Observation & Research in Scotland

Royal Botanic Garden (4 spots available) Learn about plant science and conservation at one of the world-leading centers of excellence, covering over 70 acres and just one mile from Edinburgh’s city center. Students selected for this research and observation placement may be involved in a variety of ecological and biological research, including plant identification and biodiversity, species discovery, identifying species at risk of extinction as well as assisting the staff with hands-on gardening activities. Projects may differ at the time of placement. In addition to Edinburgh, the Botanics has three regional gardens located at Benmore, Dawyck and Logan. Each of these gardens is different in topography, soils and climate. Students may have the opportunity to visit and assist on projects at these locations, during their five-week stay. Housing will be with other Adelante Abroad students in a flat located in Edinburgh. Scottish Plant Hunters Garden (1 spot available) Located in the town of Pitlochry in the Scottish Highlands is a public garden that commemorates the Scots who travelled the world looking for new species of plants. The Garden is divided into different areas of the world over six acres of Woodland on the slope behind the famous Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Several improvements have been made and are still on-going to enhance the Garden for visitors. Housing is to be determined each year: you will always have your own room and can be in a self catering apartment or in a shared guesthouse with participants in the Theatre Festival. Students will have the opportunity to assist the Garden team to learn about a variety of plants, their origins and garden uses, and work on specific garden projects and designs. Pitlochry is the largest town in Highland Perthshire, with a population of just 3,000 inhabitants. On weekends, students can explore the many walking trails in the surrounding hills, stroll along the River Tummel, as well as visit the historic Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder, and watch the salmon swim upstream. The Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which is adjacent to the Explorers Garden, attracts over 100,000 people each year for its high-quality theatrical productions. The train ride through the countryside to Edinburgh is just under two hours. Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo Research placements are now available with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which operates the Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park. This placement provides a unique opportunity for plant science and horticulture students as well as students in animal nutrition, zoology and habitat management. RZSS is an international organization supporting a wide variety of research and conservation projects throughout the UK and around the world. Situated on 82 acres and located just three miles to the west of Edinburgh city center, students accepted will observe and assist the Head Gardener with a variety of projects focusing on animal nutrition, plants that animals eat, such as bamboo, and creating plant profiles. There are many other on-going research projects related to the RZSS, but it’s important to note that candidates would not be directly handling animals for health and security reasons. RZSS also has a strong education component, including a “Wild about Scotland” traveling bus, that goes to schools and community events. The Zoo’s Wild Genes Laboratory works on cutting-edge genomic research.

Veterinary Clinics (2 spots available) Candidates observe veterinary services and care of healthy, sick and injured animals, as well as surgery procedures and consultations, typically in local veterinary hospitals or clinics. Students will participate in all, including the day-to-day duties of the clinic. Services provided include surgeries, consults, medicine dispensing, grooming and urgent care. When observing operations in progress, the student will learn a variety of surgical procedures with cats, dogs and some exotics. The student will have ample time to interact with the team veterinary surgeons and nurses and gain an international perspective on operations and pet care. The placement is for four or five days a week, and the practice can be up to a 30-minute train ride from downtown Edinburgh, which is where the Adelante Abroad housing is located. Veterinary Public Health (1 spot available) For the senior or graduate student in veterinary sciences, this research observation provides a unique inside look at the veterinary public health services in the UK. Students will observe surveillance systems for diagnosing and controlling zoonotic diseases, the mapping of existing literature on antimicrobial resistance in the environment and veterinary public health controls in the UK. Research activities may include assisting in the collection of samples for projects aimed at identifying biomarkers in liver fluke, a common disease in livestock. Students may also assist with literature reviews and data analysis. Students may have the opportunity to shadow final-year veterinary students on their visits to food establishments and visit Animal Health or Food Safety authorities to learn more about existing surveillance plans, policies and controls. The research staff also will assist the student to provide opportunities for the student to learn about any specific veterinary public health area related to their interest. Animal Behavior and Welfare with Large and Laboratory Animals (1 spot available) Students will have the opportunity to observe scientific research and education to improve farm animal health and welfare through the prevention and control of infectious diseases of livestock. Located just outside Edinburgh, this world-class research institute has conducted research that has led to the development of many vaccines, diagnostic tests, and improved treatment strategies for farm animals across the globe. The institute, comprising over 170 scientists, veterinarians, and support staff, collaborates with farmers, vets, policymakers, and the public to offer solutions for livestock disease prevention and control. National Wildlife Rescue Centre (2 spots available) Students interested in wildlife rescue and conservation may want to consider a summer research and observation internship in Scotland. Working with a team of researchers, you will participate in projects to help rehabilitate and release back to their natural environment a variety of animals, including seals, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, baby deer and many other wildlife species. If you are studying animal science, wildlife conservation, ecology or veterinary medicine, this placement will provide a unique experience in the Highlands of Scotland. Accommodations will be located in Stirling, near the center of the city. Your housing would be within a short walking distance to the bus for a 30-minute trip to the Wildlife Rescue Center. The train station is nearby for a 45-minute commute to Edinburgh. Stirling is rich in Scottish history, including Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument. The National Wildlife Rescue Centre, a component of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), treats about 10,000 wild animals every year. The wildlife team also hand-rear all sorts of orphans who would not survive in the wild after being separated from their parents. This includes foxes, otters, badgers, baby deer and more. Affected by the seasonality of animals and the weather, the type of wildlife in the Rescue Center can change throughout the year. Pre-veterinary students also may be interested in Adelante’s four-week Equine Summer School.

