Program Snapshot
University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Program is a Rapid Response program
What is this?
Hallo agus fàilte! We're so excited that you're preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen the University of Edinburgh as your destination. The Parliamentary Internship program offers students the rare opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the political system of a foreign nation. We're sure you're going to love studying there!
There are just a few more forms to complete before your application is ready to be submitted to the University of Edinburgh for an admissions decision. You can find these on the forms tab.
What the University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship has to offer:
- Pairs students with Members of Scottish Parliament for unparalleled access to political life in Scotland
- An opportunity to pursue independent research and participate in political activity
- Course work component balances participation in the development of Scottish political life with learning about the history and culture of Scottish society
- Participants spend a large part of the internship semester at Parliament but still participate in university life, clubs and campus social life
- Weekly orientation sessions help students become familiar with their internship duties and determine research possibilities
Housing
- Housing is in university accommodation near the academic buildings or throughout the city but close to the central university area
- Housing may consist of a traditional residence hall complex with a mandatory meal plan or a flat with four or five students
- Students in flats purchase or prepare their own meals
Academics
- Students in the internship take three courses taught intensively during the first five weeks
- Students have study space in the MSP's office and maintain an academic base in the university's Unit for the Study of Government in Scotland
- Members of the department assist with research project
- Students can combine an internship semester with a second semester of regular classes at the University of Edinburgh
We look forward to working with you! You can learn more about the University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship by visiting their web site.
Academics
Academic Structure
What is the structure of the internship program?
The 15-week program is divided into two sections. For the first five weeks, you will enroll in the following three courses: Scottish Government and Politics, Introduction to British Politics and Scotland: Society and Culture (please see below for course descriptions). These courses, although taught intensively, are regular courses offered in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Edinburgh. The three courses are taught by Edinburgh faculty members, contain the same content material as the full-term equivalent course and are assessed in the same manner. Following the completion of your coursework, you will intern for an MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) for 10 weeks. Under the guidance of your MSP, you will pursue your independent research and participate actively in political life. Your independent research project will be assessed upon completion of the internship program. All interns will maintain an academic base in the university's Unit for the Study of Government. Members of the department will be available to assist and guide you with your research project.
Courses
How many courses am I eligible to take?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution as defined by IFSAButler. At the University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship, a full course load consists of the three mandatory courses listed below, plus the internship and research project.
What do the courses cover?
Scottish Politics: This course is designed to provide students with a basic introduction to Scottish politics. The course provides a brief history of Scottish political developments from the Union with England and Wales in 1707. Both the history of the nationalist movement and the structures and institutions of the current political situation will receive attention. Students will learn to analyze the potential difficulties facing the Scottish Parliament and the achievement of "new politics" within a wider context of constitutional reform.
Government and Politics in the United Kingdom: This course is designed to provide students with a basic introduction to British politics. The aim of the course is to ensure that students are informed about the broader institutional and political context in which the Scottish Parliament is situated. This will entail knowledge of the structures of government and an assessment of its operation.
Scotland: Society and Culture: The aim of this course is to give students a well-rounded introduction to Scottish society and culture as a basis from which to pursue more particular interests in Scotland. It is intended to complement and provide context for those parts of the course that focus particularly on Scottish politics and government. The broader significance of major policy issues should be made clearer by the information provided in this course. The course as a whole will progress from the larger context of the social and economic history of modern Scotland, to the examination of key institutions shaping Scottish life, and finally to social groupings and questions of identity.
Registration
What are the registration conditions? You must take a full University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship program course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses. You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
You will receive 2.5 U.S. semester credit hours per course and 10 U.S. semester credit hours for the internship and research project for a total of 17.5 U.S. semester credit hours. The 10 U.S. semester credit hours for the internship and research project will be listed on your transcript using the title of your research project. All courses are graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses.
Exams
What do I need to know about exams? Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar (located online at www.ifsa-butler.org) to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university’s policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting a grade query or academic follow-up for the co in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to urse departing the program.
Transcripts
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned at the University of Stirling. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.
