was one of her biggest surprises:
“One sentence I hear often from my maths teacher is: ‘Are you happy with that?’ It still surprises me every time. Back home, teachers rarely asked whether we were happy, only whether we were correct. Here, teachers want students to enjoy learning rather than simply chase high grades. After tests, yes, they point out mistakes, but they place equal importance on what you understood and what you improved.”
She appreciates the hands-on nature of learning available at Strathallan:
“Compared with my experience in China, the laboratory training here is far more developed. Observing, experimenting, and discussing concepts in real contexts have made learning feel more alive – and, in many ways, more practical for life.”
This approach is mirrored in and out of the classroom, says Vitus, who finds the level of support greatly beneficial:
“The support you get for your academic or sporting pursuits is tremendous, too. You can access extra training sessions or tutoring to help you improve, which I find particularly valuable coming from a state school in Germany.”
Is a Strathallan education worth it?
Vitus sums up the international student experience beautifully, saying it’s the balance of freedom and support that helps you to grow:
“Strathallan is a busy school, which can be overwhelming at first, but you quickly find your feet, especially with the help of the teachers and pupils. Nevertheless, I often have to leave my comfort zone, which can be daunting, but it’s the main reason for my personal growth. Strathallan encourages you to leave your comfort zone by giving you more responsibility and letting you try new things, but it never leaves you to it alone. If I need help, I get it, but the main goal is for you to excel.”
The bottom line: Strathallan is more than a school for its international students. It’s a place to grow, explore, and make friends from all over the world. With a few insider tips, a packed schedule and an open mind, life here can be an adventure you’ll never forget.
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