Psychology Research (4 spots just opened) Research placements at major universities in Scotland, such as Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh and University of Dundee among others, for students interested in a broad range of developmental and community projects and mental health. All placements are competitive and reviewed by the university’s research staff prior to acceptance. Students will assist faculty in research projects that focus on social/personality, mental health psychology, and quantitative surveys that examine motivational, personality, and experiential processes that shape well-being. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in research design, open science practices, data analysis, and scientific writing. Projects also may include meta-science in positive psychology, program evaluation in community mental health promotion, and knowledge mobilization for well-being policy. Students will have the opportunity to meet with social scientists, PhD students, and post-doctorate scholars and are welcome to attend any research seminars hosted in the division.

Agriculture & Supply Chain (1 spot available) New student research observation opportunities are available with one of Scotland’s leading agricultural organizations to help farmer co-ops and food industries become more profitable, competitive and sustainable. The business offers a complete range of compliance solutions for farms, fisheries, food processors, restaurants, and retailers. It operates in 40 countries across six continents and conducts over 35,000 audits and inspections each year, in addition to a range of tailored services aimed at protecting customers’ brands. Students will have the opportunity to observe a variety of projects that provide quality assurance for farmers to implement. Students will review current projects designed to identify, market and deploy a business plan to expand the agriculture customer base within the UK and internationally. Students will learn about the company’s agricultural division, its research projects, case studies and various market development plans to increase food traceability and improve food assurance. The student’s interest related to the organization’s specific objectives will be reviewed, prior to acceptance.

Our programs in Scotland have been developed with an experienced university specialist who has secured student Research & Observation assignments in Scotland and throughout Europe for almost 20 years. Placements are within prestigious Policy Centers, Academic Institutions and Private Veterinary practices. Applying early is strongly encouraged, as only a limited number of spots are available within each field. These placements are all located in and around the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, which is the best base to both live in and to explore Scotland during your days off. Summer provides better weather to experience the beauty and history of this off-the-beaten-path location – stunning countryside, beautiful lakes and mountains and picturesque villages can all be reached easily by bus or train.

Adelante Observation and Research Programs in Scotland feature some key points, here are just a few: Extensive pre-departure orientation and counseling including multiple video call meetings with other program candidates. You will be met at the Edinburgh airport when you arrive in Scotland and taken directly to your housing in the city. In the morning, all Scotland Summer participants will attend an in depth Orientation with our Director of Program, Dr. Barclay. There are a variety of housing options for our Scotland program, dependent on the assigned research assignment. Candidates may live in shared student housing in the Edinburgh city center, in college dorm-style Residence Halls, or in homestays – all are fully furnished with updated amenities. Contracted Observational Research Assignment – all assignments are rigorous, full time (32-40 hours a week), in a Scottish company, university or organization. Academic credit is available, but candidates must check with their home university to confirm requirements to be eligible. Letter of Recommendation may be available upon request towards the end of the program and prior to leaving Scotland.