Housing
Housing Options
The University of Edinburgh places interns in College Wynd, a self-catering location in the heart of the city. College Wynd has close proximity to the office where you will intern. College Wynd is mixed-gender, although flats usually are allocated on a single-sex basis. Most flats in College Wynd have 12 singlestudy bedrooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. College Wynd is connected to ResNet, the university Internet and phone system. Your room will have an Internet connection, phone and voicemail.
If you have a strong objection to living in College Wynd, please list this on the enclosed housing form. Otherwise, the university will place you in College Wynd.
Linens
Does the University of Edinburgh provide bed linens?
Yes, the University of Edinburgh provides the opportunity for students to purchase a bed linen pack. These packs are distributed on a first come first serve basis. A bedding pack containing a pillow and duvet can be purchased for £20. However, international students may reserve and purchase a bedding pack for £30.
This pack includes:
- 1 single duvet (bedspread)
- 1 pillow and pillowcase
- 1 single duvet cover
- 1 single bed sheet
If you would like to reserve either pack, check the appropriate box on your housing form. Again, these packs are not guaranteed, as the University of Edinburgh controls the supply. If you reserve a pack, Edinburgh will have it waiting in your housing. You must pay for this pack during the IFSA- Butler orientation.
Housing FAQs
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Some university housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in Scotland for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.
Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location Info
Population: 440,000
Location: Edinburgh, East Lothian, in eastern Scotland
City features
- The capital city of Scotland
- One of the most beautiful cities in Europe
- Pubs, trendy cafes, vegetarian restaurants, small boutiques and great clubs
- Excellent shopping and entertainment
- Great facilities for indoor and outdoor sport
- Home of many film, music and cultural festivals, including the International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world
Do more!
- Catch a train to Glasgow or St. Andrews (each one hour away) or to London (five hours)
- Head north into the beautiful Scottish Highlands
Links
Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh's Old Town
EdinburghGuide.com
Time Out: Edinburgh
Scottish Highlands
Edinburgh News
Dates & Fees
Parliamentary Internship Dates
Individual program dates coming soon!
Click here to view our full Scotland program calendars
Personal Cost Estimates
Personal cost estimates coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of Scotland personal cost estimates
Expense calculator
Forms
To apply to the University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the University of Edinburgh must complete five additional forms as part of the application process:
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to the University of Edinburgh for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to the University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship program, you can check the status of your application using the Student Portal.
Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program in Scotland:
Senior Program Advisor Laura Wallman assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural, and academic questions before departure. Laura can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4224. Laura studied abroad in both high school and college and has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past five years. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.
Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office in Edinburgh. Click here to read more about Resident Director Ruth Casey.
Upon return from your study abroad program, Academic Affairs Coordinator Paige Ward processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Paige graduated from Butler University, and she studied abroad for a semester in Paris, Belfast, London and the English Lake District. Studying abroad for Paige was an eye-opening and knowledge-gaining experience, and she is excited to work with students who are looking for the same. Paige can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4254.
Get Connected
Connect with IFSA-Butler Students
If you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program. Check out the following:
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Summer Program
The University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship program offers a summer program!
What the University of Edinburgh Summer Parliamentary Internship has to offer
- The chance to live and intern in one of Britain's most culturally rich cities for eight weeks
- An opportunity to pursue independent research and participate in political activity at the highest level
- Students combine intensive coursework with a supervised Parliamentary internship placement for unparalleled access to political life in Scotland
- Coursework component balances participation in the development of Scottish political life with learning about the history and culture of Scottish society
Housing
- Students live in Pollock Halls, a 15-minute walk from classes
- Pollock amenities include a computer lab, cafeteria, restaurant, shops and bars. Internet access is available upon request.
- En-suite accommodation available
- Housing is within walking distance of the city center
- Program fee includes some meals
Academics
- The summer curriculum includes two courses, Scottish Politics and Scottish Society and Culture
- Students are paired with a Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) throughout the internship
- A research project is also part of the curriculum
- Students earn a total of 12.5 U.S. semester credit hours
- The program begins with three weeks of intensive instruction in Scottish politics and culture
Please click herefor more information!
University of Edinburgh Parliamentary Internship